WomanUP, an initiative by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business, has announced nominees in its annual awards to recognize excellence across various fields, from trailblazing entrepreneurs to visionary nonprofit leaders. Givens Communities has three outstanding nominees this year:

• Cheryl Wallen, Director of Givens LifeMinistries, for Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader
• Julie Moses, Aging in Place Program Director for Givens Home First, for the Impact Award
• Christian Grunder, Vice President of Human Resources, for the Impact Award and Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader

The general public can participate in the celebration by voting for favorites in most categories until Friday, September 13. The public vote then will be combined with a committee review to select award winners. Vote for our nominees:

Julie Moses has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Asheville area. Her visionary leadership has led to the development of programs that support aging in place, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life. She has developed a personalized program to enhance residents’ quality of life and creative solutions. So far this year, she has assessed 100+ residents, leading to significant home improvements. To vote for Julie click here.

Cheryl Wallen embodies Givens wellness philosophy and is committed to whole-person health. Through outreach endeavors, she actively addresses health disparities of underserved, diverse and vulnerable populations by providing access and connections to resources that promote independence and improve quality of life while helping people age successfully in their homes and communities. Cheryl works tirelessly through LifeMinistries to reach more than 10,000 people each year throughout the region to address social determinants of health. Her initiatives address food insecurity, social isolation and spiritual wellness; help provide basic needs like diapers and clothing for families with young children; and provide access to medical equipment to uninsured and underinsured individuals. To vote for Cheryl, click here.

Christian Grunder demonstrates exemplary leadership and a visionary approach to her responsibilities. Her journey from the Programming Department, where she began her career 15 years ago, to her current role is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional capabilities. Serving as a dynamic member of the Givens Communities Leadership Team, she has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s overall strategy, fostering growth initiatives and influencing cultural dynamics. Her innovative ideas and collaborative spirit have enriched discussions and decision-making processes across all facets of Givens Communities. Her passion for excellence, coupled with her genuine care for the well-being of Asheville seniors and the professionals who serve them, sets her apart as a true leader and innovator in the Asheville senior living field. To vote for Christian click here and/or here.