"IWIRC is so impressed with the efforts and accomplishments of the 2019 awards recipients," said Carrianne Basler, IWIRC Chair and Managing Director with AlixPartners in Chicago, Illinois. "There were many strong candidates and it was difficult to decide, but the selected honorees' nominations and accomplishments are truly outstanding." 

 

States IWIRC Vice Chair Michelle Pickett, " Leyza Blanco is very deserving of the 2019 Melnik Award. She has been a strong supporter and contributor to IWIRC for nearly 20 years and her dedication to IWIRC is global. Whether it's supporting her local Florida Network where she has served in various board roles, including chair, her five years on the IWIRC International Board including her current role as Secretary, attending network events in Europe, or spearheading the expansion of networks in South America, Leyza is a global ambassador for IWIRC."

 

"Leyza took it upon herself to try to expand IWIRC to South America," states Past Chair Jennifer McLemore. "She single-handedly fostered the interest of these women by connecting with the leadership in the Brazilian bankruptcy bar, including judges, trustees, and practitioners. Through Leyza's efforts, judges in the US and in Brazil have been connected meaningfully. Leyza's undertaking allowed her to be the ambassador for IWIRC in a new country, and her efforts have now sparked interest in IWIRC in Colombia. I give her a few more months to have the whole continent interested." 
 

States the IWIRC Hong Kong Network Board, " Eloise Fardon's commitment of her time and energy to the promotion and support of women in our profession in Asia and beyond is indubitable. Her approach to her involvement has been well rounded, from speaking on technical panels and organising regional conferences through to joining spin classes and dim sum lunches. She has been extremely supportive of other board members stepping up for leadership roles in Hong Kong and internationally and is conscious of succession planning in the region."

 

"I am very humbled to be chosen as the recipient," states Eloise. "There are so many amazing women contributing to IWIRC all over the globe and it is great to be in good company with them. Being involved in IWIRC to date has been an absolute pleasure for me and I have gotten so much out of it, so I want to continue to share those opportunities with others."

 

The London Network has flourished to become IWIRC's third largest network in less than a year, since its inception in 2018. "The newly formed IWIRC London Network is undoubtedly the fastest growing, dynamic and leading network in the global organisation. We believe it should be recognised for its incredible accomplishments and be highlighted to other networks and members for its innovation, drive and success story," stated the Network's nominators. 

 

All Founders Award recipients will be recognized at IWIRC's 2019 Leadership Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 24-26, 2019.  
 

For More Information Contact:

CC Schnapp, IWIRC Communications Director

404-215-1005