WithIt to Honor Industry Mentors at a Special Edition of Annual WOW Awards

Furniture World News Desk on 4/6/2023

WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industries, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Special Mentoring Edition of the WOW Awards. 

The WOW Awards is an annual event that recognizes individuals and companies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and support for women in the home furnishings industry. This year’s special edition of the WOW Awards will honor ten outstanding mentors who have made significant contributions to the development and success of women in the industry.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Friday, April 21st from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at The Commons at Congdon Yards, located at 410 W English Rd in High Point, NC during High Point Market.

Emily Boyst, WithIt President and Hooker Furnishings’ Senior Director of Licensing and Special Projects, said she believes it’s important to give the industry’s mentors a moment in the spotlight.

“Women who are following in our footsteps and paving their way alongside us deserve support and guidance," Boyst said. "Mentorship is the key to transferring invaluable knowledge and pushing someone out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can achieve greatness. This is why we are so excited to honor men, women, and companies who are actively bettering our industry through their support and mentorship of women.”

A panel of judges scored nominations and are honored to name two businesses and eight individuals as the 2023 WOW Mentoring Award recipients: 

• Laura Levinson, Valdese Weavers
• Louise Traficanti, Eastern Accents 
• Nora Gomez, Nebraska Furniture Mart
• Chris Cooley, Michael Alan Furniture & Design
• Jeanne Chung, Cozy Stylish Chic
• Karen Fallon, Hickory Chair
• Mark Schumacher, North American Home Furnishings Association
• Stephen Garrison, University Hall of Innovation and Marywood University
• Synchrony
• Wayfair

Tickets for the event are $50 for WithIt members and $60 for guests, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks. All ticket sales will support the mission and work of WithIt to support and prepare the next generation of leaders in the home furnishings industry.

This year’s WOW Awards reception is sponsored by International Market Centers, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Jola, Skyline Furniture Manufacturing, Synchrony, Barbour Spangle Design, Congdon Yards, Norwalk Furniture, and the High Point Market Authority. 

To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, visit the WithIt website at www.withit.org.

April 2023 WithIt High Point Market Events

• WOW Awards Special Mentoring Edition
  April 21 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  The Commons at Congdon Yards
  
  
• “Women Blazing Trails” Education Breakfast by Myriad Software
  April 23 @ 7:30 am - 9:00 am
  Home Furnishings Hall of Fame
  
  
• High Point Market Networking
  April 24 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
  Home Furnishings Hall of Fame 

Learn more at withit.org/events. 

About WithIt
Established in 1997, WithIt exists to encourage and develop leadership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities for professional women in the home and furnishings industries. Our membership encompasses innovators, industry influencers, thought leaders and connectors in a wide range of categories all across the nation. WithIt is a non-profit supported by national sponsors who recognize the role women play in the home and furnishings industries and who are active partners in growing the organization, including International Market Centers, Furnitureland South, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Myriad Software, Synchrony Bank and more.