Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Women will proudly recognize several remarkable women at the 2025 Women’s Achievement Awards. These awards, which will be presented during the Women’s History Month Luncheon on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Monroe Convention Center, celebrate women who have made significant strides in healthcare, youth empowerment, and advocacy. As part of the event, three outstanding women will be recognized for their leadership, vision, and impact on the Bloomington community.
One of the most highly anticipated honors is the “Woman of the Year” award, which will be presented to Danielle Benedek, a Nurse Practitioner whose dedication to healthcare has transformed the lives of many in Bloomington. In the early stages of her career, Danielle noticed a glaring gap in local healthcare services: there were no medical facilities available for child abuse exams. Motivated by her pediatric nursing experience at IU Health, Danielle collaborated with healthcare professionals and community leaders to create a solution. This vision materialized in 2016 with the opening of the Riley Physicians Child Abuse Clinic at Susie’s Place, a groundbreaking partnership between Riley Physicians and Susie’s Place, a local child advocacy center.
The clinic has since conducted over 1,000 child abuse exams and has received national recognition for its work. It has inspired similar programs across the country, showcasing Danielle’s leadership and the power of collaboration in healthcare. In addition to her work with the clinic, Danielle has been a trailblazer in advocating for the role of advanced practice providers within the healthcare industry. She pioneered the first advanced practice provider leadership structure for the south region of IU Health, pushing for the increased recognition and integration of advanced practice providers into healthcare systems.
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Danielle has also made significant contributions to reproductive healthcare, playing a key role in the expansion of services and the establishment of the certified nurse-midwifery program. Her passion for improving patient care and her ability to lead change led to her promotion in January 2025 to Regional Director of Advanced Practice Providers for IU Health, a well-deserved recognition of her ongoing impact in the healthcare field. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University (2010) and a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati (2015). She lives in Bloomington with her husband, Jonathan, and their four children, Jude, Kate, Alex, and Chloe.
Another honoree at the luncheon will be Amy Oelsner, the recipient of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award. Amy is the founding Director of Girls Rock Bloomington, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls, trans, and non-binary youth through music education and mentorship. Since its inception in 2019, Girls Rock Bloomington has served over 150 young people in the Bloomington area through summer camps, workshops, and after-school programs. Amy’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice is evident in the launch of the BIPOC Community Fund in 2021, which offers free or reduced-cost programming for youth from the BIPOC community. Amy’s leadership continues to foster self-expression, confidence, and positive self-esteem in youth through the universal language of music.
The Young Woman of the Year award will be presented to Jael Davis, a junior at Bloomington High School South, for her impressive leadership and advocacy efforts. As President of the Black Culture Club and Co-Lead of the Diversity Club, Jael has made significant strides in promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. She has also served as an Equity Ambassador for two years, using her platform to challenge systemic barriers and advocate for marginalized communities. Jael’s leadership extends beyond her school, as she is also an active member of the Junior Advisory Board and the MCCSC Students Organization, where she continues to fight for student rights and well-being.
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In addition to her advocacy, Jael is an accomplished public speaker and a varsity congressional debater, ranking in the top 28 in the state of Indiana. She uses her skills to address social issues and inspire change. Jael’s dedication to equity and justice is reflected in her tireless efforts to amplify voices that often go unheard.
The Women’s History Month Luncheon offers an opportunity to celebrate these outstanding women, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Danielle Benedek, Amy Oelsner, and Jael Davis embody the values of empowerment, advocacy, and service, and their work continues to inspire others in the community.
Tickets for the luncheon are now available for purchase at bton.in/whm40. Individual tickets are priced at $45, while tables of eight with preferred seating can be reserved for $425. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested individuals can contact Marissa Parr-Scott at [email protected] or by phone at 812-349-3468.
As the City of Bloomington prepares to honor these exceptional women, it is clear that their contributions have created a lasting impact on the community, and their leadership continues to inspire future generations.
