Congratulations 2025
Women Who Lead Award Recipients
The Spirit Of Leadership
The Spirit of Leadership Awards are represented by a flame. A flame is something or someone who bursts or breaks out passionately. Flames can burn forever and can consume others or become contagious. We consider a flame someone who pursues their endeavors with brilliance, brightness, and enthusiasm, igniting passion in others.
Honoree
KIMBERLA
LAWSON ROBY
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Speaker, Podcast Host
Kimberla Lawson Roby, affectionately known as The Sisterhood, is the author of 29 books, including her nonfiction work The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, as well as numerous bestselling novels such as Sister Friends Forever, The Perfect Marriage, The Reverend’s Wife, Casting the First Stone, Sin No More, and her debut novel Behind Closed Doors, which she originally self-published through her company, Lenox Press.
With more than 3 million copies sold, Roby’s books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among many others.
In addition to her writing, Kimberla Lawson Roby is the host of The Woman God Created You to Be Podcast, where she continues to inspire audiences through faith-centered conversations focused on personal, spiritual, and professional growth.
Honoree
GWYN GULLEY
Judge, Mentor, and Advocate
Judge Gwyn Gulley is a lifelong Rockford resident and Guilford High School graduate. She earned a double Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Home Economics from Illinois State University and received her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas, where she served on Law Review. Following law school, she returned to Rockford to practice law, focusing on civil and commercial litigation, workers’ compensation, estate planning, probate, real estate law, and serving as an Assistant Public Defender.
In 2008, Judge Gulley was elected Circuit Court Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit, becoming the first African American elected to serve as a circuit judge in Winnebago and Boone Counties. She has successfully retained her seat in 2014 and 2020 and is currently assigned to the civil division, presiding over probate, small claims, and serving as supervising judge of Mandatory Arbitration. She previously served as presiding judge in the family law division and was admitted to the U.S. District Court trial bar in 1994.
Judge Gulley is deeply committed to community service and has served on numerous boards, including the Rockford Park District Foundation, YWCA Northwestern Illinois, Booker Washington Community Center, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Northern Illinois Hospice, Janet Wattles Foundation, OSF St. Anthony Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, where she chaired the Multi-Cultural Business Council. She also served as a Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the Chicago Rockford International Airport Board.
An active mentor and advocate for youth, Judge Gulley participates in the Page It Forward program of the Illinois Judges’ Association and is a trained facilitator for the National Center for State Courts’ Judicial Evaluation process. Her honors include the YWCA Community Leadership Award, McKinley “Deacon” Davis Juneteenth Award, NAACP Jewel Powell Unsung Hero Award, SELAH Award, and recognition as the local winner of the WTVO Remarkable Women Award. Judge Gulley is a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Honoree
CARETHA COLLINS
Entrepreneur, Community Advocate, and
Compassionate Leader
Caretha Collins is a trailblazing entrepreneur, community advocate, and compassionate leader whose life’s work has been defined by her commitment to service, education, and empowerment. Born and raised in Titusville, Florida, in a faith-based community, she developed a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. Her lifelong membership at Saint James AME Church in Titusville and ongoing connection with Allen Chapel AME Church in Rockford, Illinois, reflect the strong foundation of faith that has guided her journey.
Caretha’s path was shaped by a commitment to education and advocacy. After attending cosmetology school, she pursued further education at Florida A&M University (FAMU). FAMU instilled in her the values of perseverance, excellence, and service, principles she carried into her advocacy work, particularly in expanding access to early childhood education. In Washington, D.C., she lobbied for the Head Start program to be converted into a year-round initiative for the Northern Illinois district, ensuring underserved children had access to continuous quality early education.
Caretha’s community service extended beyond education, playing an integral role in Friends of Booker. She later built a successful career at Warner-Lambert, before retiring in the late 1990s to start her most impactful venture yet.
Honoree
DANIELLE POTTER
Youth Advocate, Mentor, and Compassionate
Danielle Potter is the Superintendent of Operations for the Rockford Park District and a dynamic leader in the parks and recreation industry. She began her career with the Rockford Park District 35 years ago as a teenager, working in concessions and maintenance at Mercyhealth Sportscore One. Over the years, she assumed increasing leadership roles and played a key role in the development of UW Health Sports Factory, Washington Park Community Center, Youth Sports, Community Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and other initiatives.
As Superintendent of Operations, Danielle oversees all facility and program operations within the Rockford Park District and has built strong relationships with community partners, organizations, and individuals. Her work has deeply impacted the lives of youth, teens, and families, and she advances the mission of the Rockford Park District each day by helping ensure that all people enjoy life. Danielle believes in inclusive leadership, speaking up for those who are unheard and unseen, bridging gaps, and creating opportunities.
A former athlete, Danielle understands the importance of teamwork, hard work, dedication, commitment, and sisterhood. She chooses each day to “live a life that means something.”
Danielle is a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother (affectionately known as Gigi), and friend. She is most proud of her children, Christopher, Sydney, Brooklyn, and Ava, and she cherishes her role as Gigi to Camille and Cylas.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Rockford University and currently serves on the Operating Board of Alignment Rockford, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee for the Rockford Park District, and the Winnebago County Housing Authority Board.
Danielle’s honors include being named Rockford Park District Employee of the Year, Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s “20 People You Should Know,” “25 Black Leaders to Watch,” Rockford Register Star’s “People to Watch,” WREX “13 Heroes,” YWCA Women of Achievement Award recipient for Mentorship, and recognition as one of Northwest Quarterly Magazine’s “25 Most Interesting People.”
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2025 WOMEN WHO LEAD SPONSORS
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