Congratulations to our Award Winners!

Emily Justison

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Women’s Leadership Award recognizes a woman for her accomplishments and contributions to Delaware business and leadership in her community with a long-standing record of contribution to the growth of others through education, business support, public or volunteer service.

The 2021 recipient is Doneene Damon, Director, President of Richards Layton and Finger. Doneene Damon’s extraordinary leadership includes:

Her roles as the president of Richards Layton.
Co-chair of the firm’s Business Department.
Chair of the Corporate Trust and Agency Services Group.

Considered “terrific” and praised as “experienced, careful, smart and very reasonable” (Chambers USA), in 2021 alone, Doneene was named among the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Diversity Leaders in Business, the News Journal’s Most Influential Delawareans, Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Lawyers, and a Women, Influence & Power in Law Managing Partner of the Year. In addition, Doneene gives back to the community through leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Boards of The Forum of Executive Women, Delaware Prosperity Partnership, and Chair of the ChristianaCare Board of Directors.

Trailblazer Award honors an up-and-coming woman who has already made a mark on our region and recognizes an individual for leadership, achievements, meaningful contributions to the Delaware community, and ability to overcome challenges.

The 2021 recipient is Louise Cummings, who has demonstrated perseverance in the face of profound loss and has dedicated her life to helping others find their full potential despite the hardships they may face. Following the line of duty death of her husband, Corporal Stephen Ballard, Louise created the Ballard Community Fund through the Delaware Community Foundation to award grants each year to local Delaware non-profits. Louise also created Ballard’s Reading Buddies, a partnership with the United Way of Delaware, to help improve literacy and instill a love of reading in first & second graders. Currently, Louise is the Interim Executive Director of Supporting Kidds, a non-profit that helps children and families cope with grief and loss. Louise also provides pro bono legal services for children in foster care through the Support Center for Child Advocates in Philadelphia.

Lifetime Achievement Award honors a woman for her long-standing years of distinguished service and contribution to the Delaware community and distinguished in career, leadership, and/or public service.

The 2021 recipient is Sharon L. Anderson, R.N., B.S.N., M.S., FACHE, is the Chief Virtual Health Officer and President of the Center for Virtual Health at ChristianaCare. Ms. Anderson, in her previous role as the Sr. Vice President for Quality and Patient Safety, led ChristianaCare in achieving national recognition related to several patient safety and quality initiatives, including winning the prestigious 2017 John M. Eisenberg Award and the Stand Up for Patient Safety Management Award for outcomes achieved through ChristianaCare’s CareVio Services. In addition, Ms. Anderson has helped develop several new programs to address the full continuum of cancer care, including prevention, screening, surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, management of complications, and end-of-life issues.