COLUMBIA, SC — The Palmetto Center for Women presented eight Midlands women with its TWIN Awards during the 33rd recognition ceremony recently.

The Tribute to Women in Industry Award recognizes women for their outstanding achievements as leaders and role models in business and the community.

“The hallmark of each of these women being recognized today is that their hearts are full enough so that they have the capacity to give more than they take,” said Columbia attorney Sharon C. Bramlett, president of the Palmetto Center for Women. “They care about pursuing something bigger than a promotion or a paycheck, or even a pat on the back. They give more than they take simply because their hearts tell them to.”

Among this year’s honorees:

Renee Brooks, chief administrative officer of SCBT, received this year’s Corporate Award. Brooks in 1992 joined Wachovia bank, now Wells Fargo, and has been an assistant manager, private banker and business banker.

Barbara Blau, president of DP Professionals, received the Entrepreneur Award. She is credited with her leadership in South Carolina’s IT personnel market over 15 years and serves on the boards of the Midlands Tech Foundation, the Navigating from Good to Great Foundation, and the Midlands Education and Business Alliance.

Lee Hubbard Lumpkin, board chair of the Columbia Classical Ballet Company, received the Arts Award. Lumpkin oversees the company’s annual budget and directs its fundraising efforts.

Pamela Martin Wilson, president of Allen University, received the Education Award. Wilson is the university’s first female present and previously served on the faculties at Georgia Southern and Virginia State universities.

Regina Hampton Brown, manager of community and governmental relations at Palmetto Health, received the Volunteerism Award. Brown is a licensed minister and founder of Women Empowering Women Ministries, which serves women of all backgrounds and ages. At Palmetto Health, she manages the For Goodness Sake program, which encourages employees’ active involvement in the community through volunteerism.

Catherine Wilson Horne, president/CEO of EdVenture Children’s Museum, received the Health and Wellness Award. She is credited for her commitment to lifelong learning to improve the health of communities. Horne has worked at museums for more than three decades as a curator and consultant.

Anna Elsey Cavanagh, a Richland County Sheriff’s Department lieutenant, received the Government Award. Cavanaugh works in the crime scene unit and is credited as a pacesetter in the criminal justice field. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a gym owner and CrossFit instructor.

Elisabeth Bischofberger, senior account manager at Colonial Life, received the Inspiring Young Woman Award. Bischofberger is president of the company’s running club and helped form the Colonial Life Young Professionals group that helps younger employees transition from school into a corporate environment. She is a member of the Junior League of Columbia and the Young Leaders Society of the United Way of the Midlands.

Formerly the YWCA of the Midlands, the Palmetto Center for Women seeks to provide a home and meeting place for the development of women.