The WEDC Foundation announces 2024 Women Honoring Women honorees

The WEDC Foundation held its Honoree Reception Tuesday night to announce the 2024 Honorees for its signature 23rd annual gala fundraiser.

The Women Honoring Women event will be held on Sept. 19. This is the 11th year for Woody Anderson Ford to serve as Presenting Sponsor of WHW.

The WEDC Foundation is a local nonprofit empowering collegiate women through mentoring, financial assistance, and professional development. Each year, the WHW event serves as inspiration to the WEDC Foundation scholars and event guests as it recognizes prominent women who have made a notable impact in the Huntsville and Madison County community while also striving to assist others in achieving their dreams.

“We are delighted to celebrate this extraordinary group of honorees at the 23rd Annual Women Honoring Women fundraising event,” said WEDC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Linton. “Each of these remarkable women epitomizes the values championed by the WEDCF, by empowering and inspiring others through their unwavering commitment to service and their ability to uplift those around them.”

Click HERE To learn more about the WEDC Foundation, the Women Honoring Women gala or to access sponsorship information for the event.

2024 WHW Honorees:

• KC Bertling is the author of two books, A Chance to be Born - My American Dream and “Our Forgotten War Heroes-the Korean War Veterans Stories.” She served as the Soldier and Family Program Manager in the U.S. Army Space and Defense Command and was recognized as the DA Civilian Employee of the Year in 2016. She retired in 2017. Through KC’s love for the Korean War Veterans, she and her husband Sam, have devoted their lives to recognizing them since 2006 and established a 501(c)3 charity organization called Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation. She currently serves as the president of the North Alabama Veterans & Fraternal Organizations Coalition, with over 60 charity organizations. She enjoys singing and volunteering in the community with her husband of 50 years.

• Ruchi Gupta Singhal has more than 20 years of experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy, environmental research, and project management. She founded and served as Executive Director for Nexus Energy Center from 2010-2017 and still serves as a Board Member. Nexus Energy Center is one of the first energy-focused nonprofit organizations in Alabama and provides resources to our N. Alabama community through grants helping underserved homeowners needing energy efficiency improvements. Currently, Ruchi is a Senior Program Manager at TVA focused on identifying and pursuing new Federal Funding opportunities. She is connecting these funding sources with Valley-wide stakeholders to help TVA reach their energy efficiency goals. Ruchi has a B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech and N.C. State University. She and her husband Sameer have two beautiful children: Akash and Sonia.

• Michelle Novosel is co-owner and Executive Chocolatier at Pizzelle’s Confections. She is a self-taught entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the chocolate and pastry industry. A graduate of the Art Institute of Tennessee and an honored alumna of Ecole Chocolat Professional School of Chocolate Arts, where she now serves as a Masterclass instructor, Michelle has woven her passion into the fabric of Huntsville. Her involvement extends beyond her business as she serves on the board for Academy Children’s Theatre and has devoted many years to animal rescue. Michelle, her sister, and her staff have created more than just a chocolate shop; it’s a community hub, promoting local growth through collaborations with other businesses, fundraising for charities, and educating others on fine chocolate and pastry arts. Michelle’s approach to life and business—serious about chocolate and her community, lighthearted about life, and dedicated to creating joy and lasting memories for all.

• JoAnn Perez has been serving Huntsville as a licensed attorney for over 24 years. She is a graduate of Wayne State University and Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. After working at prestigious law firms in Huntsville, JoAnn opened her own firm in 2004. Perez Law, P.C. has thrived since then because of JoAnn’s business acumen and compassion as an attorney helping families build their legacies. JoAnn received the DAR Community Service Award and The President’s Award from the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville annually from 2019-2022. She served as WEDC Foundation Board President and CASA of Madison County (now Enable) Board President in 2016. JoAnn currently serves on the Board of 8th Street Community; Huntsville Hospital Foundation Fundraising Committee; Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville Ambassador Council and Women’s Philanthropy Society Advisory Board and UAH Professional Advisors Council. JoAnn’s favorite role is Nana to granddaughters Isa and Frankie.

• Ina Wilson Smith is a lifelong resident of Huntsville and holds an earned doctorate from Morgan State University. She is the Compliance Coordinator/Policy Administrator at Huntsville City Schools. Ina is dedicated to devoting her time and effort to uplift the underserved and marginalized communities. Ina joined the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Association Board in 2020 and will assume the role of Board vice chair this fall. She also volunteers with the Huntsville Museum of Art dedicating most of her time to the African American History Month Committee. Ina is a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and serves as cantor at weekend Masses. In recognition of her volunteer efforts within the community, Ina was awarded the Virginia Hammill Simms Award in 2023. Ina is married to Garrett Smith, a cybersecurity engineer.