This annual program was developed to honor the many contributions and accomplishments of women, and to highlight the strategies and experiences that help women advance their careers, businesses and lives.
Now in its 9th year, we will be honoring five women under the age of 40 in our “Rising Star Edition.” KYW Newsradio will be gathering nominations by using social media, narrowing nominations down to ten semi-finalists, and later will let the community vote on the final five honorees.
The five chosen women will be honored at the annual Women’s Achievement Awards ceremony that culminates at the end of June.
2017 Event Photos
KYW Newsradio is excited to have Michelle Kelly, Chief Executive Officer for Lilly Pulitzer, as this year’s Women’s Achievement Awards: Rising Star Edition keynote speaker.Michelle serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Lilly Pulitzer®, a division of Oxford Industries, Inc. Lilly Pulitzer designs and distributes resort-inspired apparel and accessories for women and children.
It all started more than 50 years ago with a simple shift dress in Palm Beach, Florida. Today, Lilly Pulitzer creates innovative modern resort wear inspired by the authentic Palm Beach lifestyle, and strives to delight customers with a spirited and creative approach to retail. Michelle leads a group of incredibly passionate and talented people across many creative, analytical, and operational disciplines.
During her 14 year career with Lilly Pulitzer®, Michelle has held several different management and leadership positions in the company’s marketing, merchandising, and distribution teams. Under Michelle’s leadership the company has achieved healthy and steady growth. The brand has expanded into new geographic markets, new product categories, and new retail segments, all in pursuit of a mission to inspire confidence and optimism in customers of all ages. Through the brand’s sunny style and creative spirit, Lilly Pulitzer® strives to make the world a happier place, one print at a time.
Michelle believes that the most differentiated brands that connect best with consumers will win in the marketplace. This requires continuous innovation, inspiration, and a willingness to be different.
Michelle began her career at McKinsey & Company. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia. Michelle currently lives in Villanova, PA with her husband and two sons, ages 12 and 10.
Previous participating event guest speakers are all successful women who are recognized by the community for making positive contributions to society. They are respected among their peers, and are exemplary role models for the youth of the community. In recent years we have had the pleasure of hosting guest speakers; Colleen Rooney, of QVC, Meryl Levitz from Visit Philly, Ann Compton of ABC News, Jill Schlesinger of CBS News, Former District Attorney, Lynne Abraham, and Amy Looney of the Travis Manion Foundation.
Nominations open on Monday, April 2nd, 2018 and close at midnight on Sunday, April 22nd, 2018.
We will announce the ten semi-finalists the following week with voting for the five finalists beginning on Monday, May 7th, 2018 and closing on Sunday, May 20th, 2018.
The five women were honored at a ceremony on Thursday, June 28th at The Loews Philadelphia Hotel. See the photos from last year’s ceremony here .
