2025 Women of Distinction Winners

Jennifer Drake is the owner of The Crown & Thistle, a traditional British-style pub in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene. A fourth generation Idahoan, she grew up in Coeur d'Alene and graduated from Lake City High School at the end of the last century. She then attended the University of Idaho and continued her studies in International Relations at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After living and working in Los Angeles and on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, Jennifer returned to Idaho to work as Media Director for Pita Pit USA. It was there she met her husband Ben, with whom she decided to create three humans and two businesses. All are currently thriving. 

She is proud to have served over a decade on the Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission, including nine years as Chair, as well as various leadership positions on the Board of Directors of Emerge. In her spare time, she is happy to be a professional sausage handler, five-time caricature in the People's Pen, and defender of her amazing community.

Beyond her professional achievements, Katherine is deeply involved in her community. She serves on the Kootenai Health Ethics Advisory Committee, is an educational speaker for the Alzheimer's Association, and holds board positions with the Lake City Center, the Museum of North Idaho, and the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Foundation. Additionally, she is a member of the North Idaho Estate Planning Council and contributes to the Medicaid Subcommittee for Trust and Estate Professionals of Idaho. Katherine exemplifies true servant leadership through her humility, dedication and selfless approach to her work. Despite her many accomplishments and roles, she fulfills her responsibilities without complaint or seeking recognition. Her passion lies in building strong, supportive communities and ensuring essential resources are accessible to those who need them most. Katherine's leadership is guided by her deep commitment to service, placing the well-being of others at the forefront of her efforts. She is a steadfast advocate for her clients and community, working to create meaningful solutions and provide support.

After a 25+ year career in Marketing and Sales for Jacklin Seed and The JR Simplot Company, Gayle retired and decided to pursue her passion; breeding, training, and showing Mules.  Together, with her husband Mike, they manage Stegmann Farms, Home of Gem State Mule Company.  The mules they breed are in high demand throughout the United States.   Gayle served on the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation Board for nearly 8 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of the Inland Northwest, and is a current Board Member of the North Idaho Saddle Mule Club.  During her personal time, she enjoys riding, golfing, and helping others.  She is joined by the 3 favorite men in her life, father Don Jacklin, brother Glenn, and husband Mike.

Everyday that Victoria teaches, she goes above and beyond with her students. When she sees a need, she fills a need, and teaches her students to do the same. A couple of years ago Victoria noticed that many of the students at Lake City were without sufficient food-at home and at school. With the help of her students, she implemented "Wolf Down Wednesday". On Mondays Victoria will go to the Post Falls Food Bank, who load up her car with the food they have available. From this she decides what her class can prepare for lunch to feed whoever is in need on that following Wednesday. Her students help prepare and serve lunch on "Wolf Down Wednesday". Not only does this provide food to kids in need, but it provides a point of contact for these kids. A lot of time and preparation goes into this program. During the year, Victoria's class will have fundraisers. The money earned goes directly back into her program, to be able to buy supplies for her class, and cover the cost of the additional food needed that the Food Bank might not have for "Wolf Down Wednesday". These fundraisers serve several purposes. Victoria teaches her students about how to market and budget, how to food plan and prep, business and leadership skills, how to have more family time, and why family time is important, and how to serve and cleanup food.

Karmen Gregg, Ph.D. candidate MS CN, is a dedicated researcher and clinical nutritionist specializing in women’s health. She founded the first integrative women's clinic in the Inland Northwest, Selkirk Women's Health, seeking to bridge the gap between scientific research and patient care. Karmen is passionate about maternal and infant nutrition and conducts research to improve perinatal nutrition education. She is an adjunct instructor at a local university, a collegiate guest lecturer, and an active presenter for community health organizations and institutions throughout the Inland Northwest.

Karmen grew up in the country outside of Tri-Cities, WA. You can find her intentionally lost in the Selkirk mountains, curating recipes, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family and friends.

Tiffany has developed the Office of Emergency Management field for Kootenai County with minimal resources. She is always devoting her time to maximize the preparedness and making our community more resilient. She is always willing to go above and beyond the minimum expectations in order to achieve the maximum outcome. She creates a healthy and supportive work environment, constantly encouraging growth and respect.

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Since I’ve moved to Post Falls in 1980, I’ve participated in many opportunities to volunteer, while hoping to make a difference in our community. There’s always something that I’ve been involved in: From organizing elementary school events when the kids were young, working hard over the years to help pass school levies, and supporting the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce in all kinds of occasions. I’ve been a board member for the Post Falls Education Foundation for over 20 years, an executive board member for Kootenai County Boys & Girls Clubs for 15 years and volunteering at many of the KCBGC events since 2004.  Recently becoming a new board member for the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center in Post Falls takes me to another avenue in our community. Most of my volunteer time is organizing and working on important events to raise funds that help children, of all ages in our area, to become productive, positive adults in life.