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PHOTO GALLERY: An Inspiring Evening at the 2018 Top Women in Convenience Awards Gala

Linda Lisanti
Linda Lisanti
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LAS VEGAS — Perseverance, belief in oneself and teamwork were key themes of Convenience Store News’ 2018 Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) awards gala, which honored 45 of the convenience store industry’s top female leaders, mentors and up-and-comers.

TWIC is the first and only convenience store industry awards program that recognizes women for outstanding contributions to their companies and the industry overall.

The 2018 TWIC honorees included five Women of the Year, 15 Senior-Level Leaders, 20 Rising Stars and five Mentors. Judging was conducted by Convenience Store News in conjunction with the Network of Executive Women and the Top Women in Convenience Advisory Board, which includes the previous year's five Women of the Year.

Melissa Stockwell, the first American female soldier to lose a limb in Iraq, served as the keynote speaker for the fifth-annual TWIC event. A first lieutenant, Stockwell lost her left leg when a roadside bomb exploded while she was leading a convoy in Baghdad. She used her adversity to fuel subsequent success as a Paralympian, transforming from wounded warrior to world champ.

The 2018 Top Women in Convenience awards ceremony was sponsored by founding and presenting sponsor Altria Group Distribution Co.; platinum sponsors RAI Trade Marketing Services and Ruiz Food Products Inc.; and gold sponsors Anheuser-Busch, BIC USA Inc., Campbell Soup Co., The Coca-Cola Co., The Hershey Co., Mondelez International Inc. and Procter & Gamble.

Click below to see photo highlights of the event.

Top Women in Convenience 2018

  • Hundreds of c-store industry professionals turned out for the event.
    Hundreds of c-store industry professionals turned out for the event.
  • Procter & Gamble’s Dena Hawkins introduced keynote speaker Melissa Stockwell.
    Procter & Gamble’s Dena Hawkins introduced keynote speaker Melissa Stockwell.
  • Melissa Stockwell shared her story of tragedy to triumph.
    Melissa Stockwell shared her story of tragedy to triumph.
  • Altria’s Danielle Holloway presented Woman of the Year Laura Aufleger with her award.
    Altria’s Danielle Holloway presented Woman of the Year Laura Aufleger with her award.
  • Woman of the Year Dawn Gillis addressed the crowd.
    Woman of the Year Dawn Gillis addressed the crowd.
  • Four of the five Women of the Year recipients were present for the ceremony.
    Four of the five Women of the Year recipients were present for the ceremony.
  • RAI’s Jackie Tressito (left) and Dave Riser helped honor Senior-Level Leader Kimberly Bolin.
    RAI’s Jackie Tressito (left) and Dave Riser helped honor Senior-Level Leader Kimberly Bolin.
  • All of the Senior-Level Leaders joined together for a photo.
    All of the Senior-Level Leaders joined together for a photo.
  • Ruiz Foods’ Kimberli Carroll helped honor Rising Star Elisabeth Strickland.
    Ruiz Foods’ Kimberli Carroll helped honor Rising Star Elisabeth Strickland.
  • All of the Rising Stars gathered for a group photo.
    All of the Rising Stars gathered for a group photo.
  • Sarah Alter of the Network of Executive Women (left) helped honor Mentor Terrica Bailey.
    Sarah Alter of the Network of Executive Women (left) helped honor Mentor Terrica Bailey.
  • The five Mentors honorees celebrated with a group picture.
    The five Mentors honorees celebrated with a group picture.
  • Many Campbell Soup Co. colleagues came to support their TWIC winners.
    Many Campbell Soup Co. colleagues came to support their TWIC winners.
  • The Alimentation Couche-Tard team turned out in force to laud their winning colleagues.
    The Alimentation Couche-Tard team turned out in force to laud their winning colleagues.

To view and download all photos from the event, click here.

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