Raleigh, N.C. - Kimmi Lewis of La Junta, Colo.and a member of Colorado Agri-Women (CAW) was recognized with the LEAVEN Award at the recent American Agri-Women ( AAW ) Convention.
The LEAVEN Award, AAW's highest award for members, was first given in 1977. That selection committee came up with the acronym LEAVEN (Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Anticipatory, Valiant, Effectiveness and Nurturing) to evaluate the candidates. "Leaven" (yeast) is a small element that can interact and influence everything around it. It permeates and raises the elements it's mixed with. Leaven multiplies its effectiveness for good. AAW presents the LEAVEN Award to those persons who, to an outstanding degree, have acted as leaven, a truly feminine concept since "lady" means giver of bread. Winners are nominated by an AAW Affiliate.
Kimmi was instrumental in organizing the CAW affiliate, helped find speakers for the AAW Mid-Year held in Colorado in 2011 and helped with much of the planning for the AAW Convention held in 2012.
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Kimmi is a leader who states her opinions in a calm, respectful way that will persuade people to listen. She is constantly in the pursuit of truth. After her husband died in 2000, when the youngest of six children (twins) were 12, she continued management of the cow herd and the ranch. All of the children have been involved in the ranch. Kimmi has taken a leadership role in the Colorado Independent Cattle Growers Assn. as a founder and past president. On November 8th, Kimmi was elected to the Colorado 64th District House seat.
Kimmi said upon receiving the LEAVEN Award, “I am so honored to receive such a prestigious award. The LEAVEN Award means so much to me as it exemplifies what we have had to do here in our state to keep our private property rights and our land. Gosh, I am just so ‘in awe’ of the list of ladies who have received this award before me and am so humbled to be part of that list that began in 1977. Thank you AAW for this ‘gift.’ I’m sorry I was unable to attend the convention due to my new job as a state representative.”
