Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarBarbara Jones, vice president of operations at Meridian Community College, speaks to guests and honorees during The Meridian Star's Women with Heart awards presentation Tuesday at the Venue.

Exemplifying exceptional leadership, advocacy and passion, five East Mississippi women were celebrated as “Women With Heart” at a luncheon Tuesday.

A partnership of Anderson Regional Health Systems and Meridian Home & Style magazine, “Women With Heart” recognizes women who are making a difference in the community. Nominated by those who have witnessed their character directly, the five women were featured over the last year in Meridian Home & Style.

“I can’t help but notice that all of these women have something phenomenal in common: They all choose to share their gifts with others,” Meridian Star Publisher Alexander Gould said at the afternoon event.

“They all participate in activities or professions that share their gifts and insights with others,” Gould said.

The 2017 inaugural honorees are: Newton Elementary School Principal Kay Killens, Ross Collins Vocational center teacher Tiffany Hickman, Retiree Loretta Hulin, Home Instead Senior Care business owner Charissa Shirley, and East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Debbie Mathis.

The luncheon, which was attended by family, friends and co-workers of the honorees, was held at The Venue in downtown Meridian. Guest speaker was Barbra Jones, a longtime employee of Meridian Community College who will assume duties as executive director of the MCC Foundation in July. Recognizing the honorees as “awesome women with heart,” Jones commended the women for using their talents and their compassion to help others.

“Women, like our honorees today, are empowered to live the lives that they love, and furthermore to ignite their passion to make a positive contribution to the world,” Jones said. “This makes me so proud that in this area we have the kind of people that we do — who are so valuable to us because they want to help others.”

Noting women with a heart “always have a smile on their face because they are helping others,” Jones said they often give more than they expect to receive.

“The Women With Heart we’re honoring today understand the importance of volunteering, and that many times service to others is as important as our need for food or shelter,” she said. “We cannot wrap ourselves in safe cocoons, but instead we all need to become deeply involved in the rest of mankind. Like our Women With Heart today, we can’t just expect that everything in the world will be alright; we cannot expect everything to be perfect. Instead, it is our responsibility to get out and make things worthwhile.”

The honorees each received a plaque of their article featured in Meridian Home & Style as well as a necklace engraved with “Women With Heart” from LaBiche Jewelers to serve as a distinction of their honor and leadership. As they were recognized, each honoree shared a brief testimonial about their passion for their work, career and volunteerism — some fighting tears as they spoke.

Lunch was provided by Sherry’s Catering of Decatur and table decorations by The Added Touch in Philadelphia.

If you would like to nominate a woman to consider for “Women With Heart,” please send the name and details about why she should be considered to womentwithheart@themeridianstar.com.