Sophia Partners Shines at Marian Business & Industry Awards
Collaboration.
Connection.
Community.
These values were at the heart of the evening for Sophia Transformative Leadership Partners at the 44th annual Business and Industry Awards Dinner, hosted by Marian University on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
On this special night, Sophia Partners was honored with the Community Collaboration Award, recognizing its ongoing commitment to building relationships that strengthen the greater Fond du Lac community.
Marian University describes the Community Collaboration Award as being “given to companies, organizations, or individuals that have collaborated in some manner to positively impact the greater Fond du Lac community.”
“As a community-benefit organization, Sophia aims to be a collaborative partner in the collective effort to foster a more caring community in the greater Fond du Lac region and beyond,” Christa Williams, Executive Director of Sophia Partners stated. “Receiving the Community Collaboration Award was a significant honor.”
(Pictured: Current and former Sophia board members Linda Selk-Yerges, Kim Schmitz, Sandy Bernier, Sophia Executive Director, Christa Williams, Sophia Foundress, Virginia Gilmore, and Garry Moise)
A Night to Celebrate
Established in 1981, the Business and Industry Awards Dinner honors area businesses with Marian University’s awards for entrepreneurship, economic development, special achievement, and commitment to community.
This year’s honorees included:
- Spirit of Hospitality Award: Wendt’s on the Lake
- Community Collaboration Award: Sophia Partners
- Economic Development Award: Village of Campbellsport
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Poco Pizza
- Special Achievement Award: Knuth Brewing
- Business of the Year: Quest Interiors
- Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year: Carbliss, Inc.
- International Business Achievement Award: Wells Vehicle Electronics
- George Becker Business Spirit Award: Fond du Lac Area Foundation
This event brought together hundreds of leaders from organizations across the greater Fond du Lac area to celebrate the spirit of innovation, service, and excellence that drive our local businesses and nonprofits.
“The award event served as a powerful reminder that success is a collective effort—dependent on partnerships with a shared dedication to lead with caring, support others, and cultivate a community where all can thrive,” Christa shared.
About Sophia Partners
Founded in 2002 by Virginia “Ginny” Gilmore, Sophia was built on a vision of fostering systemic change toward healing and wholeness by providing opportunities for learning and leadership in our community.
More than 20 years later, Sophia continues to live out that vision by bringing together individuals across diverse sectors of the greater Fond du Lac community.
Through the annual leadership conference, strengths-based leadership workshops, one-on-one coaching, and countless everyday conversations that encourage personal and professional growth, Sophia inspires collaboration and empowers people to lead with purpose—in their workplaces, families, and communities.
Garry Moise, current board member and past-president of Sophia shared:
“As a lifelong learner, [Sophia] has not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my passion for making positive impacts. Their guidance has helped me develop a deeper understanding of myself, my strengths, and my areas for growth.”
To learn more about the work of Sophia Partners, visit www.sophiapartners.org and subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming events and opportunities!
Photo credits: Marian University.
