FLORENCE, Ky. — The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 500 guest to celebrate the work and accomplishments of four women dedicated to serving their communities.

Hundreds of guests gathered at the Turfway Park Racing and Gaming facility ready to celebrate the work of four outstanding women.

Among the masses was honoree and Executive Director of Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission Catrena Bowman.

When she isn’t accepting awards, she’s working in her office, ready to take on the day.

"What I know is, for sure, that when I come into this office, that there is going to be something unexpected and unplanned for and that’s what I love about it,” she shared.

Bowman has a nearly a 20-year career in nonprofit work, serving as a family specialist in the early 2000s, before working her way up to the ladder and becoming an executive director, where she helps families with food insecurity, healthcare and education at CAC in 2018. 

She said, “I think what really pulled me into this work was my own personal story. At the times when I needed help the most, that there was always someone there.”

Now, she’s that person for thousands of families across the region. That’s why coworker Rhonda Chisenhall nominated her for this award.

Chisenhall said, ”She gives her time and energy and talents to help women to grow up and to be successful. And she has been just a positive influence for me and a great mentor and coach, and just really enjoy working with her.”

While working long days at the office, she also runs her boutique, Inspired Fashion, making it a hub where other female small business owners can show off their designs and goods to the community.

And she can’t believe how far she’s come.

As she reflected on her award, she said, "I am just feeling so honored and so appreciative and really just thinking about my journey and what it took to get to this point, and I’m just so appreciative.”

Her story, along with the other honorees, is a testament to the impact one individual can make.