The ExtraOrdinary Women Project (EOW), is a nonprofit organization located here in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. I am a huge advocate for this organization not only because I am the current intern (I’m not biased I promise) but because I support their mission, their values, and their goals within our community. They believe, “every woman carries within her the power to transform ordinary lived experiences into extraordinary legacies. Our vision is to create a space where women come together in celebration and sisterhood – sharing stories, offering mentorship, and inspiring one another toward greater possibility.” Feli Sebastion is the co-founder of The ExtraOrdinary Women Project alongside Charlene Homan whom also co-created ExtraOrdinary Women Project.
There are four quarters each year that honor local women within the Bloomington-Normal community. With each quarter, one honoree is selected from nominations and is then featured on the EOW website as well as local media partners. All nomination submissions are reviewed blindly to ensure fairness. Every nomination remains active for one full year, so prior nominees still have the chance to be recognized. This upcoming Q3 2025 will be honoring a local resident, Martha A. Hillmer. As an intern I had the amazing opportunity to meet and interview her about her life. I as the intern am the one that is tasked with writing our EOW Honoree’s life story to show how truly amazing these women are. Martha will be celebrated on Tues. Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
EOW is now currently accepting nomination for our 4th Quarter 2025 EOW Honoree. The 4th Q. Honoree recognition ceremony will be held on Jan. 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. To be eligible for nomination, they must follow the criteria:
- Nominees generally inspire others around them without public recognition or outward leadership roles. They give back to our community
- Nominees must reside in McLean County, identify as women, and be over the age of 18 at the time of the nomination.
- Nominees must exhibit resilience and sustained strength along their life journey in the face of challenges.
The EOW selection process is as follows, “The EOW celebrates women who demonstrate strength and persistence and who live extraordinary lives. The EOW Team will select featured honorees from the nominee pool each quarter and highlight their stories on the EOW website, social media and through our media partnerships. Stories shared will be a collaborative process between the honorees and the members of EOW. The purpose is to inspire others and celebrate our honorees.” The EOW values community, resilience, mentorship, celebration, and giving back. Their mission is to be able to recognize the immense potential women have to make their ordinary lived experiences and be able to create extraordinary legacies.
EOW is always looking for more Board members to help shape this local project. If you or anyone you know is passionate about empowering women and loves to share stories that lift others up and inspire our community this Board may be for you! It’s a fairly easy position the Board meets once a month for about an hour via Zoom and from time-to-time occasional community outreach and marketing events. Not only that but you would also be required to be on a Commitee that meets monthly. You can apply at any point in time.
Everything discussed is available on their website at: The ExtraOrdinary Women Project BN. You can find the proper application forms, nomination forms, email information, social media platforms, etc. All with a quick, easy tab click. I cannot say this enough that I with all my heart love this organization and all those involved. I get to work with such amazing, kindhearted, and intelligent people every day. As well as meet extraordinary women within our community and personally build a connection with them and get the opportunity to not only hear their stories but write them. If you know of any local residential extraordinary women who deserve to be recognized please feel free to nominate them for a chance of being honored.