Fredericksburg Parent

20 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2026 Barbara Gustavson. con nued from pg 19 Dr. Denise Willis, executive director of The Healing Station, a foundation expanding access to mental and behavioral health services, said the award reflects the collective work that shapes our area. "The Laurie A. Wideman Award reinforces the value of collabora- tion, working alongside commu- nity partners, local leaders and organizations who share a com- mitment to wellness and equity," she said. Dr. Willis was one of two Laurie A. Wideman honorees in 2025, alongside Leigh Anne Van Doren, whose work includes found- ing Fredericksburg Parent & Family Magazine, launching FXBG Advance and leading Fredericksburg Parent Gives, which expands resources for local families. Barbara Gustavson, the 2023 award honoree and owner of Discover Next Step, a business focused on brain health for leaders, caregivers and health- care professionals, also echoed the idea of collaboration and community. "It reminds me that the work we do to care for others, build resilience and lead with intention truly matters, even when it's not always visible," Gustavson said. Anne Overington, the 2024 award honoree and the owner of The Overington Team, a mother– daughter residential real estate team, shared a similar sentiment. "I didn't succeed alone. It was a community effort, and the reward is beyond measure," Overington said. For these women leaders, what drives their work is not recognition but the purpose to serve. "At the core of everything I do is people. What drives my passion is knowing that what I do can truly make a difference in someone's life," said Tammy Reid, business development at Union Home Mortgage and the 2021 award honoree. "It's not about one moment. It's about a continued com- mitment to pouring into the community that has given so much to me." For Ginni Matern, owner of Matern Staffing and the 2022 award honoree, building connections is what motivates her. "I truly enjoy helping companies navigate growth, solve challenges and feel supported within our community," Matern said. "What drives me most is seeing those connec- tions turn into opportunities for businesses, for individuals and for our region…being part of that journey is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do." Fredericksburg's Women Women Women Extraordinary Honoring Those Who Give Back Leading to Serve Willis, Susan Spears, president of the local Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Van Doren. Willis with award. Barbara Gustavson. Reid with award. Reid with award. "What drives me most is seeing ... connections turn into opportunities..."

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