Two Camas women named finalists for 2025 Iris Awards

Nominees for the the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2025 Iris Awards honoring local women of achievement include two recognizable Camas women — Jacquie Hill, the owner of LiveWell Camas, a nonprofit yoga studio and community gathering space in downtown Camas and Carrie Schulstad, executive director of the Downtown Camas Association. Hill and Schulstad join four other 2025 Iris Awards finalists: Ridgefield Chief of Police Cathy Doriot; Dr. Cassie Gabriel, the medical director at Allen Gabriel Aesthetic Center in Vancouver; Erin Huffard, the president of Squires Electric, Inc., a woman-owned company serving southwest Washington and the Portland metro area; and Cheri Perry, president of the Vancouver-based Total Merchant Concepts. “This year's finalists exemplify innovation, resilience and service, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose," Greater Vancouver Chamber President and CEO John McDonagh stated in a news release. "Each year, the Iris Awards shine a light on the remarkable women whose leadership and dedication strengthen our communities.” The Greater Vancouver Chamber said Iris Awards (formerly known as the Women of Achievement Awards) have “recognized exceptional women whose dedication and contributions enrich our region” and honored “those who inspire, uplift and drive positive change in their communities” since 1985. The Chamber’s website notes that Hill, the founder of LiveWell Camas and EatWell Camas — a nonprofit dedicated to helping establish community gardens in the Camas area — is a “visionary leader” and community advocate dedicated to social justice and well-being. “As a cancer survivor, (Hill) brings resilience and compassion to her work, organizing the Camas PRIDE Block Party and collaborating with local businesses, artists and nonprofits to strengthen the community,” the Chamber stated on its website in an introduction to the 2025 Iris Awards nominees. The site notes that Schulstad, the director of the Downtown Camas Association, “has been deeply involved in the community” since opening her downtown Camas business, The Uncommon Gift, in 2004 and helping to form the DCA in 2009. “Her leadership has transformed downtown Camas through hundreds of events, merchant support and city advocacy for beautification and safety,” the Chamber stated on its website, adding that Schulstad’s “passion and dedication make Camas a better place for all.” The Greater Vancouver Chamber will announce the 2025 Iris Awards winners during its annual Inspire HER conference, at noon, Thursday, March 13, at the Hilton Vancouver. The 2025 Iris Awards Luncheon is presented by Riverview Bank, with support from Legacy Health, OnPoint Community Credit Union and Vancouver Clinic.

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