


The Spirit Award
The Spirit Award honors Administrative Professionals who inspire and energize those around them through their positivity, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence.
This award recognizes the individual whose optimism is contagious, whose high energy and “can-do” attitude lift the people and teams they support, and whose eagerness to help others creates a ripple effect of encouragement and collaboration.
The recipient of the Spirit Award is that person everyone gravitates toward in moments of triumph and in times of challenge because of their ability to uplift, reassure, and instill confidence. They play a vital role in shaping a culture of encouragement, optimism, and possibility within their organization.
Nomination Requirements: Items to include in your nomination:
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Why does this Administrative Professional deserve to win an Admin Award? Include details such as the specific or unique contributions they’ve made to their organization, what elevates this candidate from their peers, what makes them a highly effective and invaluable Administrative Professional, what obstacles they may have had to overcome, examples of their perseverance, loyalty, etc.
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How many total years has this Nominee served as an Administrative Professional throughout their career?
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How many years has this Administrative Professional been employed by their current organization or executive?
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Provide specific examples of how this Administrative Professional fosters an upbeat, supportive, and encouraging environment that uplifts colleagues and strengthens team morale.
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Describe how their positive outlook and spirit have influenced coworkers, leaders, clients, or vendors and contributed to a culture of collaboration and confidence within the organization.
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Share additional ways this Nominee’s energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm have made a meaningful difference in the workplace or beyond.
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Is there anything else you think the judges need to know about this candidate? If so, please share any additional thoughts, information, insights etc. that you believe would be helpful to the judges in determining this candidate’s unique qualifications in this award category. (Optional)
Recognize Exceptional Administrative Professionals
Katelyn Daffron-Cooper
Southwest Airlines
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2023
Award Category: Spirit Award
Alanna Disque
West Monroe
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2022
Award Category: Spirit Award
Laura Lichtenstein
Rexel USA / Gexpro Services
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2019
Award Category: Spirit Award
Melanie Lenahan
Sabre
Region: Dallas
Year: 2018
Award Category: Spirit Award
Sheila Jones
Sendero Business Services
Region: Dallas
Year: 2013
Award Category: Spirit Award
Elizabeth Hardin
Dallas College
Region: Dallas / Fort Worth & Southwest Region
Year: 2024
Award Category: Spirit Award
Kimberly Lyons
flexFrac Oilfield
Region: Dallas
Year: 2014
Award Category: Spirit Award
Suzanne Staring
Southwest Airlines
Region: Dallas
Year: 2016
Award Category: Spirit Award
Nina Bomar
S&B
Region: Houston & Gulf Coast Region
Year: 2025
Award Category: Spirit Award

How to Craft a Winning Nomination?
Insider Tips
Your Admin is Exceptional. Let's Make Sure the Judges Know it Too.
A winning nomination isn’t about flashy words or empty praise - it’s about telling a story that captures their impact, achievements, and their irreplaceable role in your organization. The best nominations bring their contributions to life with real examples and heartfelt appreciation. Follow these tips to craft a submission that stands out and gives your Admin the recognition they deserve.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.
Direct Supervisors’ Nomination Goes a Long Way
A nomination from the Admin’s direct supervisor holds the most influence. While multiple nominations help, a strong, detailed submission from a key leader is often the game-changer.
While it is possible for a Nominee to advance in the competition with strong nominations from colleagues, executives, or other team members, you'll want to encourage participation from the Nominee's leader.