Italian-American women will command the spotlight when the JCCIA Women’s Division stages its Impresa Awards Gala on Oct. 1 at the Medinah Country Club. (708-450-9050)

The event will honor the following outstanding individuals: Lissa Druss Christman, public affairs specialist and award-winning journalist; Andrea Collaro, senior director, Walgreens Boots Alliance; Emilia DeMenco, president and CEO, Women’s Development Center; Jessica D’Onofrio, general assignment reporter, ABC 7; Catherine DeOrio, host, “Check Please,” WTTW; Felicia Ferrone, award-winning industrial and furniture designer; Jomarie Fredericks, deputy general counsel, Rotary International; Toni Ginnetti, groundbreaking Chicago sportswriter; Gloria Nardini, scholar, educator and author; Dr. Louise Sclafani, director, Optometric Services, University of Chicago Medicine; and Wendy Snyder, Award-winning radio host, WGN-AM. Their profiles follow.