The Broad Pod — a local podcast highlighting influential women in the Owensboro and Daviess County area — held its second annual “Broad of the Year” luncheon on Thursday at The Party Space Place. The event recognized women featured in the podcast’s second season, culminating in the selection of Suzanne Craig as the 2024 Broad of the Year.
Co-hosts Rebecca McQueen-Ruark and Jackie Smith have used The Broad Pod to spotlight women “making an impact in their community, both in the public eye and behind the scenes.” With over 10,000 downloads, the podcast has featured nearly 50 women across its two seasons.
“The whole point of The Broad Pod is to highlight women who may not normally get attention for their contributions,” McQueen-Ruark said. “It’s been so rewarding to not only recognize these women but to introduce them to a wider audience.”
The Broad of the Year is chosen based on community involvement, professional accomplishments, and overall outlook on life. This year, three women from outside the area — Amy New from Cookeville, TN; Rhiannon Moore from Ft. Knox, KY; and Heather Riley from Lexington, KY — reviewed episodes and selected Craig for the honor. Last year’s winner, Tracy Naylor, returned to present Craig with the award.
Craig, a Program Manager for Community Access Projects at the Green River District Health Department, has long been involved in improving the Owensboro community. She co-founded the Owensboro Community Dental Clinic and has devoted years to the board of Oasis Women’s Shelter. Craig is also an ordained minister known for her thoughtful gestures, such as surprising colleagues with flowers and cupcakes during difficult times.
In a brief speech, Craig expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“It is a great honor to be chosen from a group of women I admire,” Craig said. “Women are the heart of our community, and when you honor them, you lift up families, businesses, and the whole community.”
In addition to the Broad of the Year announcement, each woman featured in the second season was celebrated with a personalized superlative and gift. McQueen-Ruark shared that selecting these unique gifts is one of her favorite parts of the event, as it allows them to tailor the celebration to each woman’s personality.
The event also had a philanthropic element. Surplus funds from ticket sales and sponsorships were donated to a local couple experiencing infertility and seeking treatment or adoption assistance. Both McQueen-Ruark and Smith have faced infertility struggles, making this cause particularly meaningful to them.
Smith also runs an annual infertility fundraiser through her business, Jackie Blue Handmade.
“Infertility is a long, uncertain, and financially taxing journey,” she said. “We want to do what we can to help local families who are facing the same challenges we did.”
McQueen-Ruark emphasized how crucial community support is in recognizing and uplifting the contributions of local women.
“We want these ‘Broads’ to know their impact and feel our appreciation,” McQueen-Ruark said. “Women often do a lot of behind-the-scenes work without receiving the praise and support they deserve.”
With its growing audience and meaningful impact, Smith and McQueen-Ruark said the podcast will continue to serve as a platform for recognizing women who might otherwise go unnoticed but are essential to the fabric of the Owensboro community.
