Arlington Chamber Honors Junior League Leader, Army Veteran

The Women's Alliance of the Arlington (Texas) Chamber of Commerce honored Junior League of Arlington President and Army Veteran Jeannie Deakyne as the inaugural recipient of the 2014 "Rising Star" award on October 24th.

North Texas community leader and Army veteran Jeannie Deakyne was named the inaugural recipient of the "Rising Star Award" by the Women's Alliance of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce during the 4th Annual "Inspired Women Luncheon" on October 24th in Arlington, Texas.

The award was presented to recognize a professional woman who has achieved extraordinary results early in her career by demonstrating strong leadership, a commitment to positive change and a desire to have a lasting impact on the well-being of others in the community.

I'm extremely humbled by this honor. What I think is so special about an award that brings attention to a "Rising Star" is that it is truly made for a woman who has not yet achieved everything that her life calls for. In that regard, I am still very much a work in progress who will try to live up to this recognition daily.

Jeannie Deakyne, 2014 "Rising Star Award" honoree

Deakyne, who served as an Army Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was recognized for her military service, professional accomplishments, and service to the Arlington community.  She currently serves as the President of the Junior League of Arlington and is a human resources manager at the University of Texas at Arlington.

"I'm extremely humbled by this honor," said Deakyne. "What I think is so special about an award that brings attention to a 'Rising Star' is that it is truly made for a woman who has not yet achieved everything that her life calls for. In that regard, I am still very much a work in progress who will try to live up to this recognition daily."

Also recognized at the event was SafeHaven of Tarrant County President and CEO Mary Lee Hafley. Hafley received the 2014 "Hero Award" for her lasting community contributions in the field of domestic violence prevention.

For more information about the Women's Alliance, visit www.arlingtontx.com. To learn more about the Junior League of Arlington, visit www.jlarlington.org.