On Friday, Oct. 2, the Missouri Athletic Club will host the annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon, recognizing four women and one Rising Star from the St. Louis region for their tremendous impact in business, civic, and philanthropic endeavors. This year's distinguished honorees exemplify leadership, determination, and what it means to make a lasting impact on our community.


Dr. Amy Bilyeu
OB-GYN Physician, SSM SLUCare

Dr. Amy Bilyeu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health at Saint Louis University School of Medicine/SLUCare and SSM Health. She is committed to excellent patient care, education of her residents and medical students, and community service.

Her commitment to supporting the underserved is reflected in everything she does, including serving as the Medical Director of the Residency Clinic, and her involvement in local organizations such as Our Lady's Inn, Nurture Birth and Health, and Healing Action Network.
 

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Danni Eickenhorst
Chief Executive Officer, HuSTL Hospitality Group

Danni Eickenhorst is a restaurant owner, but most of all she is a community builder. She was a communications expert focused on small businesses and nonprofits - The Salvation Army, United Way, Bike St. Louis, I Love Ferguson, Great Rivers Greenway, and others. With her husband, she founded HuSTL Hospitality to create places where diverse people can intersect and find common ground, and where her team can grow and thrive.

Eickenhorst is one of the most energetic, visible, and vital community builders in the St. Louis region, making meaningful change in our community by investing, advocating, and working tirelessly.
 

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Alicia Elsner
President & General Manager, KSDK Five On Your Side

​Alicia Elsner is President and General Manager of KSDK Five On Your Side in St. Louis, where she has spent more than 28 years building a culture of excellence and community impact. Beginning as an account coordinator, she rose through the organization to lead one of the top television networks.

Elsner is deeply committed to serving St. Louis through leadership roles with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Catholic Charities, Webster University, and Visitation Academy. Known for her resilience, mentorship, and integrity, she has dedicated her career to uplifting others and carries strong values of service, leadership, and compassion.
 

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Amy Rivera
Healthcare Advocate and Entrepreneur

Amy Rivera is an internationally recognized advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing awareness, education, and support for individuals living with lymphatic and chronic health conditions. She is the founder of The Rivera Method, Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation, and Rivera Hybrid Solutions, where she combines healthcare advocacy, education, innovation, and community empowerment to create meaningful impact.

Through her educational platforms, speaking engagements, advocacy initiatives, and digital outreach, Rivera has helped millions better understand lymphatic health, patient advocacy, and chronic disease management. She has collaborated with healthcare professionals and organizations across the country and is known for bridging the gap between clinical education and patient experience.

An award-winning author of “Drop the Skirt: How My Disability Became My Superpower,” Rivera uses her personal journey with rare and complex medical conditions to inspire resilience, leadership, and hope in others. Her work continues to empower patients, caregivers, professionals, and communities through compassion, innovation, education, and service.
 

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Kayla Hollingshead
Nonprofit Founder & CEO, Willow & Wings

Kayla Hollingshead is a compassionate leader, nurse, and advocate dedicated to supporting women and families through life's most tender moments. As Assistant Nurse Manager of the Women and Infant unit at Progress West Hospital, she empowers her team to grow while ensuring exceptional patient care.

She is the founder of Willow & Wings and cofounder of Butterfly Kisses Alliance, organizations devoted to walking alongside mothers experiencing infant loss. Hollingshead is known for her empathy, strong leadership, and unwavering drive to serve others. Through healing retreats, mentorship, and continued professional growth, she strives to make a lasting, meaningful impact in every life she touches.



 

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