The Rotary Club of Edina recently presented Molly Thuma with its 2026 Chrysanne Manoles Women In Leadership Award.
Unanimously selected for the award by Manoles and a committee of female leaders of the Rotary Club, Thuma is the College and Carer Coordinator at Edina High School, serving as the logistical and emotional background of the post-secondary planning process there. She coordinates the visits of hundreds of college admissions representatives annually, oversees the Minnesota Guaranteed Admission program and co-manages the Edina Local Scholarship program in partnership with school counselors and Kathy Rendelman of the Edina Education Fund. She provides one-on-one technical assistance, guiding students through the complexities of the FAFSA, financial aid documentation and the nuances of the college essay.
In the words of her nominator, School Counselor Dylan Hackbarth, “Molly is the definition of a ‘quiet force.’ While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her impact is massive; a literal generation of Edina youth has been shaped by her efforts. Whether she is simplifying a daunting financial form or opening a door to a scholarship, Molly ensures that every student—regardless of their background—has a clear path to their future. Her professional background is a unique blend of corporate-level coordination and deeply empathetic community service, making her an indispensable asset to the Edina community.”
For winning the 2026 Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award, Thuma received flowers, a plaque and a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Edina.
Reflecting society in 1905, the Rotary organization was limited to male members and remained so officially until 1989, when the Council on Legislation, Rotary’s parliament, voted to eliminate the male-only provision, opening up membership to qualified women across the world. However, the forward-thinking Rotary Club of Edina welcomed its first female member, Chrysanne Manoles, a year earlier in 1988. Manoles continues to be active in Rotary.
In Manoles’ honor and to celebrate the work of women in the community, the Rotary Club of Edina established an annual women’s leadership award in 2008. Previous winners include Sayali Amarapurkar, Ann Byrne, Kim Foote, Lexi Reed Holtum, Kris Marshall, Feroza Mehta, Laura Hope Melton, Lauren Morse-Wendt, Betsey Nimmo, Diane Osborne, Kathy Rendleman, Dr. Terrie Rose, Ann Swenson, Katey Taylor, Donna Tilsner, Ruth Valgemae, Dr. Laurel Wills and Melody Zhou.