Bowman School in Palo Alto announced that Kathy Hovsmith, director of marketing and communications, has been recognized with the 2025 “Tribute to Women” Award for Excellence in Leadership among Nonprofits.

Presented by the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley, this award celebrates outstanding women leaders across industries. Hovsmith was one of more than 40 honorees recognized at the May 1 ceremony in Santa Clara, which drew hundreds of Bay Area professionals and was emceed by NBC Bay Area’s Janelle Wang. The event was sponsored by Cisco, NVidia and other major corporations.

Hovsmith was nominated by Bowman Head of School Mary Beth Ricks for her impact in elevating Bowman’s visibility and credibility in the community. Since joining the nonprofit Montessori school in 2023, Hovsmith has helped Bowman earn multiple regional and national awards, including four honors from Bay Area Parent and recognition as one of America’s “Best K–12 Schools” by Niche.com.

Ricks, herself a 2012 “Tribute to Women” honoree, noted the strong legacy of female leadership at Bowman. Several former parents have also been recognized with “Tribute To Women” awards for their leadership in tech and healthcare. Committed to diversity and inclusion, Bowman continues to foster empowered female leadership among staff and families alike.

Now celebrating its 30th year, Bowman School serves children from infancy through 12th grade. Its campuses include early childhood programs at 3801 East Bayshore, a new high school building at 835 Page Mill Road, and primary campuses at 4000 Terman Drive and 693 Arastradero.

Rooted in authentic Montessori education, Bowman is committed to developing lifelong learners who think independently, act with global awareness, solve problems creatively, and lead balanced, purposeful lives.

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