Marcia Mueller Named the 2026 Mentorship Award Winner by YWCA Northwestern Illinois

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Press Release | 1 min read

Mar 4, 2026

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is delighted to announce that partner Marcia Mueller has been named the winner of the 2026 Mentorship Award, presented by YWCA Northwestern Illinois.

Marcia was selected from four finalists for the award at the 46th Annual Leader Luncheon: Women of Achievement Awards, presented by UMB Bank. The gala took place on March 2, 2026, at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Marcia was presented with the award by Kris Machajewski, the President and CEO of the YWCA Northwestern Illinois, and Steve Schmeling, President of Schmeling Construction, which sponsors the Mentorship Award.

According to the YWCA, the Mentorship Award is given annually “to a male or female, whose mentoring relationship(s) has had a major impact on the personal and professional development of women and has fostered excellence. The purpose of the award is to honor an individual who has taught, guided, and inspired women in ways that have changed their lives.”

About YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Founded in Rockford in 1891, YWCA Northwestern Illinois is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization serves eight counties, providing essential resources to economically disadvantaged individuals and families—particularly those affected by violence or facing language and cultural barriers.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois is part of YWCA USA, the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world, with over 25 million members across 106 countries.

Learn more about the YWCA on their website.

About Marcia

Marcia is an experienced partner who concentrates her practice on estate planning, charitable trusts and foundations, and tax-related matters. She advises clients on corporate representation matters across the Rockford, Illinois, area, including financial planning projects, structuring operating entities, and succession planning.

In addition to her legal practice, Marcia is deeply engaged in the Rockford community, serving on the boards of the Laurent House Foundation and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra Foundation, and as a Trustee of the Rockford Police Pension Board, appointed by the mayor.

Hinshaw congratulates Marcia on this very well-deserved recognition.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a U.S.-based law firm with offices nationwide. The firm's national reputation spans the insurance industry, the financial services sector, professional services, and other highly regulated industries. Hinshaw provides holistic legal solutions—from litigation and dispute resolution, and business advisory and transactional services, to regulatory compliance—for clients of all sizes. Visit www.hinshawlaw.com for more information and follow @Hinshaw on LinkedIn and X.