The Lucy Gibson Notable Woman Award
KAWE named the Notable Woman award after one of its own, Lucy Webb Gibson, to honor her legacy, grace and courage. Lucy had proposed and helped initiate the award.
Do you know a local, outstanding woman who has affected the strategic direction of an organization, contributed to her community, and maintained a life balance in a profession, business, charity, creative art, or sport? KAWE recognizes such a woman annually by selecting from a list of nominees. Nominees must be from the greater Knoxville area. Click the Nomination Form button to submit the name of your own “notable woman.” KAWE membership recognizes the winning applicant at a luncheon in early fall.
The Lucy Gibson Notable Woman of 2022
Martha Boggs, Owner and Chef at The Bistro at the Bijou
Martha Boggs addresses KAWE members at their August 2022 luncheon, describing her professional narrative and contribution to Knoxville
The Bistro was originally opened in 1980 in its current location on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, TN. Martha Boggs—a Ducktown, TN native and graduate of the University of Tennessee—began managing The Bistro at the Bijou in 1993. In 2009 she became owner. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for providing fresh, made-from-scratch meals in a quaint, urban setting. In the 90s Martha started to grow a variety of vegetables on her small farm and began to incorporate the traditional, seasonal offerings—like okra, tomatoes, and eggplants—into her dishes. Nearly two decades later, the “farm to table” movement went mainstream. She creates two seasonal menus a year focusing on regionally-sourced cuisine prepared in simple, traditional ways but also gets creative with her daily chalkboard specials.
The Bistro is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. They feature daily specials. The menu includes dishes that cater to everyone from vegetarians to the health-conscious–sandwiches, burgers, comfort food, steaks, pasta, and seafood..
The Lucy Gibson Notable Woman Award Committee this year comprised Dixie Damm, Denise Stillman (Chair), Michelle Eimers, and Rose Conway-Cox. They are pictured with our winner holding her award, a check made out to the charity of her choice.