Kathleen Narusis, a former teller at Home State Bank in Crystal Lake, has been named Woman of Distinction for her rise up ranks of banking and inspiring others. She retired in 2025 as the chief financial officer, a role she rose to throughout the years. She joined the bank at a time when women were gaining more financial freedom, prior to the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974, and faced discrimination when applying for financial products such as loans. While working full time, Narususis enrolled at Northwestern University to study accounting and earned her CPA certification. She would go on to become an assistant controller and then, the CFO, along the way serving as a leader and mentor to others.