Accolades

• Willie Ripple earned the designation of Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) – a credential that sets the benchmark for the best event practices worldwide. The CSEP is a distinguished and respected events industry credential awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). Established in 1993, the CSEP designation recognizes event professionals who have successfully demonstrated, knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to perform all components of a special event.
• Willie has been a member of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) for six years, serving four years total on the Programs and Education committee – one year as Director of Programs and Education, and most recently ending a one-year term in July of 2015 as VP of Programs and Education. ILEA is the principal association representing creative events professionals, globally.
• Willie is an active member of the Christian Meetings & Conventions Association (CMCA) and has served as an inspirational speaker for their 2014 CMCA showcase.
• Winner of 2016 President’s Choice Award for the Annual Designer Showcase (ILEA Denver)
• Recognized in a two-page spread of the January 2018 issue of The Colorado Wedding Magazine
• Recognized in a four-page spread of the July 2015 issue of The Colorado Wedding Magazine
• Nominated for the 2015 Best Wedding International Live Events Association (ILEA) Denver Excellence Awards (IDEAs)
• Acclaimed in People Profile of the spring 2014 issue of Colorado Meetings+Events
• Winner of the 2012 International Live Events Association (ILEA) Esprit award for Best ILEA Social Event Budget under $75,000
• Winner of the 2012 International Live Events Association (ILEA) Denver Excellence Awards (IDEAs) for Best Social under $25,000
• Received Style Me Pretty recognition for October 2010 wedding

Willie was owner and founder of Oakbrook Publishing House, in operation from 1995 to 2015. From this company, she produced her award-winning What Do I Do?^® book series. Willie received the following recognitions and accolades for her award-winning What Do I Do?^® party book series.

• Chosen as spokesperson for the Hasbro’s Twister Dance DVD game promoting their SlumberJumber Sleepover Night with Hunter Public Relations (New York).
• Interviewed on the radio for her award-winning book series
• Made numerous appearances on several television shows, including Good Morning Texas, Denver’s WB2 Morning Show, Denver’s Channel 9 News, Colorado & Co, Your Life A to Z, Fox 59 Morning Show, and Showcase Minnesota
• Featured on the front page of the Spotlight in the Rocky Mountain News
• Featured in Woman’s Day
• Featured in Flower & Garden
• Featured in Party & Paper Retailer
• Featured in Wichita Falls Times Record New
• Featured in the Advocate
• Featured in the Manchester Journal Inquirer
• Featured in Publishers Weekly
• Featured in Booklist
• Featured in Winning Ways
• Featured in hundreds of parenting publications

For Halloween School Parties … What Do I Do?^® (1996), Willie received the following awards:

• Best First Book, 1997, Benjamin Franklin Award (initial title from new publisher)
• Best Cover Design, 1997, Benjamin Franklin Award (three or more colors)
• Silver Award, 1997, Colorado Independent Publishers Association (“How To” category)
• Quality Books Small Press Top 40 List (sustained its place on the List for the first six months of distribution, reaching number four on the list in the nation)

For Valentine School Parties … What Do I Do?^® (1998), Willie received the following awards:

• Silver Award, 1999, Colorado Independent Publishers Association (“How To” category)
• Quality Books Small Press Top 40 List

For Christmas School Parties … What Do I Do?^® (2000), Willie received the following award:

• Silver Award, 1999, Colorado Independent Publishers Association (“How To” category)

For Slumber Parties … What Do I Do?^® (2001), Willie received the following awards:

• Gold Award, 2002, Colorado Independent Publishers Association (“How To” category)
• Gold Award, 2002, Colorado Independent Publishers Association (“Over-All Design” category)