Peterson's many hats earns WOW nod

Like many successful women, Carlene Peterson wears a variety of hats. 

She is a successful businessperson, a community leader, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and a person of deep faith and absolute integrity. It is no wonder that the Women Honoring Women committee honors Carlene with a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Carlene was born in Missoula and relocated to Priest Lake at the age of 2. She and her three siblings were raised by a single mother. During her junior high years, her mother moved the family to Priest River where Carlene continues to reside today. 

Carlene met her husband, Jim, at an early age. The couple fell in love, married, and soon began a family, welcoming son Aaron and daughter Katie. Carlene attributes her commitment and passion for the American Dream to being raised by a single mother. She states that the values ingrained in her by her mother — always being honest even if it hurts and working hard to get through tough situations — have contributed to her success both professionally and in her personal life. 

Carlene was a dedicated stay-at-home mom when her children were young. Her daughter, Katie, describes how Carlene grew and processed much of the families’ food, sewed their clothes, and worked side jobs to help make ends meet. As her children grew and became more independent, Carlene attended realty school, starting her career as a real estate agent in her late thirties. Today, Carlene is a “top producer” and associate broker for Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty. 

“I remember watching her with admiration as she reinvented herself and her career goals," Katie said in her nomination letter in describing how watching her mother’s journey shaped her own professional goals. "When she hit a tough or slow time, she would double down and work harder. She has built her reputation and her character as fair, honest and dependable. I have looked to my mom for inspiration and consulted her as I have built my own business.” 

Carlene began her community involvement at age 7 when she started collecting pop bottles to raise funds for Priest River Logger’s Day, now known as Timber Days. Today, Carlene continues to be actively involved in Timber Days. She also contributes to her community as a volunteer for Lost in the '50s, October Fest, the Selkirk Area Realtors annual charity golf tournament, and the Realtor Political Action Committee fundraiser. She served for over a decade on the Priest River Chamber of Commerce board and has volunteered with Priest River Advocates for Women.    

Carlene values spending quality time with her family above all else. She takes immense pleasure in passing down her skills and knowledge, from fishing to hiking to baking. Carlene finds inspiration in her love for nature and the outdoors. She frequently embarks on long walks through the woods and delights in exploring the many hiking trails in our area. Recently, she and Jim celebrated their anniversary by checking off a bucket list item and hiking to the top of Scotchman Peak. Carlene Peterson has helped pave the way for other women by demonstrating that a woman can thrive professionally while still embracing femininity, faith, and the value of marriage and family. 

Women Honoring Women invites you to join us in honoring Carlene Peterson and her fellow nominees at a gala brunch June 15, at the Ponderay Events Center.