The award is named for Nellie Cashman, who although born in Ireland, became a turn-of-the-century American pioneer after emigrating in the 1860s. She was a respected entrepreneur, gold prospector, mining expedition leader and major philanthropist during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Her unique combination of determination, integrity, talent, humor and compassion made her one of the best-known and most respected women in the U.S. in her day.

Cashman's civic mindedness, bravery and charity earned her the reputation of being an angel or saint. She helped build numerous hospitals and churches, but is perhaps best known for leading a rescue mission to the remote Cassiar gold strike in northern British Columbia where fellow miners were stricken with scurvy.

Confident and courageous, Nellie Cashman was an indomitable spirit who dared to dream and made those dreams come true.

Frame, whose life has encompassed so many roles - from recovery home manager and mentor to an entrepreneur, embodies that spirit. She took a mortgage lending enterprise from the trunk of her car to a company that employs over 100 employees in five states.

She has been recognized, not only for her dedication but also for her successes as a woman who listens and problem solves and delivers. She has also been recognized as the Business Journal's Businessperson of the Year, as well as the Bainbridge Chamber's Business Couple of the Year along with her husband Charlie.

Frame is also known for her dedication to educating clients about financial issues and growth potential of real estate as well as her commitment to giving back to her community. Her community spirit includes financial and in-kind donations to many organizations, and she often volunteers - and encourages her staff to join her - at The Boys & Girls Club; Rotary; Health, Housing & Human Services Board; Habitat For Humanity; Bainbridge Island Public School Trust; and Family Recovery, an alcohol and substance abuse treatment program.