Linda Yoshida, nonprofit leader, award-winning author and entrepreneur - is a 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award winner for her dedication to philanthropic work.

"In addition to being a successful business woman and author, she uses her talents to serve her community," said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Lisa Skari, who nominated Yoshida for the award. "Linda has a special place in her heart for Highline, and she has recognized Highline for its part in her success."

Yoshida discovered her passion for writing while attending Highline and graduated with her Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in literature and business administration in 1974.

She has won numerous literary awards and was a 2008 finalist for the prestigious Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest that promotes excellence in the romance genre. Her first novel, "Flaherty's Crossing," is being considered for a Hallmark Channel film.

Highline is also significant for Yoshida because she met her future husband, Junki Yoshida, while on the campus. Junki Yoshida was named Highline's 2003 Distinguished Alumni Award winner.

In the early 1980s, Linda Yoshida helped her husband in the marketing and development of Yoshida's Gourmet Sauce. The well-known teriyaki-based cooking sauce led to the development of their first company, Yoshida Food Products. Now, the Oregon-based Yoshida Group is a multimillion-dollar conglomerate.

Linda Yoshida has translated her leadership skills from the business world toward making a difference in the community. She recently created the Soulful Giving Foundation, which works toward expanding research, care and treatment to cancer patients and their families.

She has also served as the director of the Yoshida Fine Art Gallery and on numerous nonprofit boards and councils in Oregon.