Attractions
Jewell Douglas – Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Ashley Jacobsen – Churchill Downs
Ginnie Smith – Bulleit Distilling Co.
Roxanne Smith – Vintage 99 Motorcycle Museum
Rikki Urquhart – Huber Orchard & Winery
Katie Weber – Hermitage Farm
Rose Award Voting will begin at 12:00 am on October 8th and end on October 16th at midnight on louisvilleroseawards.com.
Only one vote in each of the 11 categories will be counted from an individual email address.
Please share on your social media, louisvilleroseawards.com, and encourage your family & to read about these inspiring finalists and vote!
Jewell Douglas
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Jewell Douglas is the heartbeat of our team—an extraordinary employee whose resilience, warmth, and authenticity shine through in everything she does. Always ready to take on extra hours with a smile, Jewell lifts spirits with her humor, mentors new team members with patience, and treats every guest with sincere care. After surviving a life-threatening gunshot wound and enduring a long hospital stay, her miraculous return was nothing short of inspiring. Even on her first day back—during a sweltering heatwave with no A/C—she radiated grace, humor, and strength. Jewell doesn’t need AI or accolades to stand out—her story, her spirit, and her unshakable dedication to others define the very soul of hospitality.
Ashley Jacobsen
Churchill Downs
Ashley Jacobsen is a quiet force at Churchill Downs, defined by grit, grace, and a relentless commitment to excellence. As Director of Events, she has sacrificed countless hours to create unforgettable guest experiences, all while leading with humility, resilience, and a deep love for the equine industry. Whether offering support from her ever-open office door or elevating race day operations with her expertise in Equine Science, Ashley brings heart and precision to every moment. A steward of Derby tradition and a true unsung hero of Louisville’s tourism industry, her leadership leaves a lasting impact—on her team, her guests, and the legacy of Churchill Downs.
Ginnie Smith
Bulleit Distilling Co.
Ginnie is a rare breed whose hospitality is simply a way of life. Whether as a Tour Guide, Tasting Room Host, Bartender, Cocktail Class Instructor, or Greenhouse Manager, she brings warmth, efficiency, and purpose to every role—always driven by a deep desire to do right by others. Guests leave feeling like they've just visited a lifelong friend, and her thoughtful eye for detail creates a space that feels like home. Dependable, humble, and hands-on, she treats every corner of the visitor center as her own, often going above and beyond behind the scenes. In every interaction, it’s not what guests bought or booked that stands out—it’s how Ginnie made them feel. A true gem, through and through.
Roxanne Smith
Vintage 99 Motorcycle Museum
Roxanne is the driving force behind the success of the new Vintage 99 Motorcycle Museum in Louisville. A retired military veteran, mother of three, and natural leader, she seamlessly manages event prep, catering, marketing, and even the adjoining bed-and-breakfast—all while supporting the boutique and salon. Her warmth, communication skills, and deep care for people make every guest feel seen and valued. Roxanne has trained interns who’ve gone on to great success, draws visitors from 17 states through her military connections, and still finds time to volunteer in the community. She’s been instrumental in putting Vintage 99 on the map, and we’re beyond lucky to have her.
Rikki Urquhart
Huber Orchard & Winery
In a short time, Rikki has completely transformed our Tour & Taste program, turning a solid offering into an exceptional, evolving experience. From developing a tour template to incorporating professional videos, she’s created consistency and depth for guests, while launching tailored tours that keep them coming back. Her Bottle-Your-Own bourbon experience started as a niche option and, thanks to her passion and smart promotion, has become one of our most in-demand features. As our lead tour guide and coordinator, Rikki constantly goes above and beyond—jumping in wherever needed and never shying away from a challenge. Young, driven, and full of fresh ideas, she’s reshaping the guest experience in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
Katie Weber
Hermitage Farm
Katie has been a cornerstone of the Hermitage Tour team since day one, stepping up during a time of transition and immediately proving her dedication and versatility. Whether guiding tours, refining scripts, supporting colleagues, or noticing when a horse needs care, Katie consistently goes above and beyond. She forms real connections with guests, making everyone feel like a kindred spirit, and proudly shares her love for Hermitage Farm and Louisville—offering thoughtful local recommendations that enhance each visitor’s stay. With a heart for service, deep equine knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for hospitality, Katie is a bright light and an irreplaceable part of our team.