FRISCO – A North Richland Hills woman who challenged the Transportation Security Administration's way of dealing with passengers with body piercings was honored Tuesday by a women's business group.

Mandi Hamlin, 37, was given the Bold Spirit Award by the Women's Leadership Exchange, a social networking and professional group that helps women with new or small businesses. The award honors women who take action that will have a positive impact on others.

"Mandi is a winner," said her attorney, Gloria Allred of Los Angeles. "She has shown courage. She has stood up and been willing to reveal some private facts in order to achieve a greater good."

Ms. Hamlin was forced to remove two nipple rings before boarding a plane during a security check in Lubbock on Feb. 24. She offered to go behind a curtain and allow female TSA agents to view the jewelry but was told she had to get rid of the rings.

Kimberly Durnan HEAR COMMENTS from Mandi Hamlin about the incident.

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