2024 Honorees

Michelle Hantman
Dima Hendricks
Sandra Ledvina
Rev. Susan H. Lee, PhD
Bonnie Mello
Darlene Spencer
Barbara Garron, Yvonne M. Drayton Award
Vanessa Pereira, Spirit of Leadership Award

Congratulations to all!

About

The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards inspire others to achieve by recognizing the leadership of women in a variety of areas. YWCA Women of Distinction have brought key issues facing women, girls, and people of color to the forefront. The awards recognize outstanding women in Southeastern Massachusetts whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Honorees are recognized for their exceptional commitment to improving the lives of women and girls through their leadership, advocacy, and community service while achieving success in their career fields.

Nominees for this award are women who:

• Strongly support and promote the YWCA Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
• Demonstrate strong and growing commitment to the community through her time as a volunteer.
• Demonstrate exceptional skills as a role model and/or mentor of women and girls through advocacy, racial justice, empowerment, community service and leadership.
• Have achieved professional excellence in her field.

Nomination Process:

To nominate a “Woman of Distinction” please complete the application form here.

Please be as descriptive as possible and answer each question thoroughly and concisely and include the REQUIRED attachments: magazine and/or newspaper articles, bios and/or résumés or other supporting documents. Nominations are confidential. Past nominations/nominees not selected are encouraged to be submitted again. An example of how to answer criteria questions can be found here.

Recipients will be notified by the committee after final decisions in October. Nominators will be contacted via mail. Award will be presented at our annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

2024 nominations are currently closed. 2025 nominations will be open in Spring 2025.