Thank You Hampton Roads!
The Women of Distinction Awards 2025
'The Rejuvenation Experience' was a night to remember!
Relive the Rejuvenation Experience!
Browse the photo galleries below and enjoy every special moment! None of it would have been possible without your presence, support, and belief in our mission. Thank you to our amazing partners, Waters Films and Tidewater Photobooth Co. who captured the incredible evening.
View the Event Photos by Waters Films: https://loom.ly/W_IJs_4
Download Password: 1435
View the snapshots by Tidewater Photobooth Co.: https://loom.ly/Ax9iS0c
Download Password: 477
Congratulations to the 2025 Women of Distinction Class!
We are honored to celebrate this incredible group of leaders who have made a lasting impact in our community. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women inspire us all.
Business: Tonya Byrd, Sr. Policy Director – Community Engagement, Dominion Energy
Arts:Alison Byrne, Executive Director, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA)
Research and Academia: Dr . Kathy Cabler, Talent Strategy Director, Elevance Health Inc.
Woman on the Rise: Sierrah Chavis, Director of Education, United Way South Hampton Roads
Education: Latricia Davenport, Assistant Principal, Chesapeake Public Schools
Health and Sciences: Olushola Ilogho, MPA, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Sentara Health
Military: Kia Moten, Business Diversity Manager, Norfolk International Airport
Community Champion:Reverend Dr. Tonya Pass, Pastor, Brighton Rock AME Zion Church / CEO, You Need To Know Ministries
Entrepreneurship: Dr. Angela D. Reddix, CEO, ARDX, Envision Lead Grow, The Mustard
Congratulations to 2025 Honorary Woman of Distinction Mrs.Nedra Talley-Ross of The Ronettes!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Persimmon Presenting Host Partner
Platinum Partner
Pearl Partner
Peace Partners
Partners
Save the Date: See you in March 2026!
Women of Distinction
In a landmark year for women, YWCA South Hampton Roads’ Women of Distinction event stands as a powerful tribute to the trailblazers who have come before us. This event is more than just a gathering—it’s a recognition of the women who have led the way and whose contributions have shaped our communities and our future.
The Strength of Togetherness: As we come together to honor these remarkable women, we recognize the strength that comes from unity. The Women of Distinction event is a testament to the power of collective support and the incredible change that happens when women uplift one another. This gathering is a celebration of the connections that bind us, the shared commitment to progress, and the belief that when women stand together, there is no challenge too great.
Honoring the Legacy of Leadership: At our annual Alumnae Soirée, we shine a light on the exceptional women who have been honored in the past, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to leadership, resilience, and positive change. These past awardees are not just recipients of accolades; they are the pillars upon which we continue to build. Their stories of courage, vision, and impact remind us that leadership is about more than holding a position—it’s about creating a path for others to follow.
A Catalyst for Empowerment and Future Impact: This event is not just a reflection on past moments of inspiration; it’s a call to action for the future. By honoring the past awardees, we are inspired to carry their legacy forward, turning their achievements into a catalyst for ongoing empowerment and support. This year’s event is a rallying cry for women to continue the work these honorees have started, to build upon their successes, and to create new opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Building a Legacy of Continued Leadership: The YWCA Women of Distinction event is about more than recognizing past achievements—it’s about setting the stage for future leadership. By bringing together women who have already made significant impacts, we are building a foundation for continued growth and empowerment. This event is a commitment to ensuring that the legacy of these past awardees is not only remembered but also expanded, creating a ripple effect of positive change that will influence our communities for years to come.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, YWCA calls on all of us to join in their mission—because their legacy is our future, and together, we can ensure that the path they’ve paved remains strong, vibrant, and filled with possibility.
Join the Movement: Lead a Persimmon Circle
At the close of this year’s Women of Distinction event, we invite you to take the next step in making a lasting impact. Become a Circle Sister Leader and spearhead your very own Persimmon Circle—an empowering community dedicated to driving change, raising awareness, and supporting the mission of the YWCA.
As a Circle Sister Leader, you will:
- Galvanize Your Community: Gather like-minded women to join your circle, working together to lead donation drives, fundraise, and advocate for the causes that matter most.
- Drive Change: Whether through monetary contributions or grassroots campaigns, your leadership will be instrumental in furthering the YWCA’s mission to empower women and promote social justice.
- Raise Awareness: Lead efforts to spread the word about critical issues affecting women in your community, helping to elevate the voices that need to be heard.
- Shape the Future: As a leader in the Persimmon Circle, you’ll play a key role in reintroducing the Women of Distinction 2025 event, ensuring that the momentum we’ve built continues to grow and thrive.
Ready to lead? Contact us to learn more about how you can engage, gather your circle, and make a difference. Together, we can turn inspiration into action and create a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and thrive.
Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée
The Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée warmly welcomed past honorees to an evening brimming with inspiration, empowerment, and the unbreakable spirit of sisterhood. This gathering was far more than a celebration; it’s a powerful affirmation of leadership, resilience, and collective strength. This past year’s theme, Persimmon and Pearls, beautifully symbolizes the richness and wisdom each honoree brings to our community—a celebration of vibrant lives and enduring legacies.
In 2024, declared the Year of Women, our Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée stood as a shining example of what is possible when women unite with a shared purpose. We not only honored our past but also renewed our commitment to YWCA South Hampton Roads' mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
This past October, we enjoyed an evening dedicated to celebrating the unstoppable power of women in leadership as we pay tribute to the women who have paved the way, under the elegant and symbolic theme of Persimmon and Pearl.
We were excited to be joined by the first Honorary Woman of Distinction, Simone Missick, acclaimed actress and dedicated advocate, best known for her powerful portrayals of strong, empowered women on screen, including on CBS’ ‘All Rise’.
Stay tuned for details about the October 2025 Alumnae Soirée!
