Women of Distinction

Event History

Since 1989, YWCA South Hampton Roads’ Women of Distinction has celebrated more than 350 extraordinary women whose leadership and service continue to shape the Hampton Roads region. The event has grown into one of the organization’s premier community engagement and fundraising initiatives, attracting leaders across business, healthcare, education, public service, and nonprofit sectors. Through strategic media partnerships, social media engagement, sponsorship collaborations, and community storytelling, Women of Distinction continues to elevate women leaders while advancing the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The Women of Distinction (WoD) event was established in 1989 to honor extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and advocacy have strengthened the Hampton Roads community and advanced opportunities for women and families. Over the years, the event has evolved into one of YWCA South Hampton Roads’ signature celebrations of empowerment, equity, and community impact.

Rooted in the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, WoD recognizes trailblazers across industries and sectors, including business, education, healthcare, public service, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Previously held during Women’s History Month in March, the event has:

• Celebrated influential women leaders throughout Hampton Roads
• Elevated stories of resilience, innovation, and service
• Inspired future generations of women and girls
• Strengthened partnerships with community organizations and corporate sponsors
• Raised awareness and support for YWCA South Hampton Roads programs and initiatives

In 2026, the event transitions to Domestic Violence Awareness Month to heighten awareness around intimate partner violence, survivor empowerment, and the critical work being done to support individuals and families impacted by abuse. This strategic shift deepens the connection between the Women of Distinction platform and the YWCA’s commitment to advocacy, healing, safety, and social justice.

Each year, the event adopts a unique theme that reflects the spirit of leadership and transformation embodied by its honorees. Through elegant celebrations, powerful storytelling, and community engagement, WoD has become more than an awards program; it is a platform that recognizes women whose contributions create lasting impact across the region.

The 2026 theme, “Purple Reign,” continues this legacy by honoring women who lead with:

• Resilience
• Empowerment
• Impact
• Grace
• Nobility

Together, these pillars represent the evolving legacy of Women of Distinction and the enduring power of women who reign with purpose.

Expansion of the Women of Distinction Legacy

In 2024, YWCA South Hampton Roads expanded the Women of Distinction tradition with the introduction of the Honorary Woman of Distinction, creating an opportunity to recognize an influential woman whose leadership, visibility, advocacy, and body of work reflect the values and mission of the YWCA.

Acclaimed actress and advocate Simone Missick was named the inaugural Honorary Woman of Distinction during the 2024 Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée. Her recognition represented an evolution of the WoD platform—extending the celebration beyond traditional award categories to honor women whose influence reaches broad audiences and whose work contributes to positive representations of women, empowerment, equity, and social change.

The addition of the Honorary Woman of Distinction also created an opportunity for YWCA South Hampton Roads to connect the extraordinary leadership taking place in Hampton Roads with women making an impact on a broader cultural and national stage.
As Women of Distinction continues to evolve, the Honorary Woman of Distinction designation provides an opportunity to recognize a prominent woman whose influence complements the accomplishments of the annual Women of Distinction class while bringing additional visibility to the YWCA mission.

YWCA South Hampton Roads Women of Distinction 2026
Purple R.E.I.G.N.

Overview

“Purple Reign” celebrates women who lead with purpose and power, embodying the virtues of R.E.I.G.N.: Resilience • Empowerment • Impact • Grace • Nobility
The event honors those whose influence uplifts communities and whose leadership represents the spirit of the YWCA: Eliminating racism. Empowering women.

Theme

“Purple Reign” — celebrating the power, passion, and perseverance of women who lead, uplift, and reign with purpose. The theme honors women whose leadership leaves a lasting legacy — those who reign not by title, but through courage, compassion, and community impact. Purple, the color of both royalty and the YWCA’s mission for justice and empowerment, anchors the visual and emotional tone of the event.

Date

October 21, 2026

The Five Pillars of R.E.I.G.N.

R — Resilience

“Resilient women reign with grace.”

• She rises, no matter the challenge.
• Represents the unwavering strength of women who overcome adversity and transform obstacles into opportunities.
• Honorees’ stories highlight perseverance.
• Reflects YWCA’s mission to empower women facing systemic barriers.

E — Empowerment

“When women are empowered, communities reign strong.”

• She uplifts herself and others.
• Speaks to YWCA’s core value — creating pathways for women to lead, learn, and thrive.
• Every Woman of Distinction empowers those around her.
• Encourages community members to become allies and advocates.

I — Impact

“Her impact reigns long after the applause fades."

• She changes lives, not just headlines.
• Celebrates women whose leadership leaves tangible marks on organizations, neighborhoods, and generations.
• Tied to award categories recognizing civic, business, and social impact.
• Reinforces measurable change through YWCA’s programs.

G — Grace

“True queens reign with grace, not grandeur.”

• She leads with humility, dignity, and compassion.
• Acknowledges the quiet power of empathy and inclusion — qualities that sustain leadership.
• Honors the emotional intelligence and humanity of the honorees.
• Aligns with the YWCA’s focus on dignity and equity.

N — Nobility

“Nobility is the crown of character.”

• She stands for what is right.
• Rooted in justice — the moral courage to advocate for equity, inclusion, and peace.
• Reflects the YWCA’s social justice mission: Eliminating racism, empowering women.
• Inspires attendees to take up the mantle of advocacy.

“A woman of distinction does not wait for a crown. She builds one — of resilience, empowerment, impact, grace, and nobility — and she reigns.”
— YWCA South Hampton Roads, Purple Reign 2026