Women of Distinction
YWCA South Hampton Roads Women of Distinction Awards celebrate, recognize, and honor women who embody the YWCA mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We are deeply grateful for their service and look forward to announcing and celebrating our 2024 class.
Women of Distinction
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.
Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée
The Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée warmly welcomes past honorees to an evening brimming with inspiration, empowerment, and the unbreakable spirit of sisterhood. This gathering is far more than a celebration; it’s a powerful affirmation of leadership, resilience, and collective strength. This 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.
Since 1989, this uniquely curated event, by women for women, has honored over 356 extraordinary women. In 2024, declared the Year of Women, our Women of Distinction Alumnae Soirée stands as a shining example of what is possible when women unite with a shared purpose. Together, we will not only honor our past but also renew our commitment to YWCA SHR’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Join us on Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for 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 are excited to announce we will be joined by Simone Missick, acclaimed actress and dedicated advocate, best known for her powerful portrayals of strong, empowered women on screen, including on CBS’ ‘All Rise’.
RSVP by Tuesday, October 15 to reserve your spot.
