Since 1991, YWCA Southwestern Illinois has celebrated the achievements of over 300 incredible women with our annual Women of Distinction Gala Event. This year’s Women of Distinction event will be held on March 13, 2025 at the Lewis & Clark Community College Commons in Godfrey.
We are currently accepting Nomination Forms for the 2025 Women of Distinction. Nomination Forms are due by 5:00 pm Friday, February 7, 2025. Nominators have the option of emailing nomination materials (form plus support letters) to info@ywcaswil.org or mailing their materials to YWCA, 304 E. Third St., Alton, IL 62002. We will also accept dropped off nomination packages at our facility. We have a hard deadline of Friday, February 7 at 5:00 pm—any submissions received after this date will not be reviewed. No exceptions.
We have information listed below pertaining to this year’s Women of Distinction Nomination Process, Frequently Asked Questions, Women of Distinction Academy Members, Event Info and How to Buy Tickets and more. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 618.465.7774 or email us info@ywcaswil.org.
We honor women who uplift our community through their outstanding contributions.
These are the leaders who strive for equity, and work to improve community day in and day out.
This annual event creates a moment to recognize women who embody the mission of YWCA Southwestern Illinois- eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We strongly encourage anyone who knows an exceptional female leader in Madison County to take the time this year and submit a Nomination Form on their behalf.
After the Women of Distinction gala occurs, new honorees join the Women of Distinction Academy, a group of prestigious women leaders in Madison County. Women like these are the heart, soul, and backbone of our communities. We create this opportunity each year to celebrate their accomplishments, and to honor the collective power of working together for the good of others.
This YWCA signature event also raises critical financial support for life-changing programs including Child Enrichment, Riverbend Reading Club, and Girls Circle.
We deeply appreciate our 2024 Platinum Sponsors Morrissey Contracting Co., Philips 66 Wood River Refinery, and Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm, and our 2024 Gold Sponsors, Alton Memorial Hospital (BJC Health), and Caffey Law Firm.