Women of Distinction
The remarkable women who are our 2025 Women of Distinction. Pictured left to right: Julie Botterbush, Kim Hunt, Rebecca Cowart, Annie Johnson, Rose Gipson, Tanjela Johnson, Dr. Jerrica Ampadu, and Megan Tyler. Not pictured: Michelle Matsche & Dr. Tanya Patton.
2025 Women of Distinction Recap
On Thursday, March 13th, the 2025 Women of Distinction Gala celebrated the year’s honorees with the theme A Starry Night. The event was held at the Lewis & Clark Community College Commons in Godfrey. It opened with YWCA Board President Jessica Everage’s welcome speech. The Emcee this year, back by popular demand, Mrs. Vernetta Caffey, the award-winning educator, motivational speaker, and community activist. She introduced each of the honorees to the crowd of supporters.
Dr. Kathie Wuellner attended the Gala as a keynote speaker. Dr. Wuellner is a dedicated pediatrician, community leader, and Woman of Distinction (1992).
After her speech, Dr. Wendy Adams and Dr. Mosby presented an appeal for donations to the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship Program (JMBFL). The scholarship focuses on leadership, volunteerism, and academic achievements aligned with YWCA’s mission. Our new scholars this year are Cameron Conwell and Elizabeth Blackmon.
After those fantastic speeches, the award presentation began. The honorees were called up by Marlene Lewis and Anne Tyree, Women of Distinction of 2024, amidst applause from friends and family. Then Chandler Herron, Emily Jackson, Dr. Val Harris, and Cheryl Ingle won the raffle drawing, and all attendees enjoyed food, company, and the talent of saxophonist Kelvin Evans for the rest of the starry night.
We are truly pleased that the community responded to our request for Women of Distinction nominations this year. There are many superheroes in our community who work to support our mission, mentor women, and strive to make positive change on a daily basis. We have a wonderful group of women with outstanding accomplishments this year. For all of you who took the time to prepare a nomination or write a letter of support, you have our gratitude. We believe in “sharing your love, supporting a sister” and you exemplify this spirit.
Thank You
A very special thank you to the WOD Committee, who put so much time and effort into making this event special: Desira Caffey (chair), Rhonda Cox (co-chair), Dr. Wendy Adams (WOD 2020), Jessica Everage, Debbie Frakes (WOD 2022), Chytia Freeman, Monique LeFlore, Marlene Lewis (WOD 2024), Kidada Miller, Christie Mosby, and Juanita Shaw (WOD 2024).
We’d also like to thank our Platinum Sponsors Morrissey Contracting Co., Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, and Rhonda Cox, and our Gold Sponsor 1st MidAmerica Credit Union. We deeply appreciate your support. We’d also like to thank all our other sponsors and everyone who purchased a well-wisher ad.
If you have any questions about ads and sponsorships, please give us a call at 618.465.7774 or email us info@ywcaswil.org.
WOD Academy
After the Women of Distinction gala occurs, the 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.
During the WOD season, honorees celebrate first at the Media Day, a luncheon where the new honorees are interviewed by local media and photos are taken. Then there is the WOD Mixer, usually a week after the Media Day, where new honorees can mingle with each other and WOD Academy members. The Gala is the culminating event where the honorees are awarded and celebrated.
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.
Our nomination period is currently closed, but in November we will have the new nomination form ready and submissions will open. You can use the button to download last year’s nomination form if you would like some idea of what it looks like.
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.
Our nomination period is currently closed, but in November we will have the new nomination form ready and submissions will open. You can use the button to download last year’s nomination form if you would like some idea of what it looks like.
It’s important to note that the nominee must live, work, or volunteer in Madison County to be considered.
The honorees must attend the Media Day, Mixer, and Gala. The potential nominee must approve of being nominated and plan to attend all three events.
34 Years of Honoring Women
WOD 1993
Since 1991, YWCA Southwestern Illinois has celebrated the achievements of over 300 incredible women with our annual Women of Distinction Event. We celebrate 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 YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Make a donation
YWCA’s Women of Distinction signature event also raises critical financial support for life-changing programs including Child Enrichment and Girls Circle. Your donation supports our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
Gifts of any and every size make a tremendous difference! The donation you make today will help change the lives of girls and women for many tomorrows to come.
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