Women of Achievement Awards
In keeping with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region honor leaders who have made outstanding contributions in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Celebrate Impact: Women of Achievement Awards
The YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region honors extraordinary leaders who embody our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Guided by our newly updated 2026 guidelines and policies, we look for trailblazers making significant waves right here in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Isabella counties.
What We Look For (The Core 5 Criteria)
Our selection committee evaluates every nominee across five key pillars. Successful nominees typically demonstrate:
Enduring Contributions: Long-term, sustainable benefits to the community that outlast their direct involvement.
Record of Accomplishment: A proven history of verifiable milestones in their professional, civic, or volunteer roles.
Recognized Leadership: A clear trajectory of driving strategic impact and holding influential positions.
Role Model Qualities: Exemplary character and vision that inspires excellence and champions the advancement of women.
YWCA Mission Alignment: An active dedication to advancing equity, eliminating racism, and empowering women.
Award Categories
Rather than locking a nominee into a single category upfront, our committee reviews all submissions holistically and selects the Top 5 annual honorees. Once chosen, recipients are placed into the category that best reflects their primary impact:
Arts & Education: Elevating regional culture, creativity, and learning.
Business & Entrepreneurship: Building, growing, and leading regional businesses.
Civic & Community Impact: Dedicated public servants, advocates, and key volunteers.
Healthcare: Medical professionals, administrators, and critical support staff.
Social Justice & Advocacy: Activists and organizers driving regional equity for marginalized groups.
Lifetime Achievement: Reserved for a true pioneer with a legacy of sustained leadership (awarded on a case-by-case basis).
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Before you begin your nomination, make sure your candidate fits the bill:
[ ] Age: Must be 18 or older.
[ ] Location: Must reside, work, or lead activities that directly benefit Bay, Midland, Saginaw, or Isabella counties.
[ ] Fresh Nomination: Nominations do not roll over from previous years. If they weren't selected in the past, a fresh, updated application is required!
Ready to spotlight a leader? Review the full, detailed criteria in our official Guidlines HERE
The 14th Annual
Women of Achievement Awards
The YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region cordially invites you to the 2026 Women of Achievement Awards luncheon!
Event Details:
Date - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time - 11:15 AM (doors open), 12:00- 1:15 PM (ceremony)
Location - SVSU Curtiss Hall
