By Sarah Beckman

BLOOMIGNTON- Nominations are now being accepted for the 24th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

Local women are nominated based on contributions in six areas, including arts and entertainment, business, professions, social service, education and volunteer service.

"Our women are very involved in this community," said Julie Navickas, Director of Marketing for YWCA. "It's a nice recognition to honor those in our community who have given back to McLean County."

WINGS Award applications focus on financial assistance. It is awarded annually to individuals in the community to complete education.

"The WINGS Award can go to anyone studying anything from cosmotology to a nursing degree," said Navickas.

Awards will be presented on May 23 at a banquet in ISU's Bone Student Center.

This year's speaker is Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. She is a New York Times best-selling author of The Dressmaker of Khair Khana. Lemmon also serves as the deputy director on Foreign Relations' Women and Foreign Policy Program.

Nominations for both awards are due by March 29. Forms are available at ywca.org/womenofdistinction and the YWCA McLean County office.