YWCA Women of Distinction nominations available

YWCA
The YWCA’s 28th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Banquet is scheduled for May 16.
(Photo by Patrick Baron/WJBC)

By WJBC Staff

BLOOMINGTON – YWCA McLean County is accepting nominations for the 28th Annual Women of Distinction Awards, which recognizes local women for their contributions in arts and entertainment, business, education, professions, social service, volunteer service, and young professional.

A new category for excellence in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – has been added to better recognize women in this field.

One women will be chosen for each category and all nominees should be women who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and excellence in their professional and personal lives, as well as a commitment to improving McLean County through their work and volunteer service. Previous nominees may be re-nominated and all nominees will be recognized at the 28th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Banquet on May 16.

Previously named Women of Distinction continue to make a difference through YWCA McLean County by sponsoring a financial award, up to $1,500. The award is given annually to Women to Improve their skills for a Notable purpose, which allows her to Grow professionally and to achieve Success. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth, as well as service in McLean County.

Applications/nominations for both are available at www.ywcamclean.org or you can pick up paper copies at YWCA McLean County, 1201 North Hershey Road, Bloomington. Women of Distinction nominations and WINGS applications are due by 4 p.m., March 31.

For questions regarding either process, please contact Emily Fisher at [email protected] or call (309) 662-0461, ext. 298.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…