In 1980, YWCA Richmond launched the Outstanding Women Awards program in order to recognize women in the Greater Richmond area who have made significant contributions to our community through their exceptional leadership, sustained dedication, and inspiring achievements.
Since then, 300 female leaders in positions of influence have been honored at the annual awards luncheon. All of them serve as role models in Richmond’s foundation and history overall. These women are critical to the economic vitality of Richmond and each one represents the career advancement of women and stands to generate broader societal impacts on pay equity, changing workplace policies in ways that benefit both men and women, and attracting a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
YWCA Richmond’s Outstanding Women Award honorees encourage, promote, celebrate and create the conditions in our region under which many more women can and will lead within their own fields. Thank you for your continued help in identifying these incredible women who do so much for our community!
JOIN US AT THE FOLLOWING OWA EVENTS

6th Women’s Leadership Forum presented by Capital One
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 9AM – 10:30AM, virtual event
Join us for an inspirational morning led by our panelists having an honest conversation about women in leadership. This year’s panelists include:
- Frazier Armstrong – Executive Director, Capital Trees
- Julie McConnell – Director, Children’s Defense Clinic, University of Richmond
- Greta Harris – President & CEO, Better Housing Coalition
- Sheryl Garland – VP of Health Policy and Community Outreach, VCU Health
Outstanding Women Awards Honoree Reunion
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 5 pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
All Honorees, please RSVP to owa@ywcarichmond.org
41st Outstanding Women Awards Celebration
Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:30AM – 1PM
Virtual Event
Our 41st Annual Outstanding Women Awards will celebrate nine dynamic leaders for Class of 2021 and past honorees spanning four decades at an empowering luncheon.

SPONSORSHIPS
Corporate sponsorships are available now! For more information about event sponsorships, table purchases and event details contact Heather Garrett at hgarrett@ywcarichmond.org
PRESENTING SPONSORS FOR OWA40 LUNCHEON:
PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR LEADERSHIP FORUM:
THANK YOU TO ALL OWA40 SPONSORS!
VCU HEALTH SYSTEMS ROSIE’S GAMING EMPORIUM HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH, LLP
BON SECOURS FOUNDATION WELLS FARGO GENWORTH
TROUTMAN SANDERS, LLP MARKEL ATLANTIC UNION BANK