OUTSTANDING WOMEN AWARDS

YWCA Richmond Celebrates 43 Years of Women’s Leadership!

In 1980, YWCA Richmond launched the Outstanding Women Awards to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements in the Greater Richmond area.

Since then, we have recognized more than 300 female leaders who have made significant contributions to our community through their exceptional leadership, sustained dedication, and inspiring achievements.

Our Outstanding Women Awards honorees encourage, promote, and create lasting changes in our region.  They impact the lives of the people around them, empowering them to find their own path to lead.

Leadership Forum Breakfast Header

Our 8th Annual OWA Leadership Forum Breakfast Is SOLD OUT.

If you’re unable to join us for the Leadership Forum Breakfast, there is still time to sign up for the OWA Celebration.

43rd Annual OWA Celebration 

Date: Thursday, May 4 

Time: 11:30 am-1 pm 

Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center 

Get to know the women driving change in all corners of our community – from arts and culture to public health and policy to community engagement.   

The 43rd Annual OWA Celebration will recognize 9 extraordinary women who are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive Richmond.  We will also hear the stories from community members who are deeply connected to YWCA Richmond’s work.  

This event is not to be missed!  Join us for a day of joy, triumph, and reflection. 

I want to be at the 2023 OWA Celebration

Nomination

Thank you for your help in identifying women in the Greater Richmond area who have made significant contributions to our community through their exceptional leadership, sustained dedication, and inspiring achievements.

Nominations for 2023 OWA Honorees are currently closed. We will reopen the 2024 OWA nomination form in May 2023.

Let Me Know When The 2024 OWA Nominations Open!

Criteria for an Outstanding Women Award Nominee

  • Resides in one of the following cities or counties: Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, or Richmond.
  • Exhibits a high level of professional or volunteer achievement and leadership skills.
  • Generates significant impact on the Greater Richmond community through her endeavors.
  • Demonstrates passionate commitment to a cause through her activities.
  • Is highly respected by her peers and is a role model for other women in her field.

Before you Start:

The following are helpful hints to make your nomination strong and compelling:

  • The nomination pool historically includes nominations showcasing the talents and accomplishments of the most outstanding women in our community.
  • Nominations are valid for two years. If a woman is nominated and not selected, she is automatically considered the following year.
  • You may nominate a candidate in a maximum of two categories. The selection committee reserves the right to place nominees in an additional category deemed appropriate during the selection process.

How to complete the form:

  • We recommend that you work on and save your nomination content in a separate electronic Word document, and cut and paste your content into the form. For security reasons, the OWA Nomination Form is only saved once the form is submitted.
  • Make sure to keep your total application word count at 4,000.
  • You may collaborate with others to complete the nomination form.
  • Examples of impact for a nominee’s work make a strong case for review.

To review all the nomination questions in advance, please click here: YWCA 2023 OWA Nomination pdf.

You may contact Rupa Murthy at rmurthy@ywcarichmond.org with any questions.

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