RISING OUTSTANDING WOMAN AWARD

The Rising Outstanding Woman Award (ROWA) is an annual award recognizing a local emerging woman between the ages of 25-40 who is making an impact in our community and who is a voice for social change.

Meet Taylor Scott, our 2024 ROWA Winner

Each year, the Young Women’s Leadership Alliance (YWLA) recognizes a local rising leader in our community.

The Rising Outstanding Woman receives $2,500 to further their personal leadership and professional development.

ROWA Application and Nomination

ROWA applications are currently closed. If you’re interested in learning more about the 2025 application, please complete the interest form below and we will notify you when applications open.

ROWA looks to recognize a local emerging leader who:

  • Has a strong connection and engagement with the greater Richmond community
  • Has a passion for and is contributing toward social change
  • Demonstrates leadership and has a vision for her community

Applicants can either be nominated by someone or themselves.

2025 ROWA Interest Form

Consideration for this award is open to any woman who:

  • Between the ages of 25-40.
  • Resides or works in Richmond City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, or Powhatan County.
  • Has a strong connection with their community and is contributing toward social change.
  • Leads a personal, professional, educational or volunteer endeavor that is under three years old. The work can be in the beginning stages or represent a pivot or reinvention of previous interest or work.
  • Demonstrates leadership that advances one or more YWCA mission tenets: eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Additional Details:

  • The ROWA winner is honored for her community involvement at the annual OWA Leadership Forum Breakfast.
  • Championed by YWCA Richmond’s Young Women’s Leadership Alliance (YWLA), the 2024 Rising Outstanding Woman will be honored at the OWA Leadership Forum Breakfast on March 19, 2024, and will receive $2,500 to further their leadership development.

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