Each year, YWCA Kalamazoo honors women and young women whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to justice strengthen our community. The Women of Achievement Awards Celebration shines a light on these remarkable contributions, reflecting the creativity, courage, and leadership already shaping our community. This year’s honorees remind us why recognition matters and why continuing this tradition depends on voices like yours.
Nominations for the 2026 Women of Achievement Awards are now open. Help shape the next chapter by submitting a nomination by Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 PM.
2026 Award Nominations
Nominate a Woman Making an Impact
Do you know a woman or young woman whose leadership, service, or vision has made a lasting difference?
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Women of Achievement Awards. Each nomination is an opportunity to affirm leadership, innovation, and commitment to justice in our community. Nomination Deadline – All nominations must be submitted by Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 PM.
Save the date May 21, 2026
Please select the award that best reflects the nominee’s impact:
Young Woman of Achievement Award
Recognizes a young woman whose leadership, service, or advocacy demonstrates extraordinary promise and meaningful impact in our community.
Honors a woman whose sustained leadership and contributions have strengthened our community. The Lifetime Woman of Achievement recipient is selected from this group of nominees.
Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation
Celebrates a woman whose work advances equity through bold ideas, systems change, or innovative approaches to social justice—honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height.
YWCA Lifetime Women of Achievement Award Past Recipients
Mattie Jordan-Woods, 2024
Sisters of St. Joseph Congregation of St. Joseph, 2023
Janice Brown, 2021
Pamela Enslen, 2019
Judy Jolliffe, 2018
Juanita Goodwin, 2016
Carolyn G. Alford, 2015
Anne Wend Lipsey, 2014
Ronda Stryker, 2013
Kathy B. Beauregard, 2012
Dr. Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, 2011
Pat Coles-Chalmers, 2010
Dr. Martha B. Warfield, 2009
Marjorie Springgate, 2008
Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Veenhuis, 2007
Marian G. Klein, 2006
Judy Sarkozy, 2005
Mary Little Tyler, 2004
Eva L. Ozier, 2003
Barbara L. James, 2002
Suzanne Todd Shepherd, 2001
Ann V. Parfet, 2000
Anna Whitten, 1999
Hon. Carolyn H. Williams, 1998
Judith K. Maze, 1997
Dr. Marilyn J. Schlack, 1996
Jo Jacobs, 1995
Beverly A. Moore, 1994
Mary C. Brown, 1993
Caroline R. Ham, 1992
Martha G. Parfet, 1991
Gayl F. Werme, 1990
N. Lorraine Beebe, 1989
Georgia T. Dungy, 1988
Allene W. Dietrich, 1987
Elizabeth Upjohn Mason, 1986
Betty Lee Ongley, 1985
