Another way YWCA Kalamazoo promotes empowering women is through our annual Women of Achievement Awards Celebration. This is an annual event that celebrates women who have devoted themselves to social justice and system change.
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Women of Achievement Awards. Aiming to celebrate women who have devoted themselves to social justice and system change, this year’s recipients have acted as positive forces within their communities and inspirations to people everywhere.
2024 Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation
Dr. Charlae Davis
Executive Director,
Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy & Action
in the Community (ISAAC)
2024 Women of Achievement
Carla Adkison-Johnson, PhD
Professor, Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University
Jan Barker
Chief Executive Officer,
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Patricia Carlin
Teacher, Counselor, and Advocate
Jeanne Hess
Vice Mayor,
City of Kalamazoo
Michelle Zukowski Serlin, LMSW
Executive Director and Clinical Social Worker,
Choices For Change Counseling Agency
2024 Young Women of Achievement
Cherry Acosta
Kalamazoo College
Kynnedy Brown
Michigan State University
Kalamazoo Promise Scholar
Tayla Dillard
Kalamazoo Central High School
Kalamazoo Promise Scholar
Genesis Griffin
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Promise Scholar
Aliah Ward
Loy Norrix High School
Kalamazoo Promise Scholar
Breyana Wilson
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Promise Scholar
2024 Key Sponsor
Women of Achievement Award Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation
2024 Award Sponsors
2024 Young Women of Achievement Award Sponsors
2024 Special Sponsor
2024 Friend Sponsor
Miller-Davis Company
New Mission Vision Tribute
The Mission Vision Tribute, while likely not presented each year, is an opportunity for YWCA Kalamazoo to recognize work by someone that has risen to the challenges of moving our mission forward and supporting thriving circumstances, despite the difficulties faced by the marginalized and vulnerable populations we serve. This tribute recognizes intentional and fierce efforts to eliminate racism and empower women.
Dr. Grace Lubwama
Nominate a Candidate
If you have any questions about the nomination process or the event, please contact Kellie at edeering@ywcakalamazoo.org
Note: Nominations received are good for 2 years of consideration. (Nominations received for consideration in 2023 will be included for consideration again in 2024 if they were not selected to receive an award.)
Sponsor the Event
YWCA Kalamazoo invites businesses and organizations to participate as Sponsors for this annual community celebration.
YWCA Lifetime Women of Achievement Award Past Recipients
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
YWCA Women of Achievement Award Past Recipients
2023
Pamela Coffey
Mary Gustas
Sylvia I. Hicks-Fox, MD, FAAP
Robyn Robinson
Honorable Namita Sharma
