Thank you for joining us at the 15th Annual YWomen Leadership Celebration and Gala!

On October, 2024, we commemorated YWomen’s 15th ‘Ruby’ anniversary with special highlights and exciting surprises. This year, YWomen focused on the critical issue of domestic violence with a masquerade theme to honor the many faces and diverse experiences of survivors. It was an inspiring evening honoring remarkable women who play vital roles in supporting the healing and safety of survivors, while celebrating the impactful work of YWCA Evanston/North Shore to build a safer future for generations to come.

2024 Honorees:

This year's honorees, Hon. Grace G. Dickler (Ret.) and Detective Amanda Wright, have been instrumental in the fight against domestic violence. Judge Dickler, with over 30 years on the Cook County bench, has led significant reforms that enhanced equity and access to justice for survivors. Detective Wright, known for her compassionate and effective approach, has dedicated her career to supporting survivors in Evanston, advocating for victims, and building a comprehensive support network. Their combined efforts have profoundly impacted the lives of countless survivors in our community.

We will also uplift and celebrate the work of YWCA Evanston/North Shore's trauma-informed, comprehensive Domestic Violence Program, and hear a special address from this year’s Lorraine H. Morton Young Women of Promise honoree, a standout from Evanston Township High School.

Learn more about this year’s honorees and explore event details by visiting the YWomen 2024 event website.

Questions?

For general YWomen event inquiries, contact Jamie Kendrick, Development and Events Manager, at jkendrick@ywca-ens.org.

YWomen Committee

Kate Collinson • Victoria Dinges • Susan Hope Engel • Jessy Grossman • Niki Moe Horrell • Janeen Jackson • Stephanie Lafrate • Denise Martin • Suzanne Shumaker • Liz Stanton

YWomen proceeds help support YWCA Evanston/North Shore Domestic Violence, Economic Advancement, and Racial Justice programs.

About YWomen

YWCA premiered its first YWomen Leadership Awards Celebration in 2008. The event was created to recognize, support, and honor women from Evanston and neighboring North Shore communities for their commitment to women’s empowerment, racial justice and social activism.

Over the years, we have celebrated 34 remarkable women and seven powerful organizations for their work in the areas of women’s empowerment, racial justice, and social change. And each year, we have been moved by the spirit of activism that is embodied in the women we have honored.

The YWomen Leadership Awards Celebration has grown to be a highly anticipated event, drawing a diverse audience from all parts of the North Shore and Chicagoland area.? Awards are presented each year to women who through research, activism, education or creative expression have improved the lives of women and/or addressed the impact of racial inequities.

Human needs are universal. We all want to be treated fairly, to have opportunities to advance, to feel safe in our home and our communities, to build secure and productive lives for our families. It’s what guides us every day in our work at YWCA.

Past YWomen Leadership Awards Honorees