Join YWCA Northeast Kansas as we honor and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women leaders in our community who get up and do the work. The 35th Annual Women of Excellence Awards and Gala will be held on Saturday evening, September 23rd, in downtown Topeka.
Why should I nominate a Woman of Excellence?
YWCA Northeast Kansas envisions a world where all women are empowered to strive toward success and become trailblazing leaders. By nominating a Woman of Excellence in your business or organization, you are helping uplift the countless contributions of women in our community who are leading with dedication and vision despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The Women of Excellence Awards and Gala is also the largest annual fundraiser for YWCA Northeast Kansas. By supporting this event, you are investing in YWCA programs and services that make a difference in the lives of over 13,000 women, children, and families in our community each year.
Interested in sponsoring this year’s event? In addition to nominating a Woman of Excellence, your business or organization can become an event sponsor. For more information, contact Allison Marker, Director of Community Engagement, by email or call (785) 233-1750 x222.
What happens after I nominate someone?
Nominations must be completed on or before Friday, July 7th, 2023. Completed nominations will be reviewed and nominees will be contacted to confirm their willingness to participate in this year’s Women of Excellence event. Then, YWCA Northeast Kansas will announce the full class of Honorees, sharing their achievements and inspirations with the greater Topeka community!

All honorees will be recognized and honored at the Women of Excellence Awards and Gala on Saturday, September 23rd, where the YWCA Women of Excellence Nominating Committee will name a Woman of Excellence in each award category: Small Business, Large Business, Nonprofit, Education, and Government.
Note: The Nominating Committee receives anonymous, redacted versions of the nomination forms in order to choose a Woman of Excellence for each category. To see what the Nominating Committee sees, click here to view a sample form. This may also help you write a more effective nomination.
How to nominate a Woman of Excellence
The first step in nominating a Woman of Excellence is to ask your candidate or their employer/organization for permission to nominate them. All Honorees are expected to participate in the main event on September 23rd, and be comfortable and willing to have their achievements shared through a variety of public channels.
Then, take some time to gather information about your nominee, including basic contact details as well as their achievements, honors, and affiliations. Think about the reasons you want to recognize them as a leader, as a force for good in our world, and as someone who is actively working for an empowering, equitable future.
Nominate a Woman of Excellence
Click below to fill out the nomination form! You can also review the list of past honorees. If you have any questions, contact Allison Marker, Director of Community Engagement, by email or at 785-233-1750 x222.
NOMINATION FORM
COMPLETE BY JULY 7, 2023