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Women of Achievement

The Women of Achievement Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to social justice and systems change. This year, the Genevieve U. Gilmore Award and the Dorothy I. Height Award will be presented to outstanding individuals who embody the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women in their everyday lives.

In honor of the YWCA’s 140th anniversary, we will recognize past and present awardees who have devoted themselves to these vital causes since 1985. The Women of Achievement event will begin with a reception at 4:30 PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 5:15 PM in the Arcadia Ballroom.

This year, we will also have an additional event immediately following the Women of Achievement Awards. The Celebration Soirée will take place in the West Michigan Room at the Radisson until 9:30 PM, featuring hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and live music.

 

Register Today!

2025 Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation

The YWCA Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation is presented to a woman in the community who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice. Dr. Dorothy I. Height’s influence continues today and lives on through this recognition. 

2025 Genevieve U. Gilmore Volunteer Award

The Genevieve U. Gilmore Award is presented to recognize a volunteer and member for their outstanding leadership and dedicated service. Named in honor of Genevieve U. Gilmore, who was instrumental in the organization’s success, this award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the mission. Recipients are honored for their exceptional commitment and impact, with their names engraved on a plaque in the lobby. 

Awardee: 

2025 Celebration Soirée

Immediately following the Women of Achievement Awards, we invite you to continue the festivities at our Celebration Soirée. This special added event will be held in the West Michigan Room at the Radisson until 9:30PM. Enjoy Hors d’oeuves, a cash bar, and live music as we celebrate the remarkable Women of Achievement honored this year and over the past 38 years. 

 

Celebration Soree: $40 

2025 Sponsors

Sponsor the Event

YWCA Kalamazoo invites businesses and organizations to participate as Sponsors for this annual community celebration.

Please email lstoner@ywcakalamzoo.org for more information on how to become a sponsor.

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

YWCA Women of Achievement Award Past Recipients

2024

Carla Adkison-Johnson, PhD
Michelle Zukowski Serlin, LMSW
Jeanne Hess
Patricia Carlin (Post Mortem)
Jan Barker

2023

Pamela Coffey
Mary Gustas
Sylvia I. Hicks-Fox, MD, FAAP
Robyn Robinson
Honorable Namita Sharma

2021
Diane Eberts
Leslie Lami-Reed
Lissette Mira-Amaya
Danielle Sielatycki
Beth Washington

2019
Shirley Lampman Johnson
Alisa Parker
Lisa Rodriguez
Judy Sivak
Cori Terry

2018
Ann Fergemann
Wendy Fields
Rosemary Gardiner
Donna Odom
Jane Rooks Ross

2017
Marigene Arnold
Denise Crawford
Dr. Brenda Prater Earhart
Sally Reames
Sandra L. Standish

2016
Kristi Carambula
Lynn Smith Houghton
Cindy Kole
Sam Lealofi
Karianne Thomas

2015
Elizabeth A. Burns
Pam Kingery
Sherry Thomas-Cloud
Jan Van Der Kley

2014
Bonnie Jo Campbell
Mary McLean
La June Montgomery Tabron
Dorothy Young

2013
J. Baraka-Love
Margaret Merrion
Willie Mae Pierson
Heidi E. Stucki

2012
Lola Clark Atkinson
Audrey Lipsey
Bobbe A. Luce
Alfrelynn J. Roberts
Sarah Stangl

2011
Mary A. Doud
Mikell Thurston Griffith
Patti Huiskamp
Sylvia C. Pahl
Earlie M. Washington

2010
Phyllis R. Buskirk
Patricia E. Dolan
Lori Moore
Pamela S. Roland

2009
Loretta Cipkus Dubray
Tara East
Mattie Jordan-Woods

2008
Gwendolyn Hillman
Lois Jackson
Judy Moore

2007
Lisa A. Godfrey
Rosalie Novara
Nancy Owen
Phyllis Seabolt

2006
Janice Brown
Sally Putney
Marie L. Stevens
Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Veenhuis

2005
Jean Forrest
Ellen Kisinger-Rothi
Marilyn A. Potgeisser

2004
Janet M. Dancer
Edith Gardner
Hannah McKinney
Ronda Stryker

2003
Patricia Coles-Chalmers
Mary Carolyn Howard
Dr. Elise B. Jorgens
Alice Kemerling
Virginia E. Norton

2002
Kathy Beauregard
Irene B. Hamilton
Deborah C. Jackson
Marcia S. Jackson

Dorothy I. Height Award for Social Justice Innovation Past Recipients

Dr. Charlae Davis, 2024

Stephanie Williams, 2023

Nelly Fuentes, 2021
Josephine Brown, 2019