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. 

Sravani Alluri, MD

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. 

Sparrow and Nest Designs

Katie Sytsma and Katie VanderLaan

We are proud to announce that Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of the iconic Little Rock Nine© and a lifelong social justice advocate, will serve as keynote speaker for our Women of Achievement Legacy Celebration.

In addition to delivering the keynote, Ms. Brown Trickey will participate in a moderated conversation with Judge Emerita Carolyn Williams of Kalamazoo and will be presented with our distinguished Mission Vision Tribute.

Minnijean Brown Trickey is internationally recognized for her unwavering commitment to antiracism, nonviolence, and social equity. In 1957, she was one of nine African American students who helped desegregate Little Rock Central High School under the protection of federal troops. Since then, she has dedicated her life to peacemaking, youth leadership development, cross-cultural communication, environmental advocacy, and the advancement of gender and racial justice.

Her story and voice continue to inspire generations around the world to act with courage, compassion, and conviction.

MinnieJean Brown Trickey

Little Rock Nine©

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 Soirée: $40 

Event Sponsor: 

Stryker

Priority Sponsor:  

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Video Sponsor: 

Bronson 

Supporting Sponsor:  

Sister of St. Joseph

Tyler Little Family Foundation 

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Award Sponsor: 

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo Valley Community College 

 

Greenleaf Trust

Media Sponsor: 

Public Media Network 

 

Table Sponsors:  

• Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

• Peterson Company 

• Communities in Schools

• Gryphon Place

• Ann Parfet

• Betty Upjohn Mason

• Southwest Michigan First

Inspiration Sponsor:  

• Cindy Stewart 

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.

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

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

Dr. Charlae Davis, 2024

Stephanie Williams, 2023

Nelly Fuentes, 2021
Josephine Brown, 2019