The YWCA in St. Joseph will host its 18th annual event to recognize local women who make a difference in the community.

According to YWCA St. Joseph CEO Tammy Killin, 18 years ago, a group of women came together and wanted to plan an event to recognize women leadership in the community.

“I don’t believe any of them thought it would be as big as is it is now… last year we had over 1,100 guests attend, so it has become quite the event to recognize women in our community, leadership and their volunteerism,” Killin said. “We had 51 nominees this year. We had two ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awardees, Carol Meyers and Jo Eyberg, and then we had our ‘Y Woman of Merit’ and that was selected through the YWCA and that was Linda Judah, for this year.”  

Other award categories include ‘Women in the Workplace,’ a ‘Future Leader’ scholarship for a high school senior and ‘Women in Volunteerism.’

Those receiving awards in each category will be announced during the Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon on June 20th.

The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 20th, at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph.

For more information, or to make a reservation to attend, click here or call (816) 232-4481.