The following awards are available for individuals and organizations in the Greater Mankato area.

The Women of Distinction award is given to women who lift up women. Someone who provide direct assistance and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all, especially those who face disadvantages/challenges in the greater Mankato Community. They break down barriers and carve a path to benefit us now and for generations to come. These women are our partners in working toward our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The Rising Star award is given to a woman, girl, or gender-nonconforming individual who has shown a promise to make a significant contribution to their community through their leadership, innovation, volunteer service, or others special achievements while inspiring other to follow their example. They are emerging in the community and actively working toward the YWCA Mankato’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The Distinctive Difference award is given to a business that has made a significant contribution to the community and embodies the YWCA Mankato’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The business supports girls and women in the community by providing resources, removing barriers, and/or advancing their social, physical, and psychological well-being.

We can not do this work alone. The YWCA Mankato depends on and would like to support people in our community who work toward the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

The $1,000 Advancing Racial Justice grants are intended to uphold the YWCA USA area of focus of Racial Justice & Civil Rights. The grants support and celebrate community-based work, done by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC), that lifts our mission. “Work” can include volunteerism, activism, advocacy, or business endeavors.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to those who take the time to submit nominations for the Women of Distinction awards at YWCA Mankato. In our community, there are countless remarkable individuals actively contributing to positive change and deserving of recognition. It is our mission to celebrate and share the stories of these extraordinary women, and your nominations play a crucial role in making that happen.

To facilitate the nomination process, the YWCA Mankato staff is available to arrange a phone call or meeting with you, providing assistance in gathering information for the application.

Moreover, we encourage applicants to complete the application in the language they feel most comfortable using.

As the nomination committee reviews the applications, it is important to note that they rely solely on the information provided in the application. Assume that the committee is unfamiliar with the nominee and, therefore, include both broad and specific details that vividly illustrate the nominee’s impactful contributions. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the nominee’s story and enhances their chances of receiving the recognition they truly deserve!

Nominees are selected through the convening of a nomination committee. The nomination committee is made up of YWCA Mankato board members and past honorees.

The committee reviews and scores the application based on categories included at the top of each award section on the application and on the YWCA Mankato mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.