2026 Women of Distinction Awards
Celebrating the Remarkable Women in Cambridge
Congratulations to the recipients!
Please join us in congratulating the 2026 YWCA Cambridge Women of Distinction Award recipients! Our external selection committee had their work cut out for them, selecting seven recipients from a pool of incredible nominees. Congratulations to these community champions and trailblazers:
Lorraine Harris
Kay Crawford
Mary Jane LeBlanc
Sid MacDonald
Brenda Walsh
Crystal Laforest
Sara Alvarado
And! Drumroll please… Thanks to YOU, we raised $20,000 to provide safe shelter, financial literacy and employment support, and gender-based violence prevention programming to women, girls, and gender-diverse folks in Cambridge. Thank you to all attendees, dignitaries, sponsors, nominees, and award winners for your investment in a more equitable future for all!
We look forward to doing it all again next year!
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Celebrate
the care and labor our nominees pour into their own programs, passions and work.
Network
with passionate, engaged community members.
Support
YWCA Cambridge’s vital work for women, girls, and gender-diverse folks.
Why Your Presence Matters
Joining us for this annual celebration is a powerful show of solidarity for the integral work of YWCA Cambridge.
By attending, you are directly supporting:
Safe Shelter & Housing
Providing a sanctuary for those in crisis.
Economic Empowerment
Funding financial literacy and employment programs that build independence.
Gender Equity
Creating a future where women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals can thrive without barriers.
This event is our largest opportunity to raise the funds necessary to keep these life-changing programs running. When you celebrate our nominees, you are also investing in the essential services that feed back into the very community they serve.
Join the Celebration
The Latest News
YWCA Cambridge Announces Nominees for the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards
Seven Women Named 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award Recipients
Nominees for the 2025 YWCA Cambridge Women of Distinction Awards Announced
Celebrating 30 Years of Women of Distinction: A Night to Remember
YWCA Cambridge Names Six Recipients of the 2024 Women of Distinction Awards
Meet the 2024 Women of Distinction Award Nominees
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Helen Turner-Fischer, 2005
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Colleen Smith, 2000
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Jill Summerhayes (1994)
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Ilidia Sa Melo (2015)
Every year, the most recent Women of Distinction award recipients join an exclusive community that celebrates together, supports each other, and contributes to social change.
As a member of the Circle of Distinction, you receive invitations to special networking and social events, plus early access to register for YWCA Cambridge community events!
Partnership Opportunities
Your brand can help recognize women’s achievements and support our community by joining in the celebration. What better way to create the change you want to see in the world?
Partnering with us brings your organization into the spotlight, offering a unique opportunity to connect with leaders and changemakers. But more than anything, your support fuels our shared mission for gender equity.
At this event, you can demonstrate your brand’s belief in the power of every woman, girl, and gender-diverse individual to make a mark on the world. This is your invitation to celebrate their stories with us.
From hosting and hospitality packages to category sponsorship, we will work with you to create a partnership that meets your goals.
