Increasing empowerment and economic opportunities for women and girls
YWCA of Alton supports women’s empowerment and economic advancement, through programs, events and advocacy. For more than 100 years, YWCA is striving to meet the changing needs of women and girls. We serve women annually empowerment events, scholarships, support groups, and vital programming.
Learn more about YWCA of Alton Women’s Empowerment
Women of Distinction 2021
Another year, another excellent group of women! The 30th anniversary Women of Distinction dinner was held on Thursday, August 26th of 2021. We recognized our 2021 and 2020 honorees, along with our Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship recipients. In addition, we want to acknowledge this year’s emcee, Mrs. Caffey. Mrs. Caffey did an excellent job and truly mastered the entire ceremony with her beautiful energy. Special thanks to Roland Overmeyer, Pianist and Falissa Rabozzi, photographer. Our sponsors, advertisers, and our Women of Distinction Event Committee made this beautiful event possible! YWCA Southwestern Illinois genuinely thanks all of our donors for your generosity and effort.
Lisa Brown, Co-Chair Yolanda Crochrell, Co-Chair
Erica Bratton
Jessica Everage
Cameo C. Holland
Tawyna Hooper
Deb Dehnhoff Krofa
Monique LeFlore
Julie Schranck
We also thank our Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship Committee.
Erica Bratton, Chair
Bonnie Fox
Gail Donnelly Bader
Debbie Sheary
2021 WOD Honorees
Top Left to Right: Savanna Bishop, Lanea P. Deconcini, Lacy Spraggins McDonald, Amy Gabriel, Jennifer Gottlob, Representative Katie Stuart, Crystal Uhe, Leah Becoat, Yvonne Campbell.
Bottom Left to Right: Sandra D. West, Trish R. Holmes, Starrette Smith, Marie Nelson
Not Pictured: Cameo C. Holland, Carrie Schildroth
See Pictures and Bios of 2021 Honorees
2020 WOD Honorees
Left to Right: Nancy Berry, Rosetta L. Brown, Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe, Kendra Lynette Stiff
Not Pictured: Dr. Wendy Adams, Monica Ellebracht, Olivia “Ann” Ervin, Angela Gray, Lisa Hayes, Sherry I. McCrady, Robyne O’Mara, Virginia Woulfe-Beile
Take a peek at this year’s event!
When can I nominate for 2022?
We will send out a press release regarding nomination materials when the event gets closer. Time goes by quickly, so be ready to nominate that special someone who you believe is an asset to our community and represents the mission of YWCA Southwestern Illinois!
Who is qualified for nomination?
You will need the approval of your Nominee prior to submitting her nomination. The Nominee may not be a previous recipient. The Nominee may not currently be running as candidate for elective public office. The selection committee will evaluate applications based on some of the following criteria: community service, YWCA Southwestern Illinois mission, fostering the growth and development of women and girls, and creating a program that positively impacts families. In addition, the Nominee must live, work or volunteer in Madison or Jersey County.
When is next year’s event?
Stay tuned for information on next year’s dinner. We anticipate holding the event in Spring of 2022 and are looking forward to it already!
100 Black Men of Alton
1st Mid America Credit Union
Alton Housing Authority
Altonized Community Federal Credit Union
Bemis Tupman Chiropractic LLC
Bluff City Grill
Bush Refrigeration Heating & Cooling
C.J. Schlosser & Company LLC
Cathy Williams & Sons Funeral Home LLC
Crawford, Murphey & Tilly, Inc.
DBA Stampede Market
Dewanda and DeMarque Crochell
Donnewald Distributing
First Mid Bank and Trust
GRP Wegman
Impact CIL
Impact Strategies, Inc.
Jarrett Industries
Judge Amy Scholar Madison County Circuit Judge
Jun Construction
Junior League of Greater Alton
Landmark Realty, Godfrey
Carrie Cohan
Madison County Clerk Debbie Ming Mendoza
Mayor David Goins
Mayor Mike McCormick
MCHA Development Co
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church Family
Peace Keepers
Quad City Community Development Center
R.P. Lumber
Riverbend Growth Association
Roberts Motors Inc.
Schwartzkopf Printing, Inc.
Service Employees Local 98
Vintage Voices
Dorothy Hummel
Dr. Valorie Harris
JOSEPHINE MARLEY BECKWITH FUTURE LEADERS
The Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship (JMBFL) winners and renewals will be acknowledged at the Women of Distinction event scheduled for April 28, 2022 at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton. Since 1991, YWCA has awarded scholarships to high school senior women in the YWCA’s service area who demonstrate leadership and a sustained commitment to bettering their community.
To obtain an application contact your local High school guidance counselor or call/email YWCA for an application: 618-465-7774 or info@ywcaswil.org.
Please note: As a recipient of the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarship, you are eligible for a renewal for your sophomore, junior and senior years of study; following renewal criteria and acceptance.
YWCA of Alton is pleased to offer two different women’s support groups, as part of our mission to empower women.