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.
We celebrated both the 2021 and the 2020 Honorees at the 30th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction dinner on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Julia’s Banquet Center in East Alton. Lisa Brown and Yolanda Crochrell chaired the event and delivered an outstanding celebration on behalf of the honorees.
Mrs. Vernetta Caffey emceed the event providing the audience with highlights of the honorees and accomplishments and her own personal insight into the women’s unique achievements.
2021 Honorees
Savanna Bishop Leah Beacoat
Yvonne Campbell Lanea P. DeConcini
Amy Gabriel Jennifer Gottlob
Cameo C. Holland Trish R. Holmes
Lacy Spraggins McDonald Marie Nelson
Carrie Schildroth Starette Smith
Representative Katie Stuart Crystal Uhe
Sandra D. West
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
2020 WOD Honorees
Dr. Wendy Adams
Nancy Berrry
Rosetta Brown
Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe
Monica Ellebracht
Olivia “Ann” Ervin
Angela Gray
Lisa Hayes
Sherry I. McCrady
Robyne O’Mara
Kendra Lynette Stiff
Virginia Woulfe-Beile
view the 2021 Women of Distinction Event Video
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.