BREMERTON – Nominations are now open for the YWCA Kitsap County’s 2016 Women of Achievement Awards to be presented at its Annual Women of Achievement Luncheon on Friday, April 22, at the Kitsap Conference Center.

Nominations may be submitted online via www.ywcakitsap.org or by mail using the online form and must be received no later than Friday, Feb. 26. Up to three letters of recommendation per nomination will be accepted. No previous years’ forms will be accepted, as the categories and criteria has changed.

Submissions are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Accepted nominations are then judged and winners are selected. Winners will be notified by phone and mail no later than March 4.

Eligible nominees must:

1) be 21 years of age or older,

2) work or volunteer (individuals) or operate (businesses and organizations) within Kitsap County,

3) not currently be running for elected office,

4) satisfy each of the criteria for their award category as listed below,

5) consent to the nomination and the publication of her name, photo and information and agree to attend a photo shoot with event photographer and

6) attend the Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 22.

Nominee Criteria – Individual (1 award in each of the 8 categories)

A YWCA Kitsap County Woman of Achievement inspires others. She has achieved outstanding success in her field by:

1. Breaking new ground or old barriers

2. Showing vision, creativity and initiative

3. Being a leader and a role model

4. Making an impact in Kitsap County

5. Participating actively as a volunteer

Nominee Criteria – Outstanding Workplace (1 Award)

An outstanding workplace supports the wellness and diverse needs of its employees in Kitsap County by:

1. Being a role model in best workplace practices

2. Being progressive and responsive to employees’ needs, including work/life balance

3. Supporting the advancement and success of women

4. Fostering professional development and mentorship

5. Supporting employee volunteerism and community initiatives

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Arts, Culture & Design

She enriches the community through her talents and commitment to visual, literary, media, architectural and/or performing arts and has made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County. She excels at facilitating or promoting the artistic efforts of others and broadening community engagement in the arts. She may be a curator, arts administrator, artist or other member of the arts community.

Business/Finance

Her colleagues and competitors in the field acknowledge her professional leadership ad consistent commitment to excellence. She has made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County while leveraging her achievements and business and/or finance acumen to facilitate change and create opportunities. She demonstrates respect for, and engagement with, her community, clients and colleagues. She may be a CEO, CFO, senior executive, professional or businesswoman.

Community Champion

She has personally identified a local community need or issue and initiated meaningful change, dedicating her own time and resources to champion her cause. What started as a volunteer crusade could now be a full-time or paid role for this leaders. She has made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County while being recognized as a source of strength and heart in her community and is able to harness the time, talent and capacity of others. She may be a founding member, administrator, board member or other community-minded leader.

Education, Training and Development (1 Award)

She inspires a passion for life-long learning in those around her and has made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County. She contributes through practice, research or administration in a learning environment, including the education system, employee training and development, community education or alternative programs. She motivates others to gain knowledge, set goals or seek opportunities. She may be an academic, educator, administrator or other champion of learning.

Environmental Sustainability (1 Award)

She is dedicated to promoting and creating the practices that contribute to a sustainable community, while having made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County. She generates opportunities that minimize the physical, ecological, human and economic impact on our planet. She collaborates with and educates others to identify strategies and solutions for good environmental practices and partnerships. She may be an advocate, leader, administrator or other promoter of green initiatives and practices.

Health & Wellness (1 Award)

She has an unwavering commitment to delivering, promoting and advocating for healthy lives and communities. She has made a significant and sustained difference in Kitsap County while empowering her community to change or better their lives through improved health and wellness practices. She may be a physician, practitioner, nurse or other woman committed to health and wellness.

Ticket Information

Tickets to the event are also available on the YWCA website at www.ywcakitsap.org. Tickets are $75 per person or a Table of Ten for $700.

For more information, contact Shawana Miller at (360) 479-0522, x103 or at smiller@ywcakitsap.org.