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Celebrate the Women Making a Difference

Every day, women across the Coulee Region are leading, serving, advocating, and inspiring others through their work and dedication. The YWCA La Crosse Tribute to Outstanding Women recognizes these extraordinary individuals whose contributions strengthen our communities and advance a more just and equitable future.

We invite you to nominate a woman whose impact deserves to be celebrated. Whether she is a lifelong advocate, an emerging leader, a dedicated volunteer, or a trailblazer in her profession, your nomination helps honor the women who make our community stronger.

About our nominations:

Every year, Tribute to Outstanding Women celebrates women and young adults who are making a lasting difference in the Coulee Region. By nominating someone, you are helping us honor leaders who embody YWCA La Crosse’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing social justice.

Explore our awards:

  • Eliminating Racism

    Honors women who work to dismantle racism by challenging harmful systems and promoting equity, reconciliation, and healing in our community.

  • Empowering Women

    Recognizes women who uplift women and girls by expanding opportunities, advancing economic well-being, and dismantling barriers to equality.

  • Social Justice

    Celebrates women who champion peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all through leadership and advocacy.

  • Emerging Leader Award (x2)

    This award recognizes two outstanding young leaders who are making meaningful contributions to their communities. Through advocacy, service, or innovation, these individuals demonstrate a commitment to equity, justice, and positive change—using their voices and actions to help create a more just and inclusive future. Eligible nominees must be rising high school juniors or seniors, or enrolled in a college, university, or technical education program. All college students are eligible for nomination.

  • Trailblazer Award

    The Trailblazer Award honors individuals who are forging new paths, challenging the status quo, and expanding access to opportunity in bold and innovative ways. Their work advances justice, equity, and freedom—creating lasting change and opening doors for others to follow.

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  • Legacy Award

    This special honor recognizes a leader whose lifelong work has advanced equity, justice, and opportunity for all. Through sustained impact, they have transformed systems, uplifted communities, and empowered generations—leaving a lasting legacy rooted in dignity, inclusion, and meaningful change.

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  • Any woman or young adult making a positive impact in the Coulee Region can be nominated for Tribute to Outstanding Women. Nominees should exemplify the values of YWCA La Crosse—eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing social justice. If a nominee is a college student or is a senior in high school, it is encouraged that they be nominated for either of the student-level awards. Categories include Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women, Social Justice, Outstanding College Student, and Outstanding High School Student. For further details on the descriptions of the awards, see below.

  • Anyone! Community members, colleagues, family, friends, or organizations are encouraged to nominate. For more information on how to nominate, keep scrolling!

  • Tribute to Outstanding Women is YWCA La Crosse’s signature annual celebration honoring women who are making an extraordinary impact in the Coulee Region. Each year, we recognize leaders who embody our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing social justice for all. This November, up to five honorees will be recognized across four award categories during an inspiring evening of celebration and reception, featuring their stories alongside the impactful work of YWCA La Crosse.

  • Nominations can be submitted through our online nomination form. Simply complete the form with your nominee’s information, a description of their impact, and any supporting materials you’d like to include. Paper or emailed nominations may also be accepted upon request—please contact YWCA La Crosse or view the directions on the form for details. Be sure to submit all nominations by the posted deadline.

  • Please reach out to Sydney Frank, Executive Assistant, at sfrank@ywcalax.org.

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