Nominate

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

    This award honors women who are committed to dismantling racism by challenging harmful systems, confronting inequities, and advancing justice. Through their leadership and action, they promote equity, reconciliation, and healing while helping to create a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

  • Empowering Women

    This award celebrates women who uplift and empower women and girls by expanding opportunities, advancing economic well-being, and breaking down barriers to equality. Through their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to creating lasting change, they help build a community where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.

  • Emerging Leader Award (x2)

    This award recognizes two outstanding young leaders who are making meaningful contributions to their communities through advocacy, service, or innovation while demonstrating a commitment to equity, justice, and positive change. Eligible nominees must be rising high school juniors or seniors, or enrolled in a college, university, or technical education program to further their education.

  • 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.

  • 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.

I’m ready to nominate!

To nominate a woman for one or more of the 2026 Tribute to Outstanding Women awards, please complete and submit our online nomination form by August 24, 2026.

Submit a nomination

If you prefer to submit a paper nomination, you may download and print the nomination form. Completed forms may be mailed or delivered to YWCA La Crosse and must be received by the aforementioned date.

  • Any woman or young woman making a positive impact in the Coulee Region is eligible to be nominated. Nominees should reflect the mission and values of YWCA La Crosse by helping eliminate racism, empower women, and advance social justice. College students and rising high school juniors or seniors are encouraged to be nominated for one of the Emerging Leader Awards. Award categories include Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women, Emerging Leader (2 recipients), Trailblazer, and Legacy. For full award descriptions, view the information above or visit the nomination form.

  • Anyone can submit a nomination! Community members, colleagues, friends, family members, and organizations are all encouraged to recognize women making a difference in the Coulee Region. For step-by-step instructions on how to nominate, keep scrolling.

  • Tribute to Outstanding Women is YWCA La Crosse's signature annual celebration recognizing women who are making an extraordinary impact across the Coulee Region. Each year, we honor leaders whose work reflects our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing social justice. This November, up to five outstanding women will be recognized across four award categories during an inspiring evening of celebration, connection, and storytelling that highlights both their achievements and the ongoing impact of YWCA La Crosse in our community.

  • Nominations can be most easily 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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