Luncheon Legacy
The YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon was established in 1980 to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the community. The luncheon has evolved into the YWCA’s largest fundraising event, sponsored by 150 companies and organizations each year, with an attendance of over 2,100. In 2020, we pivoted the event into a TV/online broadcast with nearly 14,000 households tuning in. All proceeds directly benefit YWCA programs, supporting our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
Upwards of 75 women are nominated to be Career Women of Achievement each year. An independent panel of 5 community leaders selects women who exemplify personal career success, dynamic leadership qualities, and the unique ability to serve as role models. Former honorees include artists, physicians, educators, executives, politicians, lawyers, human service workers, entrepreneurs, and law enforcement officers.
2021 Career Women of Achievement
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 7-8 p.m.
2021 CAREER WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES
Giovanna Alvarez
Director, Su Casa Hispanic Center
Vanessa Freytag
President & CEO, 4C for Children
Dr. Whitney B. Gaskins
Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence & Community Engagement, University of Cincinnati College of Engineering & Applied Science
Dr. Lisa Kelly
Taylor Asbury Professor of Ophthalmology; Medical Director Hoxworth Eye Clinics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Kelly Kolar-Eyman
President & Founder, Kolar Design, Inc. + Kolar Experience Institute
Tashawna Thomas Otabil
Executive Director, TriHealth
Stephanie Smith
Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, Fifth Third Bank
Amy Spiller
President, Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky, Duke Energy
Photo Credit: Helen Adams Photography
TRANSFORMATION PARTNER:
TECHNOLOGY & BROADCAST PARTNER:
INNOVATION PARTNERS:
Leadership PARTNERs:
The Christ Hospital Health Network
Cincinnati Business Courier
d.e. Foxx & Associates, Inc
Fifth Third Bank
Huntington National Bank
Macy’s
Madison Design
OVATION PARTNERS:
BakerHostetler
Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter
epay
Forefront Group, Inc.
Vanessa A. Freytag
Fund Evaluation Group
Kolar Design + Kolar Experience Institute
Learning Grove
UC Health
Women of Water Cincinnati
Celebrate Partner:
Friends of Music Hall
Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship, presented by Kroger
Winner:
Trinity Robinson, Northwest High School, Ohio University
Learn more about the Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship & this year’s winner.
Charlotte r. schmidlapp scholarship, fifth third bank, trustee
Winner:
Angel Spurlock-Lang, Mount St. Joseph University
Learn more about the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Scholarship & this year’s winner.
The YWCA is proud to have honored 330 women to date. Here is the full listing.
$50,000 Transformation Partner
$30,000 Technology & Broadcast Partner (SOLD OUT)
$25,000 Visionary Partner
$15,000 Innovation Partner
$10,000 Leadership Partner
$5,000 Empowerment Partner
$3,500 Mentorship Partner
$1,750 Advocacy Partner
$950 Non-Profit/501C-3 Partner
Check out the full list of past keynote speakers.
Help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 for Domestic Violence Programs
View the message scroll!
Experience More from our 2021 Broadcast!
In case you missed it or just want to experience the broadcast and honoree videos again, see links below!
Honoring the 2021 Career Women of Achievement!
Visit our YouTube Channel to watch the Honoree Videos
Digital Program Book
Take a look through our digital Career Women of Achievement Program Book to read more about our Honorees, Scholars & Community Partners!
Cincinnati Lit Up Orange in Honor of YWCA!
Thank you to our amazing partners at Duke Energy Convention Center for lighting up the CINCINNATI sign orange through April 22nd!
Thanks to FC Cincinnati for lighting the “fins” orange on April 22nd!
2021 42ND ANNUAL EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Cathy Bernadino Bailey
Director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works
Stacey Browning
Managing Director of Digital Portfolio, CincyTech
Photo Credit: Mary Strubbe Photography
Questions: careerwomen@ywcacin.org
Take a look back at the 2019 Career Women of Achievement Luncheon
