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.
Broadcast Partnership Opportunities:
Download Partnership Levels
Become a Partner for the 2021 Broadcast
Questions: careerwomen@ywcacin.org
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
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
$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
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.
Check out the full list of past keynote speakers.
A look back at our 2020 Event
Last year, our agency took the unprecedented step by pivoting from our annual Career Women of Achievement Luncheon to broadcasting a version on network television.
We met the COVID-19 crisis head-on by transforming the previously-scheduled May 6 luncheon into a TV event.
Nearly 14,000 households tuned in to watch our 41st Annual Career Woman of Achievement on June 18th!
Honoring the 2020 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!
Thank you to our amazing partners at Duke Energy Convention Center for lighting up the CINCINNATI sign orange through June 18th in honor of our 2020 Career Women of Achievement!