Women of Distinction

Our YWCA story embodies women actively collaborating across economic, generational, and racial divides, channeling their collective power to enhance communities, foster the advancement of women and girls and working in concert with the YWCA mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all persons. Since 1991, Women of Distinction (WOD) have celebrated the achievements of incredible women in our community. These are the women who go above and beyond to help make our community a better place for all. For more than three decades, YWCA has honored and celebrated over 300 Women of Distinction and annually celebrates their achievements at the Women of Distinction Gala Event.

This YWCA signature event raises critical financial support for life-changing programs serving the community and honors truly outstanding female leaders in our region. We deeply appreciate our 2024 Platinum Sponsors Morrissey Contracting Co., Philips 66 Wood River Refinery, and Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm, and our 2024 Gold Sponsors, Alton Memorial Hospital (BJC Health), and Caffey Law Firm.

Each spring, we host our Women of Distinction Gala event to acknowledge extraordinary women and their accomplishments in the community and their commitment to the YWCA mission — empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. After the Women of Distinction gala occurs, the new honorees join the Women of Distinction Academy, a group of the most prestigious women leaders in Madison County.

We also recognize the Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leaders Scholarship winners and toast their future successes. Mrs. Josephine Marley Beckwith was a Women of Distinction who broke down many racial barriers during her lifetime. In her honor, YWCA awards two new high school senior women attending Madison County high schools with renewable $1,000 scholarships. Scholars are selected for demonstrating outstanding leadership and community involvement and maintaining high academic achievement.

Please explore the following sections for important details on this year’s Women of Distinction events including, this year’s Sponsors & Advertisers, Women of Distinction Academy Listing, and the Biographies of our 2024 Honorees.

  • How to Nominate

    Click here for more information on how to nominate and access the application.

    Learn More

  • WOD 2024 Honorees

    Click here to learn about last years honorees.

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  • WOD Academy

    See every woman who has been part of WOD since 1991.

    Learn More

Rosetta Brown, Sheila Goins, and Annette Campbell

Dr. Nana Becoat, Felicia Alexander, and Erin Bickle

Women of Distinction Gala 2024

This years Gala took place at Lewis and Clark Community College ‘Commons’ on April 25, 2024.

Ten women were honored as Women of Distinction this year: Dr. Nana Becoat, Kristen Burns, Annette Campbell, Shanyra Cox, Teresa Howard-Johnson, Marlene Lewis, Apryll Pittman, Juanita Shaw, Anne Tyree, and Jeanne Wuellner.

Thank you to our Women of Distinction Committee Co-Chairs Desira Caffey and Rhonda Cox, and our committee members Dr. Wendy Adams, Lisa Brown, Jessica Everage, Chytia Freeman, Mia Kilgore, Monique LeFlore, Kidada Miller, and Christie Mosby for putting on an exceptional event.

Rhonda Cox and Mia Kilgore

Thank You to Our Advertisers

100 Black Men, Alton Branch NAACP, Alton Comm. Unit School District No. 11, Alton Community Federal Credit Union, Alton Housing Authority, Alton Section NCNW. American Water Co., Bakers & Hale, Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select Properties, Body Restoration Salon & Spa, Bread of Life Fellowship Church, Butler Durrell Security, Caffey Law Firm, Cathy M. Williams & Sons Funeral Home, Chariti Homes Ministries, CJ Schlosser & Company, Dr. Wendy Adams, The Law Office of Ebony R. Huddleston, P.C., Edwardsville School District 7, Friends of David Goins, Friends of Katie Stuart, Heitz Optical, Jaquisha Brumfield, Jeff Connor for Madison County Sheriff, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Louer Facility Planning, Liberty Bank, LuciAnna’s Pastries, Mayor Mike McCormick, MillerKing Law, Poettker Construction, Rhonda Cox, Riverbend Growth Association, Roberts Motors Inc., Rosetta Brown 4th Ward Alderwoman, Schwartzkopf Printing, St. Peters Hardware & Rental, The Luken Agency, Inc., T’s Turf & Mole, LLC, Vintage Voices, and YWCA Saturday Yogi’s

Thank You to This Years Sponsors

Honoring and celebrating
dynamic leaders

Submissions for 2024 are now closed. Submissions for 2025 will open at the end of the year.

YWCA honors and celebrates dynamic leaders who make a difference in our community and embody our mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

In nearly three decades, the YWCA has honored and celebrated over 300 Women of Distinction and annually celebrates their achievements at the Women of Distinction Event.