Daring to Be Powerful: YWCA Women of Distinction

Photography by Dave Uhrin and Jim Pile

Nine women join the ranks of our region’s most powerful female leaders in the 32nd year of the YWCA South Hampton Roads’ Women of Distinction Awards. From courtrooms and classrooms to marine life and maritime, these nine honorees are making waves in a plethora of industries, all in hopes of creating a Coastal Virginia community that is connected, courageous and committed to change. We asked these nine remarkable women to share their thoughts on life, leadership and serving the greater good.

The honorees will be recognized at a luncheon, now rescheduled for June, based on the YWCA’s chosen theme for the year, “Dare to Be Powerful,” and inspired by the 100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the U.S. Coastal Virginia Magazine serves as a media sponsor for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

Andrea Bear

Arts, Culture & Design

Richardean Benjamin

Education, Training & Development

Mary Blunt

Health & Wellness

Elle Harris

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Judy Jankowki

Community Champion

Allyson McNaughton

Research & the Sciences

Jeannette Rincon

Military

Nicolle Vasquez Del Favero

Woman on the Rise

Aleea Slappy Wilson

Business & the Professions