LRN Visionary Award Nomination Form
Community members are encouraged to make nominations for the 2024 YWRC Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award by January 8, 2024.
ABOUT THIS AWARD
The Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award honors advocates, activists, innovators, and philanthropists who have made significant contributions towards empowering girls and young women. Their work advances the status and welfare of girls and women, and their investments have a ripple effect to inspire others in the community. This individual’s efforts are exemplified by their passionate belief in the purpose of empowerment, their vision for the future, and strong sense of values guiding their work.
The recipient of the 2024 Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award will be honored at the YWRC Empower Gala on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Hilton Des Moines Downtown in Des Moines, IA. The awardee will also be asked to present a 3-5 minute speech during the event program.
AWARD CRITERIA / FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION
Evaluation of nominees will include consideration of the following criteria/factors:
- If the nominee has made significant contributions toward empowering girls and young women.
- How the nominee’s contributions advance the status and welfare of girls and women and impact our community.
- The nominee is a community member of the Greater Des Moines area.
- How the nominee’s characteristics, attitude, and skills relate to the mission of the YWRC.
- If the nominee would serve as a positive role model for the YWRC’s participants.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
Utilizing the structure provided by the online nomination form, submissions should not exceed 3,000 characters (approximately 500 words) and should include a brief summary statement describing why the nominee should be considered to receive the Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award and how the nominee has made significant contributions toward empowering girls and young women of our community. Please give specific examples.
This could include:
- How they advanced/ensured rights, opportunities and choice for girls and young women
- How they equipped women and girls with the skills and strengths to pursue opportunities and goals
- How they established or increased representation of the needs and best interests of girls and young women
- A description of any challenges/obstacles the nominee may have overcame
- How the nominee’s work has inspired others to become leaders and role models
The selection committee will notify the nominator of the nomination results when the process is completed at the contact information provided.
PREVIOUS AWARDEES (IN ORDER OF YEAR RECEIVED):
Connie Wimer, Lorraine May, R. Lucia Riddle, Rebecca Shaw M.D., Dr. Mary Chapman, Wanda Everage, Sharon Malheiro, Julie McGuire, Mary Brubaker, Roxanne Conlin, Judge Artis Reis, Jo Oldson, Barbara Mack, Susan Knapp, Judy Bradshaw, Jann Freed, Mary Lynne Jones, Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Connie Boesen, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, Deidre DeJear, Katie Patterson, Rekha Basu, Renee Hardman, and Dawn Martinez Oropeza.
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Learn about all the awards presented at the YWRC Empower Gala here.
Related Programs
After School Groups
The Young Women’s Resource Center holds weekly after school groups for young women in the Des Moines area in 5th through 12th grades. These groups explore a variety of topics such as body image, self-esteem, reproductive health and healthy relationships. They include hands-on activities, field trips, guest speakers and community service projects. (Groups are currently held online and meet in a virtual space. Project-specific activity kits are provided for participants.)
Better Beginnings Doula Program
The term doula comes from ancient Greek which means, “a woman who serves”. Today Birth Doulas provide practical, emotional, physical, spiritual and informational support. Birth doulas stand by their clients during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas aim to empower clients to have the birth they want, as well as have autonomy over their birth and body.
Childbirth Education Group
Held at the Young Women’s Resource Center, the Pregnancy and Birth Support Group provides comprehensive pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum education for young women and their partners.