YWCA Honor Four women.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — On Nov. 16, YWCA is hosting their 23rd Annual Spirit of American Women event at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. They are honoring four women for their contribution to Syracuse for leadership, volunteerism and altruism. The four women are Syracuse Fire Department Lieutenant Tamica Barnett, C&S Companies Administrative Principal Terry Hopkins, Mary Nelson Youth Center President/CEO Mary Nelson and Assemblymember of Pamela Hunter Chief of Staff Lisa Sacco.
There are three different award categories: Stem Enrichment Award, Leadership Advocacy and Altruism Award, Excellence in Volunteerism Award. YWCA Development Director Catie Jones said the process to get nominated was open.
“We put those criteria for everyone to see and then we just invite everyone who we know to nominate different women for those three different awards,” said Jones. “And we actually have a planning committee who reviews the nominations, and they deliberate and decide who’s the best fit to receive the award.”
Part of the proceeds from the event will be given to support YWCA program for helping women who are domestic violence victims. YWCA Executive Director Fanny Villarreal said the help given to domestic violence victims is done through life skills training.
“In the life skills they teach a little bit of soft skills,” said Villarreal. “For example, they will talk about how to create your own goal, how to create your plan of action, how to reach for those dreams you might have.”
Jones expects over $20,000 from sponsorships but also expects people to donate.
“And then we’re also hoping you know motivating people to give when they’re at the dinner tomorrow night,” said Jones. “So, all in I would say we’re hoping for $25 to $30,000.”