From press release

The YWCA of Rockford is now accepting Bright Future Scholarship applications as well as nominations for outstanding leaders who exemplify the mission of the YWCA, eliminating racism and empowering women. These individuals will be honored at Leader Luncheon XXXI; Woman of Achievement, to be held Monday, March 7, 2011.

The 2011 event keynote speaker is Dr. Erika Holiday, who has been featured on CNN. She is also the author of Mean Girls, Meaner Woman: Understanding Why Women Backstab, Betray and Trash Talk Each Other and How to Heal, which looks at hurtful behavior between women from the perspective of both the target and the victim and provides tips on having closer and more authentic connections with other women.

The YWCA of Rockford is pleased to present two $1,500 Bright Future Scholarships at the event this year. Applicants must be female high school seniors planning to continue their education (not limited to college). They must be a resident of northern Illinois and maintain a 2.5 scholastic average or equivalent. The scholarship was created to assist young women who demonstrate leadership qualities, along with a commitment to diversity while contributing to their school and community with their educational goals. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by Jan. 7, 2011.

We are delighted to again be presenting six awards to outstanding members of this community at Leader Luncheon XXXI. The award categories are as follows:

→ Business: includes women in business and nonprofit sectors who make a significant contribution in their field.

→ Community Leadership: includes women who are professionals and volunteers in government, public service, politics and community action.

→ Mentorship: a male or female, whose mentoring relationship(s) has had a major impact on the personal and professional development of women and has fostered excellence. The purpose of the award is to honor an individual who has taught, guided and inspired women in ways that have changed their lives.

→ Professions: women in the fields of medicine, law, education, science, engineering, architecture or other fields which require professional accreditation in order to perform work in that field.

→ Promise Award: given to reaffirm our commitment to young women and their importance to the future of the YWCA and our mission. The nominee must be a young woman between the ages of 18 and 35. The award is given to an individual with sufficient community service and professional success to indicate her potential for extraordinary leadership and service.

→ Racial Justice Award: includes women and men who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting racial justice and have worked toward the elimination of racism. The Racial Justice honoree must demonstrate a commitment to racial equality and the advocacy of fundamental rights for all races.

Prior nominees are eligible for re-nomination; current members of the YWCA Board of Directors, YWCA staff members and winners within the past five years cannot be renominated. Nominations are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2011.

Nomination forms and scholarship applications are available for download at www.ywca.org/rockford ^[1]; additional copies are also available at the YWCA of Rockford office, 4990 E. State St., Rockford.

For questions regarding nominations, scholarship applications, or to be placed on the event invitation list, e-mail nancy.baldwin@ywca-rockford.org, or call (815) 316-6126.

From the Jan. 5-11, 2011 issue