The following is a news release from the YWCA of Lubbock:

For over three decades, the YWCA of Lubbock has been honoring the accomplishments and contributions of women across the region through the Women of Excellence Awards. This year’s winners were announced in January and will be celebrated at the special event on Tuesday, March 19th at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Since 1989, Women of Excellence award recipients have been inspiring others in Lubbock not only with their professional achievements but also with the work they do for others. By promoting women as leaders in Lubbock, the YWCA strives to empower women and their families in order to establish strong role models for future generations.

This year’s program will feature an address from U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington and a special performance by area artist Jenni Dale Lord, with welcoming remarks from this year’s chairwoman, Lynn Sanderson.

The honorees include:

  • Miss Gabriella Ghandour, Youth Leadership Award
  • Mrs. Terri Duncan, Mary Nell Strong Community Service Award
  • Mrs. Karen Thornton, Excellence in Education
  • Mrs. Melissa Collier, Excellence in Business
  • Mrs. Brandi Cantrell, Excellence in Religion
  • Dr. Melinda Schalow, Excellence in Social Justice
  • Mrs. Rebecca Geist, Excellence in Medicine
  • Dr. Lisaann Gittner, Excellence in Science
  • Dr. Annette Sobel, Excellence in Government

Including this year’s recipients, the YWCA of Lubbock has honored 263 extraordinary women in the 31 years of the event including five women with the Jane O. Burns Award and six women with the Mary Nell Strong Community Service Award.

More information regarding the event and ticket availability can be found online at www.YWCALubbock.org or by calling the YWCA of Lubbock at 806-771-0184. We invite the community to join us as we celebrate a new chapter in our long-standing history of women honoring women.

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA of Lubbock impacts over 2,500 lives daily advancing women and the power of diversity to strengthen our community. Learn more at http://www.ywcalubbock.org, connect with us on Instagram (@ywcalubbock), follow us on Twitter (@YWCAofLubbock), and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YWCAofLubbock

(News release from the Young Women’s Christian Association of Lubbock)