YWCA Honors Women of Distinction at Annual Gala

Women of Distinction Banquet 2026

GODFREY - The YWCA’s 11 Women of Distinction were honored with a gala to celebrate their accomplishments in the community.

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the women, their loved ones, and community members gathered at Lewis and Clark Community College for the event. This year’s honorees included Lynne Burnett, Tomeika Carter, Barb Erwin, Mary Jason, Carol Morris, Debbie Sheary, Dr. Tandra Taylor, Dr. Tracy Webster-Cooley, Kathleen Wilson, Beverly Woody, and Tracy Zerwas.

“We honored 11 wonderful women that have worked in support of the YWCA mission,” explained Dorothy Hummel, executive director of the YWCA. “They strive to make the community better, and almost everyone there has spent their entire life undertaking that important work.”

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This year marked the 35th annual Women of Distinction program. The theme — “The Power of Her” — spoke to the strength in each of the honorees.

Keynote speaker Trisha Gordon, a former Vice President of Community Investment with United Way, was “inspirational” as she encouraged over 200 attendees to surround themselves with uplifting experiences and people, Hummel added.

In addition to recognizing this year’s 11 women, the March 12 event included a new, special award to honor a former Woman of Distinction. The first YWCA Women of Distinction Impact Award was presented to Gail Donnelly Bader, who was named a Woman of Distinction in 1998 and has continued to “provide exemplary service above and beyond YWCA.”

“It was just a thrilling moment,” Hummel shared. “Gail had no idea that she was getting recognized. I have to say, it was just one of the most heartwarming parts of the evening.”

The Women of Distinction program is also the YWCA’s biggest fundraiser. Every ticket helps the YWCA continue its work in the community. For more information about that work, visit their official website.

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