Empowering Change: The 35th Annual Women of Excellence Awards

YWCA Northeast Kansas will proudly present the 35th Annual Women of Excellence Awards, where the focus is on honoring remarkable women who are working tirelessly for growth, equality, education, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. The organization firmly believes in a world where women community pillars, showcasing their boundless brilliance. This event serves as an opportunity to celebrate the trailblazers who have made a significant impact and continue to inspire positive change in the community.

The Women of Excellence Honorees take center stage at the awards ceremony, each embodying the values that YWCA Northeast Kansas holds dear. These outstanding women are dedicated to overcoming challenges and making a difference. From advocating for women's rights to making groundbreaking contributions in various fields, their tireless efforts have broken barriers and set new standards for future generations to follow.

The awards ceremony goes beyond a typical gala event; it is an evening of inspirational storytelling. The stories shared during the event demonstrate resilience and determination. The tales serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for greatness within everyone and the positive impact that women can have on society.

This momentous occasion will take place Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at the Beacon in Downtown Topeka. The awards program will commence at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium, where the honorees' stories will inspire and uplift the audience. Following the awards program, the EmpowerBall will take place in the upstairs ballroom, offering delectable food, a silent auction with unique items, drinks, music, and an ambiance of celebration.

As the event honors these trailblazers, it also pays tribute to the collective effort of all women who have paved the way for progress and equality.

Attendees are invited to join in this memorable celebration of women's achievements and contribute to the essential programs, resources, and advocacy efforts of YWCA Northeast Kansas. Together, they can build a future where the brilliance of women knows no bounds and the impact of these extraordinary trailblazers leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

In less than two months this gorgeous staircase at The Beacon ,will be full of honorees being recognized for their tremendous community efforts. Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing them on our social feeds, but we thought it would be fun to tell you about a few today!

Jessica Savard is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Advisors Excel. In her role she leads Advisors Excel’s volunteer efforts for their nearly 920 staff members. In her role she works with dozens of community agencies to learn the needs of their organizations and how her team can help move their mission forward and make an impact through public service. Jessica’s other responsibilities include, reviewing and evaluating non-profit agency grant requests, assisting with facilitating and arranging annual charitable events, coordinating yearly employee giving campaigns, and building and maintaining relationships with various community agencies to increase awareness and support of their organization. Since joining Advisors Excel’s Community Engagement team, Jessica has coordinated over 15,000 volunteer hours.

Jessica’s civic engagement includes serving as an Advisory Board member for Leadership Greater Topeka and Washburn University’s Leadership Institute. She is also a Community Leadership Council member for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving Shawnee County. For nearly 2 years, Jessica has served as a “Big” to her “Little”, Elissa, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She is also a proud member of Omni Circle Group. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, volunteering and reading.

Miranda Hazim is a dedicated professional at the intersection of creativity and community service. As the driving force behind Hazim Happenings, she captures not just moments, but the essence of community engagement. In tandem with her role as a co-owner of MAD Marketing alongside Alison Beebe, Miranda's commitment to volunteerism shines brightly.

Miranda's lens extends beyond the ordinary, capturing the heart of community involvement. Her volunteering journey includes sharing her photographic talents with a myriad of organizations. From empowering sessions at the women's prison to contributing her skills to Sharefest, she leaves an indelible impact. Miranda's portfolio reflects her deepseated belief in giving back.

Through partnerships with community-rooted clients like Authentic Expressions, she not only documents events but also becomes an integral part of the fabric of local gatherings.

In the realm of MAD Marketing, Miranda's dedication finds expression in working with diverse clients, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the community. From Topeka Home Show to Build My Future, her efforts amplify local initiatives.

Miranda’s legacy is commitment to community enrichment. Through her lens and her ventures, she exemplifies the power of giving, creating a lasting impact that resonates far beyond the frame.

Dr. Lauren Edelman serves as the Director of the Leadership Institute at Washburn University. In her role, she teaches undergraduate courses for the Leadership Studies Minor and graduate courses for the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership. She also oversees the development and execution of pillar leadership development programs such as the Leadership Challenge Event™ and supports student-led leadership programming through the Student Leadership Council.

Lauren has a passion for helping individuals reach their full leadership potential. Her purpose is to help equip the next generation of leaders to combat the complex challenges our communities and citizens are facing so everyone can thrive. Lauren and her husband, Kyle, are raising three young girls.

Together, they are committed to raising women who know their worth, fight for equity in everything they do, and to advocate and care for others. Her hope for our community is that we can bring people together from all facets of life, lived experiences, cultures, and backgrounds, to value the humanity in others and ensure that everyone in our community has access to basic needs and necessities that promote well-being.

Ebony White is the visionary founder behind Inspire & Company Candles, a manifestation of her profound passion for candle-making and an unwavering commitment to inspiring others to chase their aspirations fearlessly. Fueled by her resolute belief in overcoming obstacles, Ebony embarked on this journey to spread the message of unwavering determination and self-belief.

At the heart of Inspire & Co. Candles lies a dedication to crafting top-tier, all-natural candles. These exquisite creations are fashioned from 100% soybean wax, free from additives, and feature natural cotton wicks.

While predominantly an online venture, Inspire & Co. Candles finds a physical presence at local events, including The Downtown Farmers Market and Stormont Vail Hospital Gift Shop. Ebony's aspirations stretch beyond commerce; she aims to nurture a legacy of unyielding perseverance, urging individuals to surmount challenges and embrace their destinies.

Ebony's quest for empowerment is particularly pronounced among young adults, especially women and minorities. Her resolve to uplift budding entrepreneurs in Topeka, Kansas, underscores her commitment to community growth.

Follow our social feeds to hear about several other amazing women who are also