YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley is proud to host our 42nd annual Tribute to Women Awards.
This annual event honors women leaders representing local technology, healthcare, education, non-profit, and business sectors. These women have excelled in their fields and made significant contributions to the community in executive and professional roles. Over 500 attendees, including corporate and community leaders and Bay Area professionals, attend the annual awards celebration.
ABOUT THE AWARDS
For more than 40 years, YWCA’s Tribute to Women Awards has celebrated the contributions of women in the workplace. Women receiving awards at the Tribute to Women Awards are extraordinary leaders who embody the essence of women’s empowerment. These individuals transform their professions, uplift their communities, challenge inequities, and inspire generations to fight for a more just and equitable future. The Tribute to Women Awards is a direct investment in YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
The Tribute to Women Awards is a celebration of resilience, innovation and community leadership. Participating in this awards program helps shift cultural narratives about what leadership looks like by showcasing a diverse range of women achievers, from diverse industries.
YWCA's Tribute to Women Awards provides companies with a high-visibility platform for women to be recognized for their leadership.
For any questions or if you would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Your YWCA's Philanthropy Team at philanthropy@yourywca.org.
HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Thank you for your interest in submitting a nomination for the Tribute to Women Awards.
Please follow these steps to submit a nomination no later than Friday, February 6, 2026:
Click ‘Submit an Entry’ on the top right of this page.
Enter the nominator information to create a nominator account.
Complete or begin the nomination for your nominee.
You can start a nomination and save the draft to return to later.
You can submit multiple nominations from the same nominator account.
CONTACT US
If you have any issues submitting your nomination, please reach out to Your YWCA’s Philanthropy Team at
Is there a fee charged when a nomination is submitted?
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There are NO fees for submitting nominations. However, the nominator must have the authority to confirm payment owed for the award package and will serve as the invoicing point of contact if the nominee is selected for the award. See each award fee below:
Tribute to Women Award Package Fee
$4000 early bird discount, if submitted by December 31, 2025
$5000 for all nominations received in 2026
Women on the Rise Award Package Fee
$4000 early bird discount, if submitted by December 31, 2025
$5000 for all nominations received in 2026
Emerging Leader Award Package Fee - $3000
Nonprofit Excellence Award Package Fee - $2000
Do I need to create an account to submit a nomination?
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Yes, you'll need to create an account on this platform and submit the nomination no later than Friday, February 6, 2026.
Can I edit the nomination once I begin?
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Yes, you can save your nomination as you work and return to it by logging into the nomination portal from this page.
Can I submit multiple nominations?
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Yes, you can submit as many nominations as you'd like, but only 5 honorees from your organization can be selected across all 4 categories.
What is the difference between the Award categories this year: the Tribute to Women Award, the Women on the Rise Award, the Emerging Leader Award, or the Nonprofit Excellence Award?
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Tribute to Women Award is awarded to women in executive level positions who exhibit exceptional leadership in managing people, work groups or projects, and who embody the mission of YWCA. These leaders uplift others, challenge inequities and inspire future generations to advocate for a more just future.
Women on the Rise Award is a NEW category to women who are new leaders, managers, or directors with a proven track record of success at their organizations. They are paving their own paths within their organization and in the community to promote equity, uplift communities, and inspire others through their passion and dedication.
Emerging Leader Award is awarded to women who are high achievers in the first five years of their career. Within their organizations, they demonstrate strong potential for promotion and upward mobility. These leaders are often the next generation of Tribute to Women Honorees.
Nonprofit Excellence Award: is awarded to women in executive-level positions at 501c3 nonprofit organizations. hese leaders embrace the spirit of women’s empowerment, strengthen their communities through both professional and personal contributions, confront inequities, and serve as role models for the next generation of leaders.
How many nominations can my organization submit?
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There is no limit on the number of nominations an organization submits for any one category or submits overall. However, only FIVE (5) awards per company will be selected across all 4 categories.
What is the Honoree Package and when do I pay it?
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A participating organization is committed to pay for the Honoree Package only when a Nominee is selected as an Honoree.
We will be contacting the nominator with the invoice once Honorees are confirmed and selected in mid-February 2026. Payment for the honoree package is due by April 30, 2026.
When will I know if my nominee has been selected as an Honoree?
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Nominators and Honorees will be informed by mid-February 2026 if their nominee has been selected as an Honoree. Please refer to the Awards Timeline below for further details.
We'd like to sponsor the event, who do we contact?
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We are thrilled you are considering partnering with YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley to sponsor the Tribute to Women Awards. Please contact our Director of Philanthropy, Lindsay Mapp at lmapp@yourywca.org.
TRIBUTE TO WOMEN AWARDS TIMELINE
November 3, 2025 – Nominations open
December 31, 2025 – Early Bird Pricing for Tribute to Women Award Nominations ends
February 6, 2026 – Nominations close
February 17, 2026 – Honoree selections completed, Nominators notified
February 20, 2026 – Honorees notified
March 2026 – Tribute to Women Honoree & Sponsor Networking Event, San Jose Museum of Art
Week of March 30 & Week of April 3 – Honoree Interview Filming in Fremont, CA, for event program highlight reel
April 1, 2026 – Sponsorship sales end
April 30, 2026 – 42nd Annual Tribute to Women Awards Event
AWARD RULES & CRITERIA FOR ALL CATEGORIES
All nominators must have the authority to confirm payment owed for the award package and will serve as the invoicing point of contact if the nominee is selected for the award.
There is no limit to the number of nominations a company can submit for each category, but only 5 awards per company may be SELECTED across all 4 categories.
Nominating organizations must have a presence in the Bay Area.
Nominee(s) must work primarily in the Bay Area or perform work that has a primary impact in the Bay Area or for a Bay Area based company.
Like YWCA Golden Gate Silicon upholds the values of empowerment, inclusion, and integrity, the women recognized at the Tribute to Women Awards embody the same values at their organizations and in their community. All nominees should demonstrate at least one of the values below at their organization and/or in the community:
Inclusion: These nominees help provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded. They make significant contributions to their communities by helping others feel seen, respected, and included regardless of their background, identity or ability.
Integrity: These nominees demonstrate a courageous commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy, and as a result, create a lasting impact on those around them. They challenge inequities within systems, institutions and culture.
Empowerment: These nominees create space, shift power and actively work to dismantle barriers of inequity, ensuring that more voices are heard, valued and uplifted. They inspire others to lead with purpose and confidence.
Honoree Package Fee : $5,000 regular / $4,000 early bird rate (if nomination is submitted by Dec 31, 2025)
Tribute to Women Award
The Tribute to Women Award is awarded to women in executive level positions who exhibit exceptional leadership in managing people, work groups or projects, and who embody the mission of YWCA. These leaders uplift others, challenge inequities and inspire future generations to advocate for a more just future.
Tribute to Women Award Packages include:
One (1) table of ten (10) for Honoree at the Tribute to Women Awards Dinner on April 30, 2026
Professional headshot & interview recording to be used on social media announcements and Your YWCA’s YouTube Channel
Red Carpet question or short speaking opportunity on stage during the event program
Four (4) tickets to the Tribute to Women Awards Networking Event (March 2026)
TRIBUTE TO WOMEN AWARD CRITERIA:
Nominee(s) must work primarily in the Bay Area or perform work that has a primary impact in the Bay Area or for a Bay Area based company
Nominees must serve in a leadership role (project, team, department, division, organization)
Nominees should be outstanding leaders who embody the spirit of women’s empowerment. They will be evaluated based on their leadership within their organizations and their ability to transform their professions, uplift their communities, challenge inequities, and inspire future generations to strive for a more just and equitable future.
Like YWCA Golden Gate Silicon upholds the values of empowerment, inclusion, and integrity, the women recognized at the Tribute to Women Awards embody the same values at their organizations and in their community. All nominees should demonstrate at least one of the values below at their organization and / or in the community:
Inclusion: These nominees help provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded. They make significant contributions to their communities by helping others feel seen, respected, and included regardless of their background, identity or ability.
Integrity: These nominees demonstrate a courageous commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy, and as a result, create a lasting impact on those around them. They challenge inequities within systems, institutions and culture.
Empowerment : These nominees create space, shift power and actively work to dismantle barriers of inequity, ensuring that more voices are heard, valued and uplifted. They inspire others to lead with purpose and confidence.
Honoree Package Fee : $5,000 regular / $4,000 early bird rate (if nomination is submitted by Dec 31, 2025)
Women on the Rise Award
The Women on the Rise Award is a NEW categorybeing awarded to women who are new leaders, managers, or directors with a proven track record of success at their organizations. They are paving their own paths within their organization and in the community to promote equity, uplift communities, and inspire others through their passion and dedication.
Women on the Rise Award Packages include:
One (1) table of ten (10) for Honoree at the Tribute to Women Awards Dinner on April 30, 2026
Professional headshot & interview recording to be used on social media announcements and Your YWCA’s YouTube Channel
Red Carpet question or short speaking opportunity on stage during the event program
Four (4) tickets to the Tribute to Women Awards Networking Event (March 2026)
Women on the Rise Award Criteria:
Nominee(s) must work primarily in the Bay Area or perform work that has a primary impact in the Bay Area or for a Bay Area based company.
Nominees must be a mid-level manager or in a position of leadership that does not qualify as executive.
Nominees should be accomplished managers, leaders, or directors who deserve recognition for their achievements both within their organization and in the community. They will be assessed based on their leadership within the organization and their contributions to promoting equity, uplifting their communities, and inspiring others through their passion and dedication.
Like YWCA Golden Gate Silicon upholds the values of empowerment, inclusion, and integrity, the women recognized at the Tribute to Women Awards embody the same values at their organizations and in their community. All nominees should demonstrate at least one of the values below at their organization and / or in the community:
Inclusion: Provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded. Make significant contributions to communities by helping others feel seen, respected, and included regardless of background, identity, or ability.
Integrity: Demonstrate a courageous commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy. Challenge inequities within systems, institutions, and culture, creating a lasting impact.
Empowerment: Create space, shift power, and actively dismantle barriers of inequity. Inspire others to lead with purpose and confidence.
Honoree Package Fee: $3000
The Emerging Leader Award is awarded to women who are high achievers in the first five years of their career.
Within their organizations, they demonstrate strong potential for promotion and upward mobility.
These leaders are often the next generation of Tribute to Women Honorees.
Emerging Leader Award Packages include:
One (1) ticket for the honoree + four (4) guest tickets at the Tribute to Women Awards Dinner on April 30, 2026
Professional headshot & interview recording to be used on social media announcements and Your YWCA’s YouTube Channel
Red Carpet question or short speaking opportunity on stage during the event program
Two (2) tickets to the Tribute to Women Awards Networking Event (March 2026)
Emerging Leader Award Criteria:
Nominee(s) must work primarily in the Bay Area or perform work that has a primary impact in the Bay Area or for a Bay Area-based company.
Nominees must be in the first five years of their professional career overall, not just in the first 5 years at the organization.
Nominees should be high achievers who show strong potential for promotion and upward mobility.
They will be assessed based on their impact within the organization and their contributions to promoting equity,
uplifting communities, and inspiring others through their passion and dedication.
Like YWCA Golden Gate Silicon upholds the values of empowerment, inclusion, and integrity,
the women recognized at the Tribute to Women Awards embody the same values at their organizations and in their community.
All nominees should demonstrate at least one of the values below:
Inclusion: Help provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded.
Make significant contributions to their communities by helping others feel seen, respected, and included regardless of background, identity, or ability.
Integrity: Demonstrate a courageous commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy.
Challenge inequities within systems, institutions, and culture, creating a lasting impact.
Empowerment: Create space, shift power, and actively work to dismantle barriers of inequity,
ensuring that more voices are heard, valued, and uplifted.
Honoree Package Fee: $2000
The Nonprofit Excellence Award is awarded to women in executive-level positions at 501c3 nonprofit organizations.
These leaders embrace the spirit of women’s empowerment, strengthen their communities through both professional
and personal contributions, confront inequities, and serve as role models for the next generation of leaders.
Nonprofit Excellence Award Packages include:
One (1) table of ten (10) for Honoree at the Tribute to Women Awards Dinner on April 30, 2026
Professional headshot & interview recording to be used on social media announcements and Your YWCA’s YouTube Channel
Red Carpet question or short speaking opportunity on stage during the event program
Two (2) tickets to the Tribute to Women Awards Networking Event (March 2026)
Nonprofit Excellence Award Criteria:
Nominees must work primarily in the Bay Area or have work with a primary impact in the Bay Area at a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Nominees must serve in an executive-level position at a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Nominees should be exemplary leaders in the non-profit sector who embody the spirit of women's empowerment. They will be assessed based on their leadership within their organization, their contributions to strengthening communities, their efforts to confront inequities, and their role as a model for the next generation of leaders.
Like YWCA Golden Gate Silicon upholds the values of empowerment, inclusion, and integrity, the women recognized
at the Tribute to Women Awards embody the same values at their organizations and in their community.
All nominees should demonstrate at least one of the values below:
Inclusion: Help provide equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded.
Make significant contributions to communities by helping others feel seen, respected, and included regardless of background, identity, or ability.
Integrity: Demonstrate a courageous commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy, creating a lasting impact.
Challenge inequities within systems, institutions, and culture.
Empowerment: Create space, shift power, and work to dismantle barriers of inequity. Ensure that more voices are heard,
valued, and uplifted, inspiring others to lead with purpose and confidence.
Download the Nomination Form Questions for Each Award HERE
DEFINITIONS
Nominator: Person who is proposing a candidate to be considered for the Tribute to Women Award, the Women on the Rise Award, the Emerging Leader Award, or the Nonprofit Excellence Award.
Nominee: Person who is being proposed, and considered, to be awarded.
Honoree: Selected nominee who will be awarded the Tribute to Women Award, Women on the Rise Award, the Emerging Leader Award (5 awarded), or the Nonprofit Excellence Award (5 awarded).
Your participation in the Tribute to Women Awards not only helps celebrate the spectacular women within your organization but also raises critical funds to support the programs and services of YWCA.
