For the 29th year, YWCA of Olympia seeks to honor and celebrate inspiring women during our annual Women of Achievement Gala on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. Join us in honoring the amazing accomplishments and contributions of women in their professional work or in service to the community. Established in 1994, the YWCA of Olympia Women of Achievement Award is one of the most prestigious honors for women in the South Sound. Our mission is to eliminate racism and sexism, to advance the political, social and economic status of all women and girls and embody our vision of a world where all people are valued, live free from oppression and thrive in a just society. This award honors women who align with our mission and embody outstanding leadership qualities, and are exceptionally committed to their community or profession.
For questions about the event or how you can support, please review the information below. You’re welcome to email woa@ywcaofolympia.org with any additional questions you might have.
We are honored to present to you our 2023 Women of Achievement keynote speaker, Dr. Thelma Jackson!
Thelma Jackson has lived in the Lacey area for more than 50 years. She has been actively involved in various activities including serving on the North Thurston School Board from 1977 to 1997, as President five times, Former President of the Board of Trustees of The Evergreen State College, one of the founding members of the Black Alliance of Thurston County and a member of various other state and local boards, commissions, task forces and committees over the years. Dr. Jackson retired from Foresight Consultants, her consulting firm, in 2020. It specialized in educational issues, equity, diversity, policymaking, strategic planning, managing change and executive coaching. Thelma has spent her personal and professional life challenging the status quo and advocating for changes that result in more equitable outcomes for all.
Thelma administers the Northwest Institute for Leadership and Change, the 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that she founded in 2003. Dr. Jackson is past Chairperson of the City of Lacey Equity Commission which she began in 2021. She is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter on a variety of topics that span her years of experience and expertise in civic, educational, community and historical research activities in Black History.
The year 2022 was a very busy year for Dr. Jackson. In February, she published a book titled “Blacks in Thurston County, Washington, 1950-1975: A Community Album.” She and her husband were honored with the hanging of a stained glass mosaic portrait in the Lacey Community Center along with a marker behind their property on the Karen Fraser Trail. In 2023, the Lacey Historical Society presented her with the Ken Balsley Historian of the Year Award, the Washington State Charter School Commission presented her with a first-ever Community-Rooted Leadership Award, and the City of Olympia presented her with their Heritage Award.
Dr. Jackson continues to be actively involved in the community in a number of endeavors including the League of Women Voters and New Life Baptist Church where she heads the Community Engagement Ministry.
Thelma and her husband Nat, married for 57 years, are parents of three successful entrepreneurial children and four adult granddaughters who are carrying on the family traditions of business ownership and civic engagement.
Ways to Get Involved in WOA 2023
We are please to announce tickets are now on sale for this year’s celebration and fundraising event. This is our first year offering this event in person since 2019 and we could not be more thrilled that you are interested in joining us.
Ticket cost is $75 and includes dinner served by a local restaurant, opportunity to spend time in community with others committed to our mission, learn about the incredible work of (and celebrate!) the 2023 Woman of Achievement, as well as an opportunity to hear from our incredible keynote speaker, Dr. Thelma Jackson!
Join us for an unforgettable evening supporting the vital work of our organization and the work of our 2023 Women of Achievement Honoree.
Click here to purchase your tickets today!
Can’t join us in-person, but still committed to supporting our work? Consider making a donation instead.
Thank you for your support, we are so looking forward to celebrating with you.
We are excited to announce our 2023 Sponsorship Packet! Event sponsorships are available in a number of levels and amounts, each with their own unique promotional benefits including on stage, in promotional materials, at tables and in Honoree video introductions. Your sponsorship contribution is 100% tax-deductible and helps underwrite our powerful events so that all proceeds directly benefit agency programs.
We aim to bring together individuals and organizations that share our passion for fostering gender equality and dismantling racial disparities. Our event guests include local business leaders, elected officials, philanthropists, community members, parents, consumers, and social service advocates who will see your business prominently placed which can help you maximize your marketing objectives. This event will once again challenge, inspire, and remind our community what it’s all about.
Want to show your support of our community? Become a sponsor today!
WOA Sponsorship Agreement 2023
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our volunteers! If you are able to lend a hand in support of tasks leading up to the event, and/or day-of roles including set-up, take-down, or supporting the flow of the evening, please fill out our volunteer application here.
After completing the form, we will reach out to get you scheduled to attend our volunteer orientation on one of the following dates: Friday October 6th or Saturday October 7th, from 11am-12:30pm.
Thank you for your help! We truly couldn’t do this without community just like you.
Update: Our nominations are now closed! Stay tuned to learn more about who this year’s Women of Achievement Honoree is!
Do you know someone whose work in the community advances social justice and embodies their work toward a world where all people are valued, live free from oppression and thrive in a just society? Please share with us who this individual is and a bit more about their work in the community! Nomination forms are due by September 8th.
Nominees will be considered based on: 1) professional, personal and/or community achievement, 2) demonstration and inspirational involvement in the community, 3) recognized as a leader in their category, 4) personal growth, and 5) how they model their life in line with the YWCA Olympia mission to eliminate racism and sexism to advance the social, political and economic status of all women and girls.
Please note: A confidential committee whose members include previous WOA award recipients and community members, will select the winners. YWCA staff and board members will not select WOA Honorees. The selection committee will select all winners, and their decision is final. Honorees will be notified mid-September.
All information contained in this nomination will remain strictly confidential. Note: Current YWCA board and/or staff are not eligible for the award.