A woman alone has power, women together have impact. That’s what YWomen is all about.

Each year at our YWomen Leadership Celebration, YWCA Evanston/North Shore recognizes and celebrates women leaders in our community for their commitment to women’s advancement and racial justice. The films showcased during the event about their lives lift us up and inspire us to do just a little bit more in our own lives.

YWCA premiered its first YWomen Leadership Awards Celebration in 2008. The event was created to recognize, support, and honor women from Evanston and neighboring North Shore communities for their commitment to women’s empowerment, racial justice and social activism. 

Over the years, we have celebrated 34 remarkable women and seven powerful organizations for their work in the areas of women’s empowerment, racial justice and social change. And each year, we have been moved by the spirit of activism that is embodied in the women we have honored. 

The YWomen Leadership Awards Celebration has grown to be a highly anticipated event, drawing a diverse audience from all parts of the North Shore and Chicagoland area.  Awards are presented each year to women who through research, activism, education or creative expression have improved the lives of women and/or addressed the impact of racial inequities.

All YWomen proceeds benefit YWCA Evanston/North Shore programs that empower women, including comprehensive domestic violence services, violence prevention programming, Economic Advancement, and racial equity.

Learn more about YWomen and view films highighting past honorees here. 

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About YWCA Evanston/North Shore
YWCA Evanston/North Shore, established in 1931, is a nonprofit organization that works to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, and strengthen local communities. It serves more than 8,000 people annually in northern Cook County through its Domestic Violence, Equity Institute, Economic Advancement, and Flying Fish Aquatics programs. Learn more about YWCA Evanston/North Shore

Robin Rue Simmons

Founder and Executive Director of FirstRepair, a not-for-profit organization that informs local reparations, nationally 

Robin Rue Simmons is an American former politician and a dedicated national leader for local reparations for African Americans. Born and raised in the predominantly segregated 5th Ward of Evanston, Illinois, she has been unwavering in her commitment to fighting for racial justice. From 2017 to 2021, Rue Simmons served as the alderman of the 5th Ward, during which she achieved a significant milestone by spearheading the passage of the United States’ first government-funded reparations legislation. Read more

Tosha Wilson

Founder of Boosting Black Business, Co-owner of The Laundry Cafe, and Co-Developer of The Aux

Tosha Wilson is a dedicated community member and a shining example of someone who passionately advocates for equity, equality, and investment in her hometown of Evanston, Illinois. As an Evanston police officer and a lifelong resident of the city, she has been at the forefront of driving positive change and creating impactful solutions to address the needs of her community. One of Tosha’s notable initiatives is the Boosting Black Businesses campaign, which she launched in 2020. Read more

YWCA Evanston/North Shore Program Highlight:

YW Tech Lab

YW Tech Lab is our free 4-month online web development program that provides education in digital skills and aims to challenge and transform the narrative surrounding underrepresented individuals in the tech industry. By equipping them with essential digital skills, we are opening doors to new possibilities and enabling them to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. YWCA couples this programming with financial coaching, access to affordable childcare, and job coaching and placement to ensure each participant’s success. YW Tech Lab is part of a national partnership with Google.org, YWCA USA and YWCA Madison. YWCA Evanston/North Shore partners locally with Oakton Community College. Learn more