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Woman of Power and Kate Berman Leadership Awards

Woman of Power Award

In 2018, YWCA Minneapolis established the Woman of Power Award to honor women from the private and public sectors across the Twin Cities who have demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and support for our mission. Award recipients are recognized leaders and inspiring role models who have championed racial justice and gender equity throughout their careers and community work.

About the Woman of Power Award

This award is presented to an individual who has shown an extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm and support in one or more of the following YWCA values:

  • Peace: promotes peaceful measures to bring about political or social change by helping bridge divisions, resolving conflicts and uniting communities toward the realization of an equitable and harmonious world.
  • Justice: advocates for advancing equity and fairness through our local, state and national legal system.
  • Freedom: contributes toward the fight for civil and human rights, and dismantling the political and economic barriers that prevent self-determination for all people.
  • Dignity: holds officials, institutions, business and government accountable for how they interact with women and people of all races within the Twin Cities; advancing the vision that all are worthy of honor and respect.

Criteria of Award Recipient

  • Nominee must reside or work in the Twin Cities metropolitan area
  • Nominee must meet at least ONE of the following eligibility requirements:
    • Strengthened the community with her courage and leadership
    • Made a significant contribution as a volunteer within the Twin Cities community
    • Is distinguished in civic, professional or academic role
    • Created new opportunities for inclusiveness and collaboration  

Nominees are reviewed and selected by a committee of YWCA staff and current and former board members.

Past Woman of Power Award Recipients

2022 – Duchess Harris
2021 – Maria Regan Gonzalez
2020 – Shelley Carthen Watson
2019 – Sharon Sayles Belton
2018 – Kim Nelson

Kate BermanAbout the Kate Berman Leadership Award

YWCA Minneapolis established the Kate Berman Leadership Award in 2022 to honor our former board chair who passed away unexpectedly in April 2020. During her board service, Kate was a passionate advocate for the mission of YWCA Minneapolis and led multiple initiatives. She was a tireless advocate of those who have no voice, a fierce defender of civil rights, a proud feminist and a loving and caring mother, wife, friend and mentor.

Kate earned her B.S. degree from Georgetown and an MBA from Wharton and was working on a Ph.D. in organizational development and change. Throughout her life, she held multiple corporate leadership positions, including at JPMorgan Chase, and was an active community and nonprofit leader.

The Kate Berman Leadership Award is presented to an individual who meets the following criteria:

  • Nominee must reside or work in the Twin Cities metropolitan area
  • Has exhibited moral, ethical and authentic leadership
  • Is a servant leader, dedicated to and/or highly engaged in community service
  • Has or has had significant involvement in or dedication to YWCA Minneapolis (board member, volunteer, donor)

Nominees are reviewed and selected by a committee of YWCA staff and current and former board members.

Past Woman of Power Award Recipients

2022 – Wenda Weekes Moore