The YWCA established the Women of Distinction Awards to celebrate, recognize, and honor women, girls, and organizations who embody the YWCA mission to empower women and eliminate racism. The accomplishments of our extraordinary honorees reflect those aspirational yet attainable goals. This year's honorees are leaders, advocates, and changemakers who have lifted others while breaking barriers of their own. Their work has strengthened families, opened doors, and shaped our community for the better. 

The 2026 Honorees are:

• Rosel Schewel (posthumous) Philanthropist

• Rosana Chaidez, President and CEO of NB Handy

• April Rasmussen, Director of Forensic Nursing Centra

• Dr. Ghislaine Lewis, Assoc. Prof., University of Lynchburg

• Dr. Muriel Brown Mickles, Provost of CVCC

• Lexie Tookes, Housing Case Manager Miriam’s House

• Megan Huffman, GLCF Director of SHARE Greater Lynchburg

About Our Mission

YWCA Central Virginia is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Founded in 1912 by a dedicated group of women, who had incidentally been told that creating an organization for women and by women would never work, YWCA Central Virginia has grown and adapted to meet the varying needs of the communities we serve. Today, YWCA Central Virginia serves the women, children, and families of Central Virginia — and area that includes the city of Lynchburg and seven surrounding counties — which includes 4,400 square miles and 400,000+ community members.