The Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for its 2008 Outstanding Woman Leader Award, an annual award presented by the commission to women who have demonstrated exceptional personal and/or professional dedication to improving the lives of females in Santa Monica.
“The Commission is honored and excited to once again celebrate the important and often unrecognized work women are doing to serve the community and benefit the lives of other women and girls,” said Andrea Lipton, chair of the commission.
Past award recipients have included Mimi Lind, founder of the Safe Families Domestic Violence Intervention Program at Venice Family Clinic and former director of the Westside Domestic Violence Network; Susan McCarthy, former city manager for Santa Monica; Toni Reinis, executive director of New Directions, a center providing services to homeless veterans; Kelly Snyder, Santa Monica High School student leader and founder of Schools for Schools; and Gloria Curiel, Guadalupe Castro, Maria Leon-Vazquez and Rita Morales, founders of the Latina Youth Conference.
Nominees must meet the following criteria to be considered for the award: • The candidate has gone above and beyond in her effort to provide outstanding service to the women and girls of Santa Monica. • She has demonstrated commitment to women’s issues. • She has made a positive, lasting impact on the community. • She has done work directly benefiting the women and girls of Santa Monica.
Women of all ages are eligible. Applications are available at www.smgov.net. Nominations must be received by May 31, 2008. Winners will be honored in late summer.
The commission works to enhance the status of women in the community through the investigation of, advocacy for and policy development regarding issues relevant to women and girls, and by creating leadership and career advancement opportunities for females.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 25, 2008. Read the original PDF.