1974 - 2025

The first Salute to Women awards dinner was held on March 15, 1974, nearly a year after the Tippecanoe County Task Force on the Status of Women submitted its final report to local governmental bodies.

As part of this final report, presented to city and county officials in April 1973, task force members revealed their findings of disparities in education, employment, laws and other areas in the community. Because of these findings, they requested that a permanent, funded Commission on the Status of Women be created to hear and rule on cases of sex discrimination. However, the city councils and county commissioners ultimately tabled the ordinance that proposed the creation of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Realizing that the local community lacked an environment of support for women and that many women were not being recognized for their achievements, the Lafayette Women’s Political Caucus conceived the idea of a Salute to Women awards dinner. The Purdue Women’s Caucus joined in as a sponsor.

During its first two and a half decades, the Salute to Women program was coordinated by several local women’s organizations – the Lafayette Women’s Political Caucus, the Purdue Women’s Caucus, the American Association of University Women, Lafayette Business and Professional Women, the Lafayette Altrusa Club, the Association for Women in Communications, the American Business Women’s Association, the Association of Women Business Owners, and the YWCA Greater Lafayette.

Although members of the original groups remain involved with Salute to Women, the YWCA became the sole sponsoring organization in 2000. The YWCA had many resources to offer the program, including the physical facility to house the program’s records and publicly display the names of award recipients. The YWCA added to the slate of awards the Mary Keller Ade Woman of Wisdom Award and, in 2008, the Woman of Innovation Award to honor a woman under 40. For the 50th anniversary in 2024, Rising Star Award was added to highlight contributions of individual under 18 years old.

Eligibility

All outstanding women in the Greater Lafayette area (Tippecanoe, Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Warren and White counties) are eligible for nomination.

The following are ineligible for recognition at this event:

• YWCA staff and current members of YWCA Association and Foundation Boards of Directors.
• Posthumous nominations will not be considered.
• Women currently running for political office.

• A nomination for a group will not be considered. This is an individual award.

How to Nominate

Please download the nomination form using the link below. The questions on the nomination form are intended to be a guideline for the nomination. Additional materials may be requested by the search and selection committees after the initial nomination has been reviewed. Send nominations to YWCA Salute to Women, 605 North 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 or e-mail communications@ywcalafayette.org.

Nomination Deadline - January 15, 2025

Completed nomination forms must be received or postmarked by deadline. NOMINATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Categories

Rising Star (Woman under 18)
Awarded to a young woman under the age of 18 who embodies the spirit of volunteerism through her selfless dedication to community service. She is a leader among her peers, demonstrating kindness, integrity, and a commitment to giving back without seeking recognition. Her involvement is a beacon of hope for the future, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.

Woman of Promise (Ages 18-39)
This award honors a young adult woman, aged 18 to 39, who has shown exceptional promise in her volunteer efforts. She is a proactive leader, committed to making a difference through her actions and serving as a role model in her community. Driven by compassion and generosity, she seeks no accolades for her contributions, focusing instead on the impact she can make. Her service exemplifies her potential to continue shaping and strengthening her community.

Woman of Distinction (Over 40)
Awarded to a distinguished woman over the age of 40, this honor recognizes her extensive and ongoing commitment to community service. She exemplifies excellence in leadership and volunteerism, making a lasting impact on those around her. She gives tirelessly without expectation of recognition, embodying the spirit of altruism and selflessness. Her contributions are invaluable, as she uplifts, empowers, and leads by example within her community.

Woman of Wisdom (Over 55)
This award celebrates a woman over the age of 55 whose lifetime of service has been a pillar in her community. She offers her time, experience, and insights generously, striving to create a better world for future generations. Her wisdom and dedication serve as an enduring inspiration to others. She has given much to her community, not for praise, but from a deep sense of responsibility and compassion that truly defines her legacy of selfless volunteerism.

Watch for tickets for the next Salute to Women in late 2025!

Your support of Salute to Women will insure the continuation of this event for another 50 years. Help us showcase the necessary and unsung work women do to help keep our communities safe, healthy, and welcoming.

$5,000 Sponsor

• Full-page ad in program
• Logo on all advertising
• Eight complimentary event tickets
• Recognition from the podium
• Logo and hyperlink on social media and Salute website

$2,500 Sponsor

• Half-page ad in program
• Name on all advertising
• Two complimentary event tickets
• Recognition from podium

$1,500 Sponsor

• Quarter-page ad in program
• Name/Business name on website
• Two complimentary event tickets
• Recognition from podium

$500 Sponsor

• Name/Business name in program
• One complimentary event ticket

$125 Sponsor Salute Society (available to past honorees only)

• Name listed under well-wishes from the Salute to Women Hall of Fame

Download a sponsorship form here.

Purchase your sponsorship online.