2024 Sponsorship Opportunities

YWCA NorthEastern NY is excited to celebrate the 41st Annual Empowerment Awards Gala! The 2024 ceremony will be held on March 28th, 2024 from 6pm to 9pm at River’s Casino in Schenectady.

This will be our 41st year celebrating amazing individuals in our community whose work, actions, and passion match the mission of YWCA. The Empowerment Awards are held yearly during Women’s History Month in March to celebrate outstanding individuals who are making history right here in the Capital Region. The awardees are expected to be announced by December 8th, 2023.

2024 Award Categories*

  • Robin Fontanelli, Sidewalk Warriors Troy – James Addison Good Neighbor Award – A community member whose mission has been to support, improve, or change their community for the better. A community role model who centers themselves and their work on the greater good, dedicated to implementing change.
  • Shavonne Sanders, My Daughters and Me & My Sons and Me – Advocacy Award – A community member who demonstrates exemplary work in a capacity supporting the empowerment of women and/or the elimination of racism or a cause closely aligned.
  • Nairobi Vives, Esq., Albany Community Police Review Board – Social Justice Award – A community member who demonstrates exemplary work in a capacity that promotes peace, justice, and freedom for all.
  • Renel Turner, Nelly’s Treats Business on a Mission Award – Celebrating an organization/company who is making it their business to lift up the community around them. Merging their personal mission with their business.
  • Jordan Yanatos, Pinup Jordan’s Mermaid Lounge – Susan Rosenthal Women in Business Award – A business leader who has demonstrated business success, supporting other businesswomen, and is living out their mission.

  • Kimberly Henry, Million Dollar Memoirs – Empowerment Award – An outstanding individual who has used their work, time, and talent to lift others up to live their mission.
  • Ashli Fragomeni, Girls Inc of the Greater Capital Region – Youth Empowerment Award – An outstanding individual who has worked to support and/or advance young people in our community.
  • Sarah Jaeger, GE  – STEAM Award – A community member or group whose work in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math has worked to advance equality and empower the community.
  • Isabella Sementilli, Bella Cervella, Never Crumble – Young Excellence Award – A young community member (21 and under) who everyone should watch out for as they are preparing to take over the world.

*Grey text indicates awards already sponsored. 

**Lauren Trunko, Chief Development Officer will reach out to collect names of attendees for levels that include tickets to the event.

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