Deadline Friday, March 12, for May awards dinner honoring local women leaders

YWCA Missoula was founded in 1911 – nine years before American women won the right to vote. As part of the organization’s mission to empower women and promote women’s leadership, “Salute” awards are given out each May. The organization is taking nominations through this Friday, March 12, and forms are available here.

Charlotte Beatty, a staff attorney in Montana's judicial system, won an award in 2008 for her work to economically empower women.

“I see the need for more women's leadership in the courts, legislature and law firms,” Beatty said. “Women are seriously underrepresented in these important entities and until that changes, women will remain the unfortunate subjects of poorly-reasoned legal opinions, poorly-drafted laws and unequal pay. By promoting women's leadership in our community, we create a voice and representation where there wasn't one before.”

Beatty, who volunteers with WORD and the Women’s Self-Help Law Center said winning a Salute award was one of her greatest accomplishments.
“It continues to motivate me to do more for women, children and families in Missoula,” she said. “I have joined the ranks of other recipients all of whom are brilliant, strong, and resourceful and will not stop working until we are all equal.”

In addition to the Economic Empowerment of Women award, the YWCA will recognize a Rising Star (a woman under age 30), and a woman who promotes racial justice in the community. New this year is the Judy Wang Memorial Award to honor the life of the relentless domestic violence advocate and city attorney who was tragically killed last year.

“It's important to consistently support, recognize and honor the work of the women in our community,” said Beatty, who nominated one of last year’s winners, attorney Cindy Thiel. “There are so many women working ‘under the radar,’ selflessly advocating for families, women, children and our environment. We always discover yet another special woman doing incredible things in our community who should be honored.”

The 22nd Salute to Women awards dinner will be held Thursday, May 13, at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park. Reservations are $30 for YWCA members or $35 for the general public and can be made by calling 543.6691.

Completed forms may be faxed to the YWCA at 543-6777, mailed to 1130 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802, or emailed to jmaturen@ywcaofmissoula.org by Friday, March 12.