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2017 YWCA Women of Distinction Award Winners Encourage Women and Girls to Connect, Listen and Love … and “Always Speak Your Truth”

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2017 Women of Distinction awardee Keetra Burnette (middle) with (l-r) Nia Trammell, daughter Kiana Burnette, Jackie Hunt, and Corinda Rainey-Moore.

Angela Russell said that she was honored to be recognized as one of the six 2017 YWCA Women of Distinction at the luncheon of the annual YWCA Moxie Conference yesterday afternoon at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

The 43rd annual YWCA Women of Distinction Leadership Awards luncheon honored outstanding women who have made a tremendous difference in the Madison community.

“I am grateful that this path has been paved by so many women throughout Madison – both those recognized by the YWCA Women of Distinction and many, many women whose work may not be publicly recognized with an award …. but whose impact, nonetheless, can be felt and seen throughout our community,” said Russell, who is CUNA Mutual Group’s director of diversity and a board member of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “One of the statements in the song ‘Timeless’ by India.Arie is perfect:’Kindness is timeless; Love is so easy to give; It just takes a moment to show someone that you care.’ That line is perfect … Today, I’m charging each one of us to connect, to listen and to love. That is the only way forward.”

The YWCA Moxie Conference works to fulfill YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women by strengthening conference attendees’ personal career skills and creating a coalition of people dedicated towards collective action aimed at removing structural barriers for women in leadership. YWCA Madison established the Women of Distinction Leadership Awards to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the community. The luncheon occurs every spring in Madison, with an average attendance of about 700 people.

Five other women were honored as 2017 Women of Distinction at the event along with Russell including:

YWCA Chief Programs Officer Vanessa McDowell is in the middle of the 2017 Women of Distinction (l-r)Dr. Joann Pritchett,  JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, Angela Russell, Keetra Burnette, Robin Dalton and Therese Gulbransen
YWCA Chief Programs Officer Vanessa McDowell is in the middle of the 2017 Women of Distinction (l-r)Dr. Joann Pritchett, JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, Angela Russell, Keetra Burnette, Robin Dalton and Therese Gulbransen

◆ Keetra Burnette – United Way of Dane County, Senior Director of Community Impact and founder of MADISON BLACK WOMEN ROCK.
JoAnn Gruber-Hagen accepts her 2017 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
JoAnn Gruber-Hagen accepts her 2017 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
◆ Robin Dalton – RISE Law Center, Senior Immigration Attorney, providing representation to immigrant victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
◆ JoAnn Gruber-Hagen – founder of SlaveFree Madison, advocate for anti-human trafficking policy.
◆ Therese Gulbransen, Chair of A Fund for Women Advisory Committee, chemical abuse counselor to inspiring business woman and leader for entrepreneurs
◆ Dr. Joann Pritchett – a community leader, committing to endless community service from shopping for the homebound, to writing grants, to organizing community events

Russell told the crowd that it was very humbling to be among the hundreds of incredible women that have been recognized as Women of Distinction since 1972.

“In my very brief time with you, I’d like to share with you the many influences that have shaped me,” Russell said. “And of course, it will involve imperfections, humanity, love and heroes.

Angela Russell (left) celebrates her YWCA Women of Distinction Award with Carola Gaines.
Angela Russell (left) celebrates her YWCA Women of Distinction Award with Carola Gaines.

“I am of my father – country red dirt roads of Alabama. I am of my mother – reading, writing and arithmetic always prime in Northern Louisiana,” she continued. “I am of Peoria, Illinois – heart of Illinois; birth place of Richard Pryor, and world headquarters of Caterpillar tractors. I am of black Baptist churches; I am of white catholic schools.

“I am from justice, love, compassion, and knowing that we are all connected,” she added. “I am standing here before you today because of love, heartbreak, grace, friendship, fierce compassion and radical love.”

Women of Distinction’s achievements support YWCA’s work to close the gender leadership gap and support equity for all. Since the awards began in 1974, YWCA Madison has honored over 200 role models in the community.

“To the five women who are also receiving this honor today, I want you to know that it’s really a privilege and honor to share this space with you. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to making our community a better place,” Burnette told the crowd.

Burnette thanked her nominator, Edward Lee, senior vice president of the Urban League of Greater Madison.

“Ed is like my brother from another mother,” she said. “Thank you, Ed, for always having my back. You are such an amazing person.

“Thank you for offering me this opportunity to encourage and inspire more women and girls to pursue and accept more opportunities … to lean in and leave a creation and implementation of products and services that make our world a much more equal and much better place,” Burnette added. “On this platform today, I encourage women and girls across our community – especially black and brown girls – to lean into the conversation and take a seat at the table and to speak up and to always speak your truth.”

Burnette said that she is confident – not arrogant – about her ability to bring about change.

“Today, I challenge each of you to tap into the divine power that exists within you to speak the truth and refuse to let the opinions and the racism that exists within individuals, institutions, and policies prevent you from achieving your destiny,” she said. “Be sure to listen to the opinions and wise words of people who truly have your best interests at heart.”