The 2025 Women in Distinction honorees include (clockwise from top left) Brandi Grayson, Prenicia Clifton, Alexis London, Dr. Martha Stacker, Dr. Karen Menéndez Coller, Cindy Diaz and Hedi Rudd.  (Photos courtesy of YWCA Madison)

YWCA Madison will honor seven outstanding local women as it presents its annual Women of Distinction Leadership Awards on Wednesday, June 18, 5-7 p.m., at the Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s East Side.

The 2025 honorees include Prenicia Clifton, founder of Seein is Believin; Cindy Diaz, Community Schools Resource Coordinator at Leopold Elementary School; Brandi Grayson, founder and CEO of Urban Triage; Alexis London, executive director of Bayview Foundation Inc.; Dr. Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano of Dane County; Hedi Rudd, co-executive director of Rooted; and Dr. Martha Stacker, Division Administrator for Children, Youth, and Families at Dane County Department of Human Services.

Honorees exemplify YWCA Madison’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

“We know that our collective joy is a vital form of resistance. Let us gather in unapologetic celebration of these courageous women who have shared their gifts abundantly to care for and nurture our community,” said YWCA Madison CEO Gery Paredes Vásquez in a press release announcing the honorees.

YWCA Madison Women of Distinction Leadership Awards were established in 1974 to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the community. Since its inception, Women of Distinction has honored over 264 women for their community services, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the lives of others and to the quality of life for all.

The theme for YWCA Madison’s 2025 Women of Distinction is Community Keystones: Building Just Ecosystems for One Imperative. For more information about the event and the honorees, click here.

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