Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > June > 10 > Entry
YWCA Woman of the Year Awards at Ragsdale Center
So many groups in town recognize outstanding leaders, it’s tough to keep track. The YWCA Greater Austin Women of the Year Awards deserve more careful attention. They reward conspicuous achievement, yes, but also promise, empowerment and justice as well.
Helen Crudup and Cynthia Thomas
I attended the lunch with Carla Jackson, by day a leader at Austin Community College Center for Public Policy, by night a theatrical producer (and mom). Jackson packs enough energy and charisma for six lunch guests, and she quickly sought out like spirits in the Ragsdale Center at St. Edward’s University.
Pixi Phillips and Deborah Joiner
Sherry Ransom delivered a keynote address of astonishing compression and effectiveness. She related her journey of service, helping young people escape poverty by exposing them to the world beyond their immediate surroundings. (She’s the executive director of LEAP, one of Ada Anderson’s gifts to Austin.)
Ransom offered concrete, practical advice about service. “You give what you have lived,” Ransom said. “Look at the obstacles in your life. The obstacles you have overcome are what you have to give.”
Carla Jackson and Sherry Ransom
Rambling videos introduced the winners: Sana Naiyer (Young woman of Achievement); Pilar Sanchez (Leader of Promise); Laura Griebel (Economic Empowerment); Audrey Seldon (Racial Justice) and Katie Navine (Lifetime Achievement). The only one I know is Sanchez. I hope to catch up with her soon and meet the others later.
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