An empowering night was had by all on Thursday May 15th at the beautiful San Jose Fairmont Hotel. From the very young women who were given scholarships and spoke so bravely to the audience of 800 about their need for continued donations to encourage and advance more young people to pursue higher education; to the 49 talented top-level executive women from a multitude of industries who were honored at the 24th Annual Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards. All of them answering questions via videotape related to leadership, mentoring, motivation, overcoming challenges, impacting their communities and keeping it fun along the way. These awards exemplify excellence in women at executive-level positions as well as recognize the companies that encourage and support the success of women. Each honoree is chosen blindly based on a strict set of criterion by a selection committee made up of former TWIN Honorees. The Honoree and her nominator are awarded a beautiful plaque for her and her company to display, paying tribute in a personal and professional capacity. 

The YWCA of Silicon Valley began to celebrate women with this event in 1985. As one of the YWCA’s primary fund raisers this Tribute to Women Award event helps support all of the tremendous programs and services we offer. From our Rape Crisis Centers, Child Care Centers, Family Services Counseling, Social and Racial Justice education, Youth Development and our newest TechGYRLS® program, we reach out and touch over 24,000 people through these services every year.

This important and well-known event given by local and regional YWCAs recognizes successful female executives and the companies that employ them for their outstanding achievements. Executive women nominated by leading companies and organizations in the Silicon Valley must meet a rigorous criteria. The nominator must be the CEO or highest-ranking local officer or director in the company or division/business unit. Applicants are evaluated through a blinded selection process by a committee of former TWIN Honorees, selection is based solely on their achievements.

Sponsorships are available for the event, for companies or organizations with an Honoree, or those wishing to honor these outstanding women in support of the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley.

To find out more about how you can nominate someone for this award or how to donate to the YWCA of Silicon Valley please go to our website www.ywca-sv.org or call the Development Department at 408-295-4011. We look forward to your new or continued support to further our abilities in your community.

IBM, Our 2008 Presenting Sponsor, Company Overview
International Business Machines Corporation, headquartered in Armonk, N.Y., is the world's largest information technology (IT) company. While we are the IT leader, the solutions and services we deliver to our clients span all major industries, including financial services, healthcare, government, automotive, telecommunications and education, among others. It is the breadth of our portfolio -- across hardware, software, services, consulting, research, financing and technology -- that uniquely separates IBM from other companies. We have a rich history of driving innovations that help our clients transform themselves into On Demand businesses through our professional solutions, services and consulting businesses. IBM has a diverse and talented workforce that conducts business in 170 countries.

For more information on the Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards, please e-mail Heidi Lawson, Community Relations Manager, or call her at (408) 295-4011 ext. 216.