Executive women nominated by leading companies and organizations in the Silicon Valley must meet the following rigorous criteria:

• Nominee shall have top-level responsibility for a major functional role within her organization.
• Nominee shall have a substantial impact on the organization relative to its growth, profitability, and innovation.
• Nominee shall have responsibility for a significant share of the organization's annual budget, and/or executive-level responsibility for the financial performance of the organization.
• Nominee shall have responsibility for managing a substantial portion of the organization's employees.
• Nominee shall have outstanding leadership qualities and be a successful role model for other women transitioning into executive positions.

  Applicants are evaluated "blindly" by a committee of former TWIN Honorees and prominent industry leaders, selection is based solely on their achievements delineated in the nomination form.

• Nominator must be the CEO or highest-ranking local officer or director in the company or division/business unit.
• A member of the Board of Directors may nominate the CEO or equivalent.
• Companies may submit only one nomination per division/business unit, with no more than four honorees per company in the award year.
• Nominee must work for a company that is based or has a significant corporate presence in the Silicon Valley.
• Nominee's home office must be in Silicon Valley.
• Nominee must have been an employee of the nominating company for a minimum of one year at the time of nomination.

Leading Bay Area companies submit nomination forms prior to the deadline for nominations. A panel comprised of former TWIN Honorees and prominent industry leaders will select the Honorees in a "blinded" selection process. A maximum of 55 qualified Honorees will be selected from the nominations received. Due to the large employee numbers of many Silicon Valley companies, a maximum of four Honorees may be selected per company, however, each must be from a different business unit or division. At the awards dinner, each Honoree is recognized individually, and her company is recognized for its support of the advancement of women within the organization.

This event provides companies with a unique opportunity to publicly recognize an outstanding executive woman, while also supporting the local community. All companies that have an Honoree are expected to host a table (for 10) at the TWIN Awards dinner in May 15, 2008, for a minimum amount of $2,500 per Honoree. This is to recognize the company's Honoree and to support the fundraising activities and mission of the YWCA of Silicon Valley.

The Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards dinner is attended by approximately 700 business people including top ranking officials of the most prominent Silicon Valley companies. Many companies extend their level of participation and visibility by becoming major event sponsors. Information regarding opportunities will be sent to companies following notification of Honoree selection. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, click on this link to our sponsorship page.

All Honorees are expected to do the following:

• Attend a luncheon for Honorees only (usually held five to six weeks before the awards dinner).
• Submit a digital photo for the event program and awards plaque.
• Provide a quote (topic to be assigned) to be printed in the event program.
• Attend a scheduled videotaping and answer a pre-assigned question. The video will be shown during the Awards Dinner in lieu of acceptance speeches.
• Attend Awards Dinner held in May 15, 2008.

There are four ways to submit a Tribute to Women nomination form:

• Online form: click here Fill out the form online and press "Submit" when complete.
  
  You can also print or copy (to a word file) the online form, complete it by hand, and send it to us via:
  
  
• E-mail: events@ywca-sv.org
• Fax: (408) 294-1391
• Mail:
  Tribute to Women Honoree Selection Committee
  YWCA of Silicon Valley
  375 South Third Street
  San Jose, CA 95112