LEWISTON — The YWCA Central Maine announced that its Second Annual Women of Achievement Award Gala will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the new Agora Grand Event Center.

Women of Achievement Awards are presented to women who have achieved excellence in their professional field or personal pursuits, passions and causes. Award recipients are leaders of integrity within their communities and serve as mentors for other women. The awards program seeks to honor the spirit of women’s collaborative leadership and to recognize advocacy in the name of community building, rather than personal attainment.

Nominees should have worked or served primarily in the state of Maine. A strong candidate will have made significant contributions to improving the lives and overall status of women and people of color in the state of Maine and demonstrate a commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

From the nominations received, three recipients will be chosen. The three award categories of the Women of Achievement Awards program include: the Lee Young Leadership Award, the Tonie Ramsey Service Award and the Priscilla Gendron Legacy Award. The award namesakes, Lee Young, Tonie Ramsey and Priscilla Gendron, have all contributed their expertise, service and philanthropic support to the YWCA. Their legacies were honored at the inaugural Women of Achievement Awards Gala in 2015.

The Lee Young Leadership Award recognizes exceptional women leaders in professional, community, political, or artistic fields. Strong award candidates will demonstrate the following characteristics throughout her lifetime/career:

• experience spearheading initiatives/projects/actions;

• ability to motivate, organize, mobilize communities/colleagues/activists;

• courage of conviction;

• commitment to mentorship among other women and girls;

• commitment to advocacy for positive social change and development of equity;

• earned respect of her community;

• commitment to support policies, practices, and/or actions intended to produce equitable outcomes for all;

• service to the community through time, talent, and/or resources.

The Tonie Ramsey Service Award recognizes exceptional women for an enduring commitment to improving the lives of others through community service. Strong award candidates will exhibit the following characteristics throughout her lifetime/career:

• dedication of time, talent, or material resources to community causes;

• dedication of time, talent, or material resources to local or national social justice initiatives-especially concerning racial justice, gender justice, or income inequality;

• investment of time, talent, or material resources in the growth, vitality and sustainability of organizations, initiatives, or communities;

• motivation and encouragement of others to serve;

• demonstration of exceptional interpersonal and community ethics- including compassion, humility, and social responsibility.

The Priscilla Gendron Legacy Award recognizes exceptional women committed to public enrichment through service and philanthropy. Strong award candidates will exhibit the following characteristics throughout her lifetime/career:

• exceptional generosity toward social causes within her Maine community that has resulted in long term change;

• established commitment to building relationships of support with diverse communities and organizations within the State of Maine;

• demonstration of civic and charitable responsibility that has inspired others to take on philanthropic leadership roles;

• exceptional support of causes and organizations above and beyond requirements of charitable giving;

• extensive positive impact upon the direction and success of community projects and programs or the lives individuals.

Nominations will be accepted through July 1, 2016.

FMI, nominate: www.ywcamaine.org, 207-795-4050, WomenofAchievementNominations@gmail.com, YWCA Central Maine, 130 East Ave., Lewiston, Maine 04240.