News Summary
The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida is accepting nominations for the Women of Distinction Awards. This annual event celebrates local women who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions, with the ceremony set for March 2026. Proceeds support programs for young girls in the region, highlighting the importance of female leadership and community empowerment.
Tampa, Florida – Nominations Open for 2026 Women of Distinction Awards
The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida has announced that it is now accepting nominations for its prestigious 2026 Women of Distinction awards. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2026, and it will honor six outstanding local women who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions.
This annual event attracts over 600 business and community leaders from across the Tampa Bay area, making it a key gathering for those invested in local leadership and philanthropy. Proceeds from the luncheon will support Girl Scout programs across an eight-county region, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to empowering young girls through various initiatives.
Honorary Chairpersons
The honorary chairpersons for the upcoming 2026 awards luncheon have been revealed, highlighting a diverse group of accomplished women. They include:
- Dr. Moira Burke, a veteran in ophthalmology and a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, who was honored as a Woman of Distinction in 1992.
- Veronica Cintron, current vice president of Marketing, Communications, and Strategy at Tampa International Airport, and the 2022 Woman of Promise.
- Dr. Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College and recognized as the 2020 Woman of Distinction.
Award Categories
The Women of Distinction awards consist of two categories:
- Woman of Distinction Award: This award honors business and community leaders who embody the Girl Scout values of courage, confidence, and character while having made substantial contributions to their fields and communities.
- Woman of Promise Award: This category recognizes one worthy candidate under the age of 40 as of March 4, 2026, who has made notable impacts in her industry and community.
Nominations Process
Nominations for both awards are open online and can be submitted at www.gswcf.org/WoD. This is an opportunity for community members to spotlight women who have inspired others and contributed positively to society.
Event Details
The 2026 Women of Distinction luncheon will take place at Armature Works, marking the 34th annual celebration of these esteemed awards. This long-standing tradition highlights the importance of female leadership and aims to encourage future generations of women to aspire to greatness in all areas of life.
Supporting Girl Scouts Programming
The proceeds generated from the Women of Distinction awards event play a vital role in funding Girl Scout programs that benefit young girls across the eight-county region served by the organization. These programs are designed to foster leadership skills, community involvement, and personal development among young women, thus continuing the mission of Girl Scouts to empower future leaders.
Background Information
The Women of Distinction awards were established to recognize and honor remarkable women in the community who exemplify the values promoted by the Girl Scouts. Each year, the event gathers influential figures from various sectors, including business, education, and community services, creating a platform for networking and inspiration. The awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also encourage collective support for the empowerment of women and girls in society.
For those interested in participating in this year’s nominations or attending the luncheon, details can be found on the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida website, where the community is invited to engage and uplift female leaders.
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Additional Resources
- Tampa Bay Business & Wealth: Nominations Open for 2026 Women of Distinction Awards
- ABC Action News: Girl Scouts Honoring Women of Distinction
- St. Pete Catalyst: Women Rock – Girl Scouts Honor Women of Distinction
- Wikipedia: Women of Distinction
- Google Search: Women of Distinction Awards
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