Women Who SHINE Nomination Form

Women Who SHINE Nomination Form
The Women Who SHINE distinction was created by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 2023 to honor women whose stories embody the SHINE pillars -- Support, Honor, Inspire, Nurture and Empower. Five women are recognized, one representing each of the pillars. The awards are presented annually at SHINE Women’s Summit in November.

Like the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose mission centers on fostering the fullness of life for all, especially those living on the margins, the honorees have shown what it means to lift others up with generosity, courage and compassion. Their work, influence and unwavering dedication remind us that our community is rich with remarkable women doing remarkable things.

This annual recognition is open to adult women of all ages, faiths and backgrounds living or working within the geographical borders of the Toledo Diocese. No prior affiliation with the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Catholic Church or any SND-sponsored school or ministry is required. The nomination process for 2026 Honorees will open Friday, March 6 and winners will be announced at the end of July.

Recipients must be able to attend the SHINE Women’s Summit in person in Toledo on November 12.

The 2026 SHINE Women’s Summit theme is The Heart of a Champion and will highlight women in athletics. If you know a woman who should be considered for recognition for her contributions in athletics, please nominate her below! If you have any questions, please email shine@sndusa.org or call 419.474.5485.
Eligibility Requirements:
Nominee Status: The nominee must be an adult woman residing or working within the geographical boundaries of the Toledo Diocese.

Focus on Impact: The nominee must demonstrate a profound and "life-changing impact" on the lives of others, particularly those "living in the margins" or underserved populations, reflecting the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Alignment: The nominee’s work must clearly exemplify excellence in one or more of the five SHINE pillars: Support, Honor, Inspire, Nurture and Empower.
- Support: Providing essential aid, resources, encouragement and advocacy.
- Honor: Treating all people with dignity and respect, especially the vulnerable.
- Inspire: Motivating others (especially women and girls) to dream big, achieve and pursue greatness.
- Nurture: Fostering the growth, development and well-being of individuals, groups or community causes.
- Empower: Building confidence, capabilities and autonomy in others, helping them recognize and achieve their potential.
Submission Requirements (Nominator):
Nomination Form: (Standard Form Fields)

Complete contact information for both the nominee and the nominator.

Primary Category: (Selection)

Nominator must select one of the five SHINE pillars that best represents the nominee's primary impact (S, H, I, N or E).

Nomination Essay: (200 -750 Words)

A detailed narrative describing the nominee’s work, achievements and impact. The essay must clearly articulate how the nominee exemplifies the chosen SHINE pillar.

Letters of Support (Optional): PDF/Word Format

Up to three letters from individuals who have directly benefited from or witnessed the nominee’s impact.

Media/Links (Optional): Up to 3 URLs

Links to news articles, organizational websites or other relevant public documentation of the nominee’s work.
Disqualification Criteria:
- Sisters of Notre Dame or current employee of SND USA (does not apply to SND-sponsored institutions)
- Previous winner in any category of the Women Who SHINE award
Nominator Contact Information:
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Company/Organization:
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Can we text this number?

YesNo
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Nominee Contact Information:
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Company/Organization:
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Can we text this number?

YesNo
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Select the SHINE pillar you would like this nominee considered for:
Type a question

Support: Providing essential aid, resources, encouragement and advocacy.Honor: Treating all people with dignity and respect, especially the vulnerable.Inspire: Motivating others (especially women and girls) to dream big, achieve and pursue greatness.Nurture: Fostering the growth, development and well-being of individuals, groups or community causes.Empower: Building confidence, capabilities and autonomy in others, helping them recognize and achieve their potential.
Nomination Essay:

A detailed narrative describing the nominee’s work, achievements and impact. The essay must clearly articulate how the nominee exemplifies the chosen SHINE pillar above. 200-750 words.
0/750
Letters of Support (optional):

Up to three letters from individuals who have directly benefited from or witnessed the nominee’s impact.
File Upload

Cancelof
Media/Links (optional):

Include up to three URLs for links to news articles, organizational websites or other relevant public documentation of the nominee’s work.
Women Who SHINE Nomination and Selection Process Timeline
- Friday, March 6: Nomination process opens.
- Friday, April 10: Nominations due.
- Thursday, April 23: Nominees who will be moving onto next phase will be notified and sent the link to the application.
- Friday, May 8: Nominees’ applications are due.
- Friday, July 17: Winners are contacted.
- Monday, July 20: The 2026 Women Who SHINE honorees will be announced on Social Media and via press release.
- Thursday, Nov. 12: SHINE Women’s Summit at the Premier, arrive by 5:30. Each winner will receive three complimentary tickets and may purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate.
Verify

I hereby verify that the information contained in this nomination form is accurate and provided in good faith.
Signature
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Women Who SHINE Nomination Form

Eligibility Requirements:

Submission Requirements (Nominator):

Disqualification Criteria:

Nominator Contact Information:

Nominee Contact Information:

Select the SHINE pillar you would like this nominee considered for:

Nomination Essay:

Letters of Support (optional):

Media/Links (optional):

Women Who SHINE Nomination and Selection Process Timeline

Verify