Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards

The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards (OWNK) honor women who exemplify notable achievement; outstanding service in their profession or to the Northern Kentucky community; and the qualities of personal integrity, perseverance, and leadership.

OWNK History:

The Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards were established in the fall of 1984, when the late Nancy Boothe, wife of then-NKU President Leon E. Boothe, invited several faculty and staff members to a luncheon for a discussion of ways to involve more women from the Northern Kentucky area in the University community.

In the spring of the following year, the first Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards luncheon was held with The Kentucky Post acting as co-sponsor. Thomas More College later joined as an additional sponsor. After the newspaper closed in 2008, Toyota became the major sponsor, assumed responsibility for event production, and supported the scholarship program. With the 2014 announcement of Toyota’s headquarters consolidation and eventual relocation to Texas, the program was again in need of a champion to carry the torch. The Women’s Initiative of the NKY Chamber of Commerce has adopted this program and will continue its remarkable legacy.

At the first award celebration, five women were honored. Since then, more than 200 women have been recognized for blazing trails, opening doors, or demonstrating leadership in their homes, their professions, their communities, or their state.

Nominations for the Outstanding Women program are now being accepted. Nominees should be made aware of your nomination. Past honorees are not eligible. A list of previous recipients is available at NKYChamber.com/OutstandingWomenHonorees

Nominations must be submitted on this electronic form and should include up to three (3) references. References may be submitted through this electronic form and/or may be submitted as a formal letter of support (not to exceed two pages each). The person submitting the nomination may also be one of the three (3) references.

Substantiating materials may also be submitted. Nominations and substantiating materials will not be returned. The maximum number of pages that can be submitted is ten (10) including the application.

Nomination Deadline: March 14, 2025

For additional information contact: Holly Nibert, Director of Women's Initiative, at hnibert@NKYChamber.com

Nominee Name:*

First NameLast Name

Nominee Company Name:*

Nominee Title:*

Nominee Email Address:*

example@example.com

Nominee Phone Number:*

Nominator Name:*

First NameLast Name

Nominator Company Name:*

Nominator Title:*

Nominator Email Address:*

example@example.com

Nominator Phone Number:*

Have you notified the nominee that they have been nominated?*

YesNo

What are the first three (3) words that come to mind describing the nominee?*

Throughout the years, the OWNK awards have consisted of different categories. All women who receive an award are an Outstanding Woman. Please select your first choice for the category the nominee should be considered for (OWNK selection committee reserves the right to make final award category decisions):

Outstanding Women of NKY AwardOWNK Emerging Leader AwardOWNK Helen Carroll Champion of Education AwardOWNK Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award

Criteria for the Outstanding Women of NKY Award:

Career Achievements: Nominee has significant accomplishments and recognition within their field by demonstrating how to overcome challenges and create lasting value in their profession and community.
Commitment to Community Service: Nominee has been involved in leadership initiatives, programs, or projects that address community needs and create a positive and lasting impact.
Inspirational Leadership: A role model who inspires others through their vision, passion, values, and actions.

Criteria for the OWNK Emerging Leader Award:

Career Achievements: A young professional woman (40 and under) who has made significant contributions/strides in leadership and has demonstrated potential in continuing service.
Leadership and Initiative: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and mobilize others to achieve common goals or address community needs.
Commitment to Growth: Dedication to personal and professional growth, evident of continuous learning and application of new skills to benefit their community or organization.

Criteria for the Helen Carroll Champion of Education Award:

Dedication to Education: Nominee demonstrates commitment to improving educational outcomes for students, educators, or communities.
Leadership and Influence: Inspirational leadership that motivates educational institutions, government, or community organizations to advance educational goals.
Measurable Impact: Significant contributions to the development, implementation, or support of educational programs, initiatives, or policies.

Criteria for the Judith Clabes Lifetime Achievement Award:

Impact and Legacy: Nominee has made a significant impact in their area of expertise or community, evidenced through making advancements in their field, inspiring others, or addressed critical needs within a community.
Leadership and Innovation: Demonstrated leadership that has shaped their profession or community. Introduction of innovative practices, ideas, or programs that have resulted in lasting change.
Mentorship and Advocacy: A strong commitment to mentoring, guiding, or advocating for others, fostering the development of future leaders.

Nominee Career History:*

Community Involvement: (includes athletic, business civic, community, government, political, professional, religious, social or other activities; please also list leadership positions nominee has held)*

List previous awards nominee has received:*

How has the nominee mentored and/or assisted other women in her career and/or personal life?*

How long and in what capacity have you known the nominee?*

Based on the award description above, why should the nominee receive this award?*

Is there anything else you wish for the judges to consider when reviewing this nominee?

References: Nominations may include up to three (3) references. References must be submitted via this electronic form. Letters of recommendation will also be accepted but cannot exceed two (2) pages each. References listed below will be sent an email with the reference form to complete.

Nominations must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Reference #1 Name:

First NameLast Name

Reference #1 Email Address:

example@example.com

Reference #1 Cell Phone Number:

Reference #2 Name:

First NameLast Name

Reference #2 Email Address:

example@example.com

Reference #2 Cell Phone Number:

Reference #3 Name:

First NameLast Name

Reference #3 Email Address:

example@example.com

Reference #3 Cell Phone Number:

Substantiating Material: Additional materials may be submitted for consideration (photos, news articles, awards, etc.) The maximum number of pages to be submitted is ten (10), including references.

Support Material Piece 1:

Support Material Piece 2:

Support Material Piece 3: