Recognition

RECOGNITION

Since 2017, each year the Working Women’s Network recognizes notable Yale women, nominated by their colleagues and peers, for outstanding achievements in the Yale community.

The WWN Recognition Award is an annual award that recognizes up to six women currently employed at Yale who are exemplary members of the community. The individuals receiving this honor may be selected for a wide range of achievements, but overall, will have distinguished themselves through a commitment to changing the University through their personal efforts. The recognition categories are: trailblazer, visionary, innovator/creator, community catalyst, work-life champion, and heroine.

The nomination process is open to women Yale employees in the following job categories*: Service and Maintenance (S&M), Clerical and Technical (C&T), and Managerial and Professional (M&P). Nominees must be currently employed and not planning to retire before the event ceremony which takes place in April. WWN receives several hundred nominations of exceptional candidates each year.

RECOGNITION AWARDS CEREMONY

This event brings award recipients, their colleagues and family members together with WWN volunteers to formally recognize the accomplishments and celebrate each woman. Although the format and program vary from year to year, the ceremony may offer both virtual and in-person attendance, feature a seated meal for in-person attendees, a presentation of awards, congratulatory statements from colleagues and nominators, and speeches from recipients.

Nominate an Inspiring Woman

Nomination Information

How do I submit a nomination?

The nominating process will open in November 2026.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility, the nomination process, or event details, please contact:

WWN Recognition Awards Co-Chairs:
McKenzie Granata and Andrea Nezat

Award Categories

To help guide your nomination, up to six award categories reflect the different ways members of our community spark positive change. Read more about each category in the section to the right to find the right one that best describes your outstanding colleague.

Sample nominations are available to demonstrate the type of information that would be good to include in a nomination.

Nominate a Working Woman @ Yale View Sample Nominations

Award Categories

Trailblazer: a woman who utilizes opportunities to customize a new career path at Yale. A Trailblazer forges new paths and redefines what’s possible at Yale. They create opportunities, pilot new ideas, or challenge conventions to make systems stronger and more inclusive. Trailblazers embody initiative and resilience—they see what could be better, and they take the first step to make it so.

Visionary: a woman who has been a champion for change at the University. A Visionary looks ahead and inspires others to imagine new possibilities. They see the big picture and push for bold improvements—whether through policy, process, or culture. Visionaries combine foresight with action, shaping long-term positive change across departments, or the wider Yale community.

Innovator/Creator: a woman who brings innovation and creativity to the workplace via a new idea, perspective, or initiative within the Yale community. An Innovator or Creator brings fresh ideas and original thinking to life. They design new tools, programs, or creative expressions that make work more efficient, inclusive, or inspiring. Their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new skills embody the spirit of progress at Yale.

Community Catalyst: a woman who leads in a volunteer capacity at Yale or through a Yale initiative. A Community Catalyst strengthens connection and belonging. They lead volunteer efforts, create programs that unite colleagues, or build partnerships that extend Yale’s values beyond campus. Their energy, kindness, and optimism make Yale feel smaller, friendlier, and more united.

Work Life Champion: a woman who takes unusual or extraordinary measures to help others within the Yale community to balance their work and family lives. A Work Life Champion helps colleagues balance their professional and personal lives. They promote flexibility, understanding, and systems that make work more sustainable. By going beyond the call of duty to ensure others can succeed in and outside of work, they create a healthier, more supportive workplace.

Heroine: a woman who advocates, mentors, or nurtures others at Yale. A Heroine changes the University through compassion and advocacy. She uplifts others by mentoring, supporting, or defending fairness and belonging. Her steady optimism strengthens teams and helps colleagues thrive.