YWCA’s 39th Annual Women of Achievement Conference

YWCA Lake County
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

The Women of Achievement Leadership Luncheon is a highly visible and prestigious event that honors outstanding women who work, live or impact lives in the Lake County/Chicago Metropolitan area and have made important contributions in their field.

This years event is no different but features a New York Times Best-Selling Author, Rebecca Skloot, known widely for her debut book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. A book which took more than a decade to research and write, and instantly hit the New York Times best-seller list, where it has remained for more than seven years since its publication. Skloot lives in Chicago, where she is currently working on a new book about humans, animals, science, and ethics, a topic near and dear to her: before becoming a science writer.

Rebecca Skloot doing book signings at the end of the event

Women were recognized as Hidden Figures in the following areas: Civic Leaders, Education Leaders, Health Leaders, Dr. Dorothy I. Height Racial Justice, Emerging Leaders (age 18–35) and the Minnie J. Leggette Young Woman of Achievement Scholarship of $1,000 to a Lake County high school senior.

The women that were awarded during this event include: Senator Melinda Bush as a Civic Leader, Merced Alfaro as an Education Leader, Dr. Frances Baxley as a Health Leader, Daphne Dickens King as a Racial Justice Leader, Jiquanda Nelson as an Emerging Leader, and Imani Bah as the Young Woman of Achievement recipient.

Merced Alfaro (Far Left) and Imani Bah (Far Right)

Written by

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. #OnAMission

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade