Women of Achievement was first introduced by the former YWCA of Salina in 1993 to recognize the work of outstanding women in our community. Following the closure of the YWCA in 2004, the program was sponsored by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. This bi-annual event has honored 107 Women of Achievement, 4 Young Women of Achievement and 4 Lifetime Achievement recipients, all who have made outstanding contributions in a variety of fields.

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Women of Achievement has now found its home at the YW Legacy Fund at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Any proceeds from the Women of Achievement recognition event will be added to this fund and continue to make grants to individuals and organizations that support women, children and the eradication of racism.

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Grants from the YW Legacy Fund support a variety of causes close to the mission of the former YWCA. In the past, funds have been used to help fund the Salina Juneteenth Celebration, provide seed money to start new temporary foster care collaboration for children in police protective custody, and help girls from under-served and at-risk populations participate in Girls Scouts community based programs. Since 2007, over $380,000 has been granted from the YW Legacy fund.