This prestigious award is sponsored by the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden and presented annually at the Greater Minden Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala.
“We accept nominations from community members and then present those to a board created by the Greater Minden Chamber, who hosts the Annual Gala,” said YWSC President Elizabeth Campbell. “In selecting the next Woman of the Year, we are looking for someone who loves Minden and continuously works to make it a better place. They engage both professionally and socially in the well-being of others and the town. They are selfless in their actions and words and truly represent Minden in the brightest light.”
The YWSC began sponsoring this award in 2000 when Zenobia West was honored as the very first Woman of the Year. West was co-founder for the Cultural Crossroads and donated her family home and land to form what is now known as “The Farm” so that budding artists could have a place to blossom.
For over two decades, women much like West, who has made it their mission to serve the community and found their own unique pathway towards making an impact on Minden, has been chosen for this award.
“A Police Officer, a High School Principal, a Banker… these are just a few of the careers that previous recipients of Woman of the Year have carried,” said Campbell. “But what they all share is their drive and passion into making Minden the best it can be.”
The YWSC’s most recent 2023 Woman of the Year award went to Mrs. Cindy Madden. Although she personally refers to herself as just a “small town piano teacher,” Madden has spent over 50 years sharing her love of music by teaching private piano lessons. Her students have moved on to compete at local, state and national levels.
The recipient remains anonymous until the main Gala event when she is finally announced and presented her award. Campbell said, “The award is presented by the President and Vice President of YWSC, along with the former Woman of the Year. After their yearly run of being Minden’s Woman of the Year, their name is added to a longstanding plaque that has all past honorees listed.”
The 82nd Annual Minden Chamber Gala is set to take place this year on February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Minden Civic Center, where the 2024 Woman of the Year will be announced among other honorees. Nominations will be open until 11:50 p.m. on January 31st. To nominate your personal Woman of the Year, click the link below and fill out all the required fields.
https://form.jotform.com/ywscofminden/2024WomanoftheYear