Women of Achievement
Please join us as we honor the 2026 YWCA Women of Achievement!
| Sunday, March 8, 2026 (International Women’s Day) | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Brunch, Keynote Speaker, Silent Auction and Award Presentations |
| Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch 14 Great Falls Plaza Auburn, ME 04210 | Keynote Speaker: Elinor Higgins, Executive Director, Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women |
Congratulations!
- Ayesha Hall – 2026 winner of the Marcia Baxter Social Justice Award for courage, commitment, leadership, and humility in working toward a more just and equitable community.
- Joan Macri – 2026 winner of the Tonie Ramsey Service Award for exceptional, long-term commitment to improving communities and the lives of others through service.
- Yun Garrison – 2026 winner of the Lee Young Leadership Award for excellence in professional, community, civic, or artistic leadership.
- Marty McIntyre – 2026 winner of the Priscilla Gendron Legacy Award for extraordinary investment in public enrichment through philanthropic giving and fundraising.
Keynote Speaker: Elinor Higgins (she/her)
Elinor Higgins is the Executive Director of the Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW), where she works with commissioners, state agencies, lawmakers, researchers, and advocates to advance the wellbeing of women and girls across Maine through research, education, and advocacy. MePCSW’s recent work includes maternal and child health data, economic security for women, and tools that highlight life outcomes for Maine women and girls, as well as cross-agency efforts to improve worker safety in construction and the trades.
Prior to joining state government, Higgins worked at the National Academy for State Health Policy on community health worker policy and initiatives addressing the social drivers of health, climate and health, and COVID-19 contact tracing. She holds an MPH from the University of Southern Maine and a BA in biology and women and gender studies from Wellesley College.
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Open in new tab Silent Auction Items
As part of this signature event, we host a Silent Auction that helps raise essential funds to support YWCA programs and services year-round.
We invite local businesses, artisans, and community partners to contribute a silent auction item. Your donation directly supports our mission while highlighting your business to a broad audience of community leaders, supporters, and event attendees.
Your business will be recognized in event materials, on our auction platform, and during the Awards Breakfast.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome a wide range of items, including:
- Gift certificates
- Experience packages
- Wellness and beauty services
- Local art or handcrafted goods
- Themed baskets
- Specialty foods or beverages
If you have a unique idea, we’d love to hear it!
How to Contribute
Donating is simple. To arrange a donation or for questions about item drop-offs, please contact:
Lisa LaVallee, YWCA Chief Development Officer.
Email: llavallee@ywcamaine.org
Phone: 207-795-4050 x22.
Our Sponsors:
