Nominations open for Bloomington’s annual women’s awards

BLOOMINGTON — The City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nominations for its 2025 annual awards, honoring women and girls who drive positive change, break barriers, and inspire others in our community. 

Award winners will be celebrated at the Women’s History Month Luncheon on March 27, 2025—a powerful event recognizing women’s outstanding leadership and contributions in Bloomington. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, January 31, 2025.

The Woman of the Year Award honors a woman who has significantly impacted other women’s lives through community service, inspiration, or professional accomplishments beyond her job responsibilities. The recipient is a positive role model and has made extraordinary contributions to the community.

The Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution Awardnamed in honor of the late Toby Strout, former director of Middle Way House and former member of the Commission, recognizes a woman whose leadership and service have significantly advanced the status of women in the community.

The Emerging Leader Award is presented to a woman with less than five years of experience whose achievements demonstrate exceptional promise for future leadership and contributions.

The Young Woman of the Year Award recognizes a young woman, aged 11–18, who has already made an impact in advocating for girls’ and women’s issues in the community. Self-nominations are encouraged for this category.

Nomination forms are available online or by contacting Marissa Parr-Scott at marissa.parrscott@bloomington.in.gov. Nomination submissions should clearly explain why the nominee deserves the award, detailing how her community service has benefited women. Each nomination should include the following:

  • The nominee’s full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • The nominator’s full name, address, phone number, and email address

For further information or questions, please contact Marissa Parr-Scott at marissa.parrscott@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3430.