The WINGS Award was created and is funded by past recipients of YWCA's Women of Distinction Award. Although the final Women of Distinction event took place in 2022, WINGS Awards will be incorporated into YWCA's Annual Circle Luncheon moving forward.
Women of Distinction have a shared commitment to give back to other women in McLean County so they created this award to encourage development in women, both professionally and personally, through mentoring and financial support. The award is given annually to a Woman to Improve her skills for a Notable purpose which allows her to Grow professionally and to achieve Success.
2024 WINGS Awardees will be honored at YWCA's annual fundraiser, Circle, on Thursday, May 16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
2024 APPLICATION CYCLE IS CLOSED
Your 2024 WINGS Awardees
In Memory of Kaitlyn Erdman
Kaitlyn Erdman, a 2018 recipient of the WINGS award, was a dedicated nursing student pursuing her bachelor's degree at Methodist College in Peoria. Despite the challenges, she commuted from Chenoa to Peoria three to four days a week while working full-time at OSF in Bloomington. Alongside her fiancé, Oscar, she was also caring for their one-year-old daughter, Tinley.
Tragically, on June 15, 2018—just three weeks after receiving her well-deserved WINGS award—Kaitlyn's life was cut short in a car accident on her way to work on I-55 near Lexington. She was only 25 years old.
In 2019, the award was renamed to honor her memory, now known as the Kaitlyn M. Erdman Memorial WINGS Award. A devoted mother, student and advocate, Kaitlyn epitomized the intent and purpose of the WINGS Award.
Eligibility
Individuals who identify as women and demonstrate their commitment to professional and personal growth and to service in McLean County are eligible for a WINGS Award.
Past WINGS winners are not eligible to apply.
Completed applications are due by 12 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024 and must include:
- Scholarship Application
- Reference Form completed by a non-relative who knows you and your goals well—such as a co-worker, supervisor, community volunteer coordinator, teacher, etc.
Completed WINGS applications and reference forms may be:
- Submitted with the online forms
- Emailed to ywdevelopment@ywcamclean.org (subject line: WINGS Award)
- Faxed to (309) 662-4506
- Printed and mailed/delivered to:
YWCA McLean County, Attn: WINGS, 1201 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704
Use of Funds
WINGS awards, up to $1,500, will be granted to a recipient (or recipients) for a future endeavor that helps them grow professionally and personally.
Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Workshops and seminars (tuition and class fees)
- Professional conferences (registration fees)
- Tuition, software, books, and other materials related to the endeavor
- Certification preparation work, exams, registration and/or licensing
- Local opportunities for development, such as the Multicultural Leadership Program
- Other costs incurred as a result of the approved endeavor (such as child care, transportation, lodging and meals for out-of-town activities, etc.)