The YWCA took time yesterday to reflect on and celebrate seven women making a difference in their communities.

The YWCA West Central Michigan in Grand Rapids held its annual Tribute awards luncheon at DeVos Place.

About 800 people attended the event, where awards were given out in several categories: advocacy; arts; community service; professions; sports, fitness, wellness; and business, management, industry, labor.

The nonprofit also awarded a $2,000 student scholarship.

The event began in 1977, a time when there wasn’t as much opportunity to celebrate the work women do in the community, said Heather Colletto, development and communications coordinator, YWCA West Central Michigan.

Thankfully, she said, times have changed, and the event has now honored more than 200 women.

“It’s always an honor celebrate these women in our communities,” Colletto said. “It’s never easy to choose our honorees, but we feels like our honorees this year really reflect the values of YWCA. It is always heartening to see such strong community turnout.”

2014 Tribute award winners

Advocacy

Sister Jarrett DeWyse
Director of housing development, Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids

Arts

Sarah Scott
Art coordinator, Heartside Ministry Gallery and Studio

Business, Management, Industry and Labor

Linda Vos-Graham
President, Vos Glass

Community Service

Kimberly Coleman
Executive director, Grand Rapids Bar Association

Professions

Helen Brinkman
Senior assistant prosecuting attorney, Kent County Prosecutor's Office

Sports, Fitness and Wellness

Dr. Laura Vander Molen
Medical director, Health Intervention Services

Student Honoree and YWCA Judy Lloyd Leadership Award Scholarship Recipient

Claire Salinas
Catholic Central High School