Press Release: Mayor Bowser Honors Seven Distinguished Women Leaders at Annual Washington Women of Excellence Awards

News Release — Executive Office of the Mayor and the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

March 30, 2023  

CONTACT: 

Susana Castillo (EOM)

Whitney Sweetwine (MOCA)

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Tonight, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (MOWPI) closed out a month of Women’s History Month celebrations by honoring seven distinguished women leaders at the annual Washington Women of Excellence Awards.

“This year’s honorees ensure that women are winning in DC each and every day, and showing the next generation of young women what it looks like to lead,” said Mayor Bowser. “Every day, women are leading on a range of issues – from fighting gun violence to supporting our students to creating welcoming businesses and spaces in our neighborhoods. Tonight we celebrate these seven extraordinary women and all the women and girls in DC who make us proud.”

Each year, honorees are nominated by members of the DC Commission for Women, MOWPI, and Mayor Bowser’s senior staff. Final selections were made by Mayor Bowser.

This year’s honorees are:

• Tia Bell – Founder, The T.R.I.G.G.E.R Project
• Lupi Quinteros-Grady – President & CEO House of Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)
• Jo McDaniel – Co-Owner, As You Are
• Vonetta Dumas Jennings – Founder, Signature Image Salon
• Sharolyn Mack – Community Member
• Laura Meyers – CEO, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington
• Symone Sanders-Townsend – Host, Symone MSNBC

Next month, MOWPI, in partnership with DC Health, will raise awareness about the national Black maternal health crisis during Black Maternal Health Week that will be held from April 11-17. During this week, there will be various activations highlighting resources and community-based organizations that support new and expectant mothers, such as home visits and lactation services, that are available to District residents.

To learn more about upcoming MOWPI events, visit HERE

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