YWCA Racial Justice
As part of the Racial Justice and Immigrant Outreach program, YWCA Rock County is a part of the national movement of more than 200 YWCA’s working to eliminate racism. Our commitment, like our national organization, runs deep. While the YWCA has been working in Rock County since 1922, addressing issues facing women, our mission has been refined to focus on the challenges of racism and civil rights.

YWCA of Rock County is excited to announce the nomination window for the Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace award will remain open from Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 6, 2023. This award recognizes a business or organization within Rock County that has established and maintained racial diversity in a healthy workplace where employees are thriving. The business or organization must also exhibit a sustained commitment to retention and inclusion of diverse perspectives in the workplace.
Learn More HERE
Nominations may be submitted, using the form HERE as a cover letter, to the address provided below or sent as an attachment via email to Amiee Leavy at aleavy@ywcarockco.com by Friday, October 6, 2023.
Dorothy Height Award Selection Committee
c/o: Amiee Leavy
1735 S. Washington Street
Janesville, WI 53546
Nominations can also be submitted directly online with the form below
Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace
Nomination form for the YWCA Rock County Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace award. This award recognizes businesses in Rock County who show a commitment to racial justice.
Interested in Racial Justice or Diversity, Equity & Inclusion education for your business or organization? Email Amiee Leavy, Racial Justice Director for YWCA Rock County at aleavy@ywcarockco.com to find out more information.
Racial Justice Events

Stand Against Racism
YWCA Rock County is on a mission to Stand Against Racism! We take a Stand Against Racism every day by raising awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism and by building community among those who work for racial justice.

Racial Justice Conference
Save the date for a virtual Racial Justice Conference on November 9, 2023 hosted by YWCA Rock County. Join us online from your home, school or office, as presenters offer insight into supporting diverse populations here in our community and beyond.

Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations are monthly discussions on race and current events coordinated by Community Action Inc., Diversity Action Team of Rock County and YWCA Rock County.
Annual Racial Justice Awards
The Racial Justice Award recognizes an individual who actively strives to eliminate racism and promote racial equality. Recipients have a strong commitment to peace and race relations, participate in specific peacemaking or anti-racism activism and demonstrate leadership and service to others.
YWCA Rock County presents the award annually at the MLK Commemoration event in January.
Previous Racial Justice Award Recipients
2013: Sonja Robinson
2014: Jane McCauley
2015: Jeanne Carfora & Albert “Fritz” Elsen
2016: Ruth Kolpack
2017: Billy Bob Grahn & Dr. Karen Schulte
2018: Dorothy Harrell
2019: POlice Chief david moore
2020: George Williams
2021: MICHELLE HENDRIX-NORA
2022: RENÉ BUE
2023: KRYSTAL DELEÓN JUDAH
Diversity in the Workplace Award
YWCA of Rock County is excited to announce the nomination window for the Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace award will remain open from Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 6, 2023. This award recognizes a business or organization within Rock County that has established and maintained racial diversity in a healthy workplace where employees are thriving. The business or organization must also exhibit a sustained commitment to retention and inclusion of diverse perspectives in the workplace.
Award Purpose
The purpose of this award is to honor a business or organization for its support of diversity and inclusion in its workplace. Leading by example, nominees are transforming our diverse community into a truly inclusive environment where employees are valued for their talent and are able to reach their full potential.
Criteria
The business or organization must show a commitment to cultural diversity as a high priority by establishing practices and policies that demonstrate an understanding of and respect for a culturally diverse work environment. An explanation of how the business or organization demonstrates a sustained commitment to racial justice is needed. Provide examples of policies, practices and commitment to its employees. Explain the impact of these intentional and sustained practices.
Who is a Candidate?
The YWCA Rock County is seeking nominations for an outstanding business or organization that embraces and promotes diversity in the workforce. YWCA Rock County desires to advance the power and the strength of cultural diversity through addressing specific needs of underrepresented and historically marginalized employees within the workforce. Nominees must be located in Rock County.
Application Submission Information
Nominations may be submitted, using the form HERE as a cover letter, to the address provided below or sent as an attachment via email to Amiee Leavy at aleavy@ywcarockco.com by Friday, October 6, 2023.
Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace
Nomination form for the YWCA Rock County Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace award. This award recognizes businesses in Rock County who show a commitment to racial justice.
Dorothy Height Award Selection Committee
c/o: Amiee Leavy
1735 S. Washington Street
Janesville, WI 53546
Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace Award Recipients
2015: Community Action Inc.
2016: School District of Beloit
2017:Blackhawk Bank
2018: Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care
2019: Beloit Health Systems
2020: SHINE Technologies
2021: No Awardee
2022: HealthNet of Rock County, Inc.