Equity Advocate, Empowerment Leader, Inspirer, Trailblazer, Courageous. These are all words that describe the 2026 class of YWCA Rock County’s Women of Distinction. The women of distinction recipients were nominated by friends and co-workers and chosen by the selection committee. The selection committee is made up of past recipients, community members, YWCA Rock County board members and YWCA Rock County staff. 

The 2026 Women of Distinction honorees are:
•    Amanda Stefl, Business Owner: Timber Hill Winery
•    Cecilia Gillhouse, Chief Operating Officer/Business Owner: MMG Law LLC
•    Jeni Lindstorm, Owner of Studios @107
•    Lynn Gardinier, Principal: Baker Tilly US
•    Maria Elena White, Senior Lecturer at UW- Whitewater/ Executive Director at the La Voz, Inc. 
•    In Honor of Vickie Lynn McGee, Founder of Black Women in Business Beloit Expo
•    Young Woman: Natalia Mauer, Recent Graduate: Rock University High School

The recipients will be honored at the 51st annual Women of Distinction event on May 6th, 2026 at the Celtic House at Glen Erin Golf Club. The event raises funds for YWCA Rock County’s Domestic Violence Programs. 

Tickets are $90 each or $720 for a table of 8 and are available to purchase by visiting: https://ywcarockcounty.networkforgood.com/events/97718-2026-women-of-distinction-event-tickets

Unable to attend but interested in making a donation to the event? You can do so directly here: https://ywcarockcounty.networkforgood.com/projects/295785-2026-women-of-distinction-donation-page

YWCA Rock County is also excited to announce that Jamie Counsell will be the 2026 Emcee.