Western New York is not lacking women who deserve recognition, and the community at large has an opportunity to appreciate distinguished women through the 2016 Women of Distinction Awards hosted by Girl Scouts of Western New York. Nominations are being accepted now through April 30.

Women of Distinction Award recipients have achieved success both professionally and philanthropically through giving back to the community, whether through time, money or another way. Through their life’s work, they have proven their character, have demonstrated a commitment to encouraging young girls and women and have served as positive role models for girls and women throughout Western New York.

Those selected to be 2016 Women of Distinction will develop a mentoring relationship with a Girl Scout, meeting with her to share insights and advice. The Girl Scout will then present the recipient with her award during a ceremony Sept. 15. Past recipients have worked in a variety of jobs – sports coaches, bank managers, news anchors and nuclear engineers – and nominees from any field can be honored with a Woman of Distinction Award.

To qualify, nominees must live or work in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming counties. She does not need to have been a Girl Scout, and anyone in the community can nominate someone for a Woman of Distinction Award.

Sponsors help make the 2016 Women of Distinction Awards program possible, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information about the Women of Distinction Awards, the award guidelines and nomination form, or sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.gswny.org/women-of-distinction.