The annual Women of Achievement Awards honor women whose career, volunteer and advocacy achievements have worked to enhance diversity and inclusion and promote the empowerment of women in the community.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to celebrate these remarkable women for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community. They continue to inspire us all,” said Janet Chew, Women of Achievement committee chair and YWCA Jamestown board member.

For years the YWCA Jamestown has gathered to celebrate women in Jamestown and the surrounding area who have inspired community change. The public is invited to join the YWCA’s celebration. Tickets can be purchased www.ywcajamestown.com/woa. Sponsors of the 2022 Women of Achievement dinner include Key Bank, Kee Concepts, Southern Chautauqua Credit Union, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, CCIDA, ERA TEAM VP Real Estate, and Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

“We are excited to bring back this signature event and to build on the success of the past to highlight women who are intentionally working to increase diversity and equity in the community,” said Amanda Gesing, YWCA Jamestown executive director.

Danica Olson

The 2022 Women of Achievement categories and winners are:

¯ Rising Star — Samantha Elleman, a State University at Fredonia student majoring in music therapy. She is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and recently spent time in Guatemala teaching children English.

¯ Power to the Future — Danica Olson. Olson has a Bachelor’s Degree of Music Education from Otterbein University and works as a music teacher for Children’s Music Studio, is a youth minister for Christ First United Methodist Church and a contracted bookkeeper for Anytime Tax. She spearheaded the organization of the Jamestown Women’s March in October 2021 and ensured the event was inclusive with a diverse group of speakers.

¯ Catalyst For Change — Carolee Corbitt. Corbitt has spent a lifetime centered on a career dedicated to advocating for and supporting the Latine population in Jamestown and Chautauqua County. She also works to help individuals dealing with substance use disorders through her work with Evergreen Health Syringe Exchange Program.

¯ Shattered Ceiling — Andrea Desnerck. As the general manager of local manufacturer Water Street Brass, Desnerck leads more than 50 employees in the decorative hardware industry. Part of the small team that opened Water Street Brass in 2012, Desnerck’s product knowledge and contacts in the decorative hardware industry across the country helped grow the business.

Carolee Corbitt

¯ Impact Award — Qiana James. James recently graduated with her Master of Public Administration from Strayer University. She is working towards her Doctor of Business Administration specializing in Leadership and Organizational Management at Capella University. Qiana recently founded Royal DreamZ, Inc., a non-profit with an ambitious mission to build a community of leaders. Qiana and her organization were instrumental in providing free prom dresses, shoes, and accessories for area high school girls.

For more information, visit www.ywcajamestown.com/woa or call 716-488-2237.

Samantha Elleman

Andrea Desnerck