2022 Women of Distinction alternate logo

The first deadline to nominate a McKnight’s Woman of Distinction is today. While there is more time this year to nominate a worthy candidate, it is the last day to receive the low entry fee of $69.

Eligible for recognition this year are women working as direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives and owners in home care; skilled nursing facilities; and independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities. Women who serve the fields indirectly — for instance as association staff members, academicians or thought leaders — also are eligible. Individuals working for vendor companies are not eligible. This is the first year that women who work in the home care field will be recognized.

Here are the categories:

Hall of Honor candidates should be at the level of vice president (or equivalent) or higher and must have made a significant impact in their organizations.

Rising Stars nominees should have fewer than 15 years of experience in the industry, be no more than 40 years old, and they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the industry.

Veteran VIP honorees will fall between the Hall of Honor inductees and Rising Stars. Veteran VIP nominees should have more than 15 years of experience in home care, senior living or skilled nursing but should be at a level lower than vice president (or equivalent.

This year, an additional award, the McKnight’s Spirit Award, will recognize inspiring women who provide care and services. A candidate must have demonstrated though a deed or series of actions how she went above and beyond to serve the profession. As many as five honorees will be chosen. Nominations for this award will be accepted at no charge.

For additional information about the awards, and to nominate someone for any of them, visit this website.

All honorees, including a Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will be celebrated at an in-person event on May 12 in Chicago. The event also will recognize winners from 2020 and 2021, when the awards ceremony was held virtually. Educational sessions will be offered the next day; details will be announced at a later date.

Nominations submitted between Dec. 9 and Jan. 5 will have a $99 entry fee. Those submitted between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12 will have a $129 entry fee.

The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare.