Rochester Women's Network "W" Award Nominees

Elaine Spaull admits that when she won the “W” Award in 2005, she didn’t realize what an honor it really was. The award is the most distinguished honor that the Rochester Women’s Network gives. Hers resulted from her role as director of the Center for Youth, where she mentors girls and women

“I was so honored that the group of people who selected me believed in me that much — people beyond my family and inner circle,” said Spaull, who has since added City Council member to her résumé along with her role at the Center for Youth. “It supercharged me to go forward. It’s a vote of tremendous personal confidence in who you are and what you do.” On Tuesday, Spaull will serve as emcee for the 30th annual “W” Awards, which stands for “Women Inspiring Women.” The awards are presented by Rochester Women’s Network, also called RWN. It is the oldest and largest networking organization for local women in our area. The event takes place at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Perinton and features a silent auction and dinner.

Five finalists will be recognized for their contributions to the community: Joy Bergfalk, executive director of Coffee Connections; Gidget Hopf, president and CEO of ABVI and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes; Naomi Jochnowitz, math professor at the University of Rochester; Sister Barbara Moore, director of women and gender studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; and Pam Sherman, president of The Sherman EDGE and The Suburban Outlaw. “The “W” Award acknowledges a woman who works on behalf of other women, both in her career and in the community,” said Jane Sutter, co-chair of the 2016 awards process. “We know that women’s salaries are not equitable to men, and we know there are fields that are still dominated by men. This award goes to show that women are continually trying to empower other women to succeed.” Earlier this year, the RWN asked the community to nominate inspiring women.

The five finalists were chosen by a panel of community judges, which includes Thomas Warfield, son of 2015 “W” Award winner the Rev. Vernice Warfield. The final decision is made by vote through the network. While only one woman will receive the award, each of the five finalists will be publicly recognized for her achievements and be invited to speak onstage. “You hear inspiring stories from women who haven’t received a lot of public recognition,” said Sutter.

Pam Sherman, president at The Sherman EDGE and The Suburban Outlaw. Sherman is a Staten Island-native and former lawyer turned actress and writer. Her column “Suburban Outlaw,” went from Rochester Magazine to syndication in the Democrat and Chronicle and other Gannett newspapers.

She founded The Sherman Edge to support business and organizational leaders around the world in leadership development, communications and business development. She is a supporter of many local organizations that support women and girls, including Young Women’s College Prep charter school

Vernice Warfield, 101, received the “W” Award last year for her decades as a leader in the male-dominated church ministries; she is also a founder of the Urban League of Rochester and a champion for minority economic and employment equality, among many other things.  “Women love to hear each other’s stories, and that’s what the network has always provided,” said Spaull. “I believe the five “W” Award finalists this year represent a wonderful diversity of effort and commitment to our community.”Rochester Womens Network "W" Award Nominees