Retired Indiana Fever star and Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings. Former Miss America Katie Stamm. Former State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box. These are just a few of the women who have been honored with Torchbearer Awards.
In 2004, the Indiana Commission for Women established the Torchbearer Awards to honor Hoosier women who have made remarkable achievements and blazed trails for other women to follow. Each year, a judges’ panel selects six recipients for the award, five Torchbearers and one honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Nominations for the 2024 Torchbearer Awards are now open through May 24. As a member of the Indiana Commission for Women, I encourage you to nominate the women in your life who have dedicated their time and effort to making positive change in their community, whether it be through their professional endeavors or philanthropic work.
Other previous Torchbearers include Judge Margret G. Robb, who was the first woman elected chief judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals, former State Rep. Carolene Mays, and Marlene Dotson, president and CEO of the Indiana Latino Institute.
While the recipients mentioned above have recognizable names, nominees don’t need to have achieved celebrity status. They only have to have made remarkable contributions to their community.
If you know a Hoosier woman deserving of this award, a nomination link and criteria are available at in.gov/icw/initiatives/torchbearer-awards2/. The award ceremony is generally conducted on the fourth Wednesday in September.
Along with recognizing the contributions Hoosier women have made to their communities and our state and country, the Indiana Commission for Women also works to determine their needs in all aspects of society, as well as address any discrimination they may face. Visit in.gov/icw for a list of comprehensive resources on categories including career and workforce development, health and financial education and literacy.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield, R-Martinsville, represents House District 60, which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties. Johnson County representatives share in writing a rotating monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
