YWCA Alaska has named its Women of Achievement this year, which include a pastor, lawmaker and the Anchorage School District superintendent.
Darlena Fritzler, development manager at YWCA Alaska, said Tuesday that community members nominated several women and a nine-member selection committee whittled the list to 10.
"I'm so inspired by what they've accomplished," Fritzler said of the awardees. "Their primary focus is to make the community better for everyone."
The Alaska organization is a member of the nationwide YWCA and focuses on eliminating racism and empowering women. The Women of Achievement awards are in their 27th year and are primarily sponsored by BP.
The presentation is set for 5:15 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Discovery Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
The 2016 Women of Achievement are:
* Sheri Buretta, chair of the Chugach Alaska Corp. board of directors
* Judith Crotty, Wells Fargo community development regional manager
* Mara Kimmel, Alaska Institute for Justice co-founder and Anchorage first lady
* Kris Norosz, Icicle Seafoods' director of government affairs
* Deena Paramo, Anchorage School District superintendent
* Elizabeth Ripley, Mat-Su Health Foundation executive director
* Elizabeth Pierce, Quintillion Subsea Operations chief executive
* The Rev. Julia Seymour, pastor at Lutheran Church of Hope
* Alaska state Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, D-Anchorage
* Carol Swartz, Kenai Peninsula College's Kachemak Bay campus director