At the 2024 YWCA Leadership Luncheon, Mary Lynne Schroeder (2023 YWCA Leader of Distinction) presented the award to her good friend, Virginia McKibben.
Following is the text of her presentation:
Every year at this luncheon, we honor someone who has exemplified the YWCA mission in their lives, with a focus on reaching out to, lifting up, and celebrating the lives and hopes of women, of children, and of diverse peoples.
This year’s recipient has lived a life in service to others. She came of age at a time when women didn’t have the opportunities they have today. She poured her talents and abilities in to her family and her community wherever she lived.
Her daughter shares this message:
“My mother is, and always has been, my role model. She navigates every opportunity and challenge in her life with grace and optimism.
“My mom was born and raised in a small eastern Washington town. After graduating from the University of Washington, she married, and began a lifetime of moving and traveling.
“Along the way, she raised and nurtured her family and developed lifelong friendships.“
Her daughter saw her mom’s strength premised in her belief that one must do the best you can, every day that you can. That belief is evident in her contributions to the Walla Walla YWCA.
In 2000, she was a founder of the YWCA Leadership Luncheon and in 2001, the YWCA Leadership Circle! This leadership and vision has helped raise nearly $2 million for the YWCA’s most important and urgent work over the last 25 years.
“My mother,” her daughter continues, “is my hero because she recognizes the good, and, and nurtures the potential in everyone in her life. She embodies the YWCA founding goals.“
And, her mom is also our hero! Our hero because of all that has just been shared, of course, but also because of just who she is every day!
Is she a loyal friend? — Yes!
…Is her smile so real and contagious? — for sure!!
…Does she have opinions? — oh, a few!!
…Does she take something that is difficult and make it look manageable? — absolutely!
…Does she make you feel like you are the most important person in the room? — amazingly, yes!
I would like to welcome this year’s Leader of Distinction. She, along with Rozanne Van Ausdle and Peggy Sanderson, had the seed of an idea and envisioned this room full, year after year! Was that a successful idea?? Oh, yes!
Join me in celebrating our dear friend, Virginia McKibben, YWCA Leader of Distinction for 2024.