Women of Distinction 2022 logo

Submissions for the 4th Annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards are now being accepted. The popular program kicked off its 2022 edition by opening the entry portal Tuesday. 

The profession’s most celebrated honors program for women leaders recognizes top performers in skilled nursing, senior living and home care in three categories: Rising Stars, Veteran VIPs, and Hall of Honor.

A Lifetime Achievement Award winner also will be named, along with winners in the new Spirit Award division. The latter is open to women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination — or other noble gestures. Up to five honorees will be chosen.

The contest entry period lasts seven weeks — until Jan. 5 — with discounted rates available until the Dec. 8 Early Bird deadline. There is no fee to offer a nomination for the Lifetime or Spirit awards.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding the scope of the awards for the second year in a row,” said McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor. “There is no shortage of eligible nominees out there. Now it’s up to the co-workers, friends and colleagues — and even the outstanding individuals themselves — to make sure our judges get a look at their impressive stories.”

A national panel of long-term care experts and stakeholders will review all entries. Winners will be announced in February, and the program will culminate with an in-person gala awards ceremony May 12 at the historic W Hotel in downtown Chicago. 

The next morning, the Women of Distinction Forum will kick off with a keynote speaker and a slate of educational webinars targeted at all long-term care stakeholders — irrespective of gender, job title or age.

For two years, organizers were forced to hold online awards ceremonies due to pandemic conditions. On Tuesday, they announced that Women of Distinction honorees from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 are being invited to the 2022 in-person awards ceremony and forum free of charge.

“As the pandemic continues to challenge long-term care providers, we’re so pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to give the exceptional women working in long-term care — often behind the scenes, making a difference in the lives of their colleagues and those they serve — the recognition they deserve,” said McKnight’s Senior Living Editor Lois A. Bowers.

The three main entry divisions once again are as follows:

  • Hall of Honor. This recognizes top executives who have risen through many years of inspirational work and serve as examples to many around them.
  • Veteran VIPs. For high-quality, managers and accomplishers who have spent more than 15 years in the profession and have earned the admiration of colleagues, superiors, family members, residents and other stakeholders.
  • Rising Stars. For younger top performers who are not yet 40 years old or have fewer than 15 years in the business.

Past coverage can be found by scrolling here through stories and personal profiles of previous honorees. Winners have come from all sizes and types of organizations.The McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards and Forum is a joint effort of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare.