This Friday, Jan. 12, is the final nomination deadline for the 2024 McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET.

The esteemed long-term care recognition program is now in its sixth year and will culminate in a gala awards ceremony and banquet in May. Nominations for the Rising Star, Veteran VIP, Hall of Honor and Spirit Award categories (described below) may be made by any interested stakeholder. 

The event website holds full background information and the easy to fill out entry form.

The eligible group of professionals includes women working as direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives and owners in independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities, as well as those working in those capacities in skilled nursing facilities and in home care, home health, hospice and palliative care. 

Women who serve the fields indirectly — for instance as association staff members, academicians or thought leaders — also are eligible for recognition. (Individuals working for vendor companies serving the industry are not eligible.)

Since the program’s 2019 inception, 252 women in the fields of skilled nursing, senior living or home care have been honored across multiple award categories.

Now in its sixth year, the program is administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. 

The nomination categories:

  • Hall of Honor: For top executives.
  • Veteran VIP: For mid-career professionals with more than 15 years of experience.
  • Rising Star: Candidates must be aged 40 or fewer years or have fewer than 15 years of experience in the profession. 
  • Spirit Award: Recognizes inspiring caregiving and service provision efforts. Acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination and other noble gestures will be honored here. Nominations for the Spirit Award are accepted at no charge.

A Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be named by organizers.

All honorees will be celebrated at an in-person event on Tuesday, May 14, in Chicago that also will recognize inductees from previous years. Information about the event, which also will include optional educational sessions, is available at mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.