YWCA honors women helping improve the community at tribute gala

SOTH BEND, Ind. - The YWCA, of North Central Indiana, honored women helping improve the community at its tribute gala, Thursday night.

ABC57's own Brian Conybeare was the emcee, helping hand out awards to women spending years in service.

the YWCA of North Central Indiana, which is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and helping children in the community, recognized the University of Notre Dame's Joan McClendon as the woman of the year.

She's spent her career dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, even co-founding the "Brite Women's Project", which helps women learn the skills to serve on non-profit boards.

Thursday's tribute dinner and auction supports the YWCA's shelters and services for local women and children impacted by abuse.

The organization says it serves more than 3,000 people in the community each year.