YWCA Delaware's long history of responding to the needs of women and families and its honorees will be celebrated as the nonprofit organization marks its 127th anniversary and recognizes honorees during its Annual Meeting.

Wilmington, DE - YWCA Delaware is pleased to recognize the achievements of the late Eva Verplanck, Ph.D., Kemal Erkan, and Jalyn Powell for their outstanding contributions to women's advancement during YWCA Delaware's Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held at The Delaware Contemporary located at 200 South Madison Street, Wilmington, DE, on May 25th at 5:30 p.m. Early bird tickets are $35. After May 11th, tickets will be $40. Registration is open now on YWCA Delaware's website.

Longtime YWCA Delaware board member, Eva L. Verplanck, will be recognized as the recipient of YWCA Delaware's Trailblazer Award. Kemal Erkan, CEO and President of United Medical, LLC, will receive YWCA Delaware's Man of Distinction Award. Jalyn Powell, M.A., and CEO of Outloud, LLC, will receive the Genevieve Gore Young Woman's Leadership Award. 

"When the coronavirus pandemic forced us to postpone our 125th anniversary in 2020, it provided us with an opportunity to reflect on our rich heritage and major accomplishments. We're looking forward to sharing our story, marking our historical milestone, and celebrating the courage and strength of our dedicated members, both past and present," said Stephanie Staats, CEO, YWCA Delaware. 

The event will showcase historic photos, highlighting YWCA's achievements throughout it's 127 years of service. Founded in 1895, YWCA Delaware was established as a voice for women's issues. Over the past century, the organization has grown to advocate for fair housing, economic advancement, health and safety, gender equity, racial justice, and youth development and currently maintains four locations in Delaware. YWCA Delaware provides emergency and transitional housing, 24/7 crisis helpline services, and counseling. In 2021, YWCA Delaware served 8,852 Delawareans. For comprehensive information about this vital work, go to: www.ywcade.org.

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