The entry portal is now open for nominations for the prestigious McKnight’s Women of Distinction 2025 awards program.

This highly renowned competition rewards the best long-term care professionals in three divisions, ranging from newcomer to business manager. Now in its seventh year, the program has honored more than 300 women who are making a difference in the fields of skilled nursing, senior living and home care.

“The program has truly resonated with industry stakeholders, and we are honored to play a role in widely disseminating news about the achievements of special women serving seniors, directly or indirectly, through their efforts.ssaid John O’Connor, vice president and editorial director of McKnight. “Now is the time to name the amazing people you know. »

Eligible applicants must be managers, executives, business leaders, or direct care providers in the skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, independent living, or life plan communities, as well as those who work in these capacities in and in home care, home health, hospice and palliative care.

Women who indirectly serve this field – for example as association staff, academics or thought leaders – may also be recognized. Individuals working for supplier companies serving the industry are not eligible.

The nomination categories are:

• Hall of honor — For candidates at the C-suite level or equivalent in their organization.
• Veteran VIP — For professionals with more than 15 years of experience in the field of long-term care. Among other possibilities, they may include long-time community/facility administrators; nursing, health/wellness, or activities directors; or other senior managers.
• Rising star — Applicants must be aged 40 or younger Or have less than 15 years of experience in the profession.
• Spirit Prize — These awards recognize inspiring efforts in the provision of care and services. Eligibility is open to women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination – or other noble gestures.

Nominators for the Rising Star, Veteran VIP, and Hall of Honor categories must be willing to share detailed qualitative information. And quantitative information about the candidates’ professional background, their outstanding achievements and contributions or services, and anything else the jury should take into account. The more measurable the details provided by the applicant, the easier it will be for judges to evaluate the entry.

The final deadline for applications is January 17. Nominations for the Rising Star, VIP Veteran and Hall of Honor categories submitted before January 10 will incur an entry fee of $119. Nominations in these categories submitted between January 11 and 17 will have an entry fee of $139.

Nominations from women with extraordinary characters worthy of the Spirit Award will be accepted free of charge.

A Lifetime Achievement Award winner will also be named, as determined by event organizers.

All honorees will be celebrated at an in-person event on May 13 at the JW Marriott Downtown Chicago. Information about the event, which will include a hearty cocktail and hors d’oeuvres, as well as optional educational sessions earlier in the day, can be found at mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.

For more information or to submit an application, visit mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.

Questions should be directed to Anna Naumoski, associate director of events for Haymarket Media (the parent company of McKnight’s) at [email protected].

Discover the previous winners here. See previous winning classes here.