Five finalists for the 29th annual “W” Award were announced Saturday.
The Rochester Women’s Network said the finalists for its highest honor are:
• Michelle Ashby, CEO of Tipping Point Communications, a Rochester marketing, public relations and media strategy company. Ashby was named one of two 2014 Business Person of the Year award winners in October.
• Dellenna Harper, director of Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach’s Jennifer House. After a cocaine addiction put her in prison, she lived in Jennifer House after her release and received help from the YWCA, eventually earning degrees in addiction counseling and social work.
•Allison O’Malley. executive director of Resolve of Greater Rochester Inc. The organization works to intervene in and prevent domestic and sexual violence against women.
• The Rev. Vernice Smith Warfield, who just turned 100. A minister in the Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, she has led numerous organizations, helped found the Urban League of Rochester and has taken in numerous foster children and families in need. She is the mother of dancer/artist Thomas Warfield.
Established in 1986, the annual “W” Award recognizes a local woman who goes above and beyond to help other women succeed personally and professionally.
The 29th recipient will be announced during a gala that will start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Woodcliff Hotel and Spa, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Perinton. Dee Alexander, the 2012 winner, will be the host.
Tickets are $60 through May 8; then $75 until the registration deadline of May 15. Tickets may be purchased by going to rwn.org or calling (585) 271-4182. All proceeds benefit RWN.