The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has announced the finalists for its 37th annual Tribute to Women Awards Gala, and UTCSW alumna Cynthia Finch (MSSW ’81) was named a finalist in the Racial and Social Justice category.

Finch is the founder and president of New Direction Health Care Solutions. She coordinated vaccine clinics in Knoxville’s Black communities that led to the administration of more than 4,000 vaccines.

The YWCA Tribute to Women awards honor East Tennessee women across industries for their accomplishments and impact on the community. 

The awards recognize women who exemplify the YWCA mission: empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The nominations were scored by out-of-state judges who are leaders at YWCAs across the country. The judges used a four-question rubric to select the honorees in each category. Those honorees will be announced at a ceremony October 6, 2022. 

The categories are arts and culture; business and industry; community enhancement; education; emerging leader; racial and social justice; and science, technology, and environment.

Click here to learn more about the YWCA Tribute to Women finalists