Looking for a last-minute gift for a female colleague? Or maybe you’re a woman seeking a holiday splurge for yourself. Or perhaps you’re trying to think of a way to ring in the new year at work.

Might I suggest that you nominate a co-worker or yourself for a McKnight’s Women of Distinction award? The effects of such a gift could last long after holiday wrapping paper and gift bags are put in the recycling or thrown away.

Jan. 8 is the deadline for all entries.

This is the second year for the awards competition, held by McKnight’s Senior Living and our sister media brand, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, to recognize exceptional women working in the respective fields we cover, senior living and skilled nursing. Eligible for recognition are women who are direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives and owners in independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities, as well as those working in these capacities in skilled nursing facilities. Those who serve the field indirectly, for instance as association staff members or thought leaders, also are eligible.

The awards recognize women in two categories:

  • Hall of Honor candidates should be at the level of vice president (or equivalent) or higher and must have made a significant impact in their organizations.
  • Rising Stars should have less than 15 years of experience in the industry or be no more than 40 years old, and they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the industry.

A lifetime achievement award also will be bestowed.

All selected honorees will be celebrated at an awards event in May in Chicago. Additional details about the event will be announced at a later date.

Winners will be recognized with full coverage at McKnightsSeniorLiving.com, McKnights.com and in our print editions.

If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else, be prepared to share information about work history, exceptional achievements and contributions or service, and anything else you believe could sway the judges. The nomination form has word limits, but it’ll be in your best interest to provide as much information as possible within those limits.

For more information and to nominate someone for recognition, visit www.mcknights.com/womenofdistinction. You can read about last year’s event and honorees here.

During this season of giving, we’re grateful to all those who take the time to help recognize the deserving women in senior living and care by making nominations and taking other actions, including PointClickCare, the Diamond sponsor of this year’s event, and to OnShift and PharMerica, the Silver sponsors.