The Alexandria Commission for Women honors the tireless work and commitment to women and girls throughout the community at it's Salute to Women Awards celebrations. Each year, the Commission for Women celebrated Alexandria’s outstanding women, men, and youth who have made a significant impact on women and girls in Alexandria through the following award categories:

The Susan Lowell Butler Lifetime Achievement Award - The Commission for Women created the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. The Commission named Susan Lowell Butler the first recipient of the award, posthumously, for her dedication to women's equality and well-being. Susan Lowell Butler served on the Commission for Women from 1997-2010 and chaired the Commission in 2001. The award, now named in Susan's honor, was given to a woman who has exhibited a lifetime commitment to advancing opportunities and/or enhancing the quality of life for women and/or girls in the City of Alexandria.

The Marguerite Payez Leadership Award - In 1983, the Commission established the Marguerite Payez Leadership Award as a tribute to the memory of and to recognize the valuable work Ms. Payez contributed to the community. Marguerite Payez was appointed to the Commission in 1979 and was active in our community until her death in 1982. This award was given to a woman who, through volunteer work, has exhibited leadership qualities and has trained other women to assume leadership roles in the community. 

Youth Community Services Award - This award recognized a young woman (16-24 years of age) whose service activities provide a model for other women and/or girls in the community.

The Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award - This award recognized a woman who has made a significant contribution to the status of women through advocating for issues of importance to women. This award may be for work in such areas as developing improvements in services offered by government or advocating for educational issues.

The Vola Lawson Award - This award recognized a City employee who, like Vola Lawson, made a significant contribution to the well-being, improving the lives or otherwise contributed to the status of women in the City of Alexandria during the course of his/ her job. This award was also given to current City employees or those who have resigned or retired from City employment within the past two years.

Donna Bergheim Cultural Affairs Award - This award recognized a woman for her artistic endeavors in facilitating creative expression and personal growth in women and/or girls in our community like Donna Bergheim, who passed away in 2010.

For more information about the Salute to Women Awards Program, contact the Alexandria Commission for Women at alexandriawomen@gmail.com or 703.746.3579.

See a listing of all past Salute to Women Award Winners.