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What are the Torchbearer Awards
The Torchbearer Awards Ceremony recognizes women of Indiana who have been pioneers throughout their lives or who have stepped forward as leaders by breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles. These women have become true beacons of light and their stories of courage, perseverance, and compassion create a lasting legacy and inspiration for all.
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About the Awards
The Torchbearer Awards were created in 2004 by the Board of Commissioners of the Indiana Commission for Women to identify and recognize contributions made by Indiana women to their community, state, and nation. ICW created the concept of the Torchbearer Awards to honor the many Hoosier women who have overcome or removed barriers to equality or to whose achievements have contributed to making our state a better place in which to live, work and raise a family. The Victory statute atop the Soldiers’ and Sailor’s Monument was selected to represent the Torchbearer Awards because it is symbolic of the character and achievements of the women honored, and the flame she holds represents the light these Torchbearers have brought to our state and their communities. Torchbearers are Indiana’s most prestigious recognition of women in the state. They are women who have stepped forward as leaders by breaking down barriers to women’s full participation and who have become lasting legacies for us all by overcoming immense challenges with courage, perseverance and compassion.
Recipients are selected from a pool of nominated candidates who have overcome obstacles, made extraordinary contributions or been pioneers throughout their lives and are based on the recipients’ achievement in the areas of their professional careers, community leadership, and/or public service as demonstrated in the nominators' application. Recipients must be living at the time of their nomination. The Torchbearer Award recipients are selected by a panel of previous Torchbearer Award recipients. These women, referred to as the Council of Judges, represent diverse geographic regions, and professional backgrounds and make their decision based on nominations received from the public. Nominated women are scored based on several criteria and must receive a unanimous decision in order to be selected.
History of the Torchbearer Awards
Disclaimer: All decisions made by the Council of Judges are final. Selection of torchbearers should not be considered an endorsement of or promotion by the Indiana Commission for Women. Comments and opinions expressed are strictly those of the recipients and not those of the Indiana Commission for Women, the State of Indiana or its partners and supporters. The Indiana Commission for Women does not assume any legal liability of or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the nomination packet.