YWCA Mankato Announces 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees
YWCA Mankato has named Barb Kaus, Diana Gabriel, Erin Simmons and Laura Stevens as the 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees. Rising Star Honoree Trinitey Bryant and Distinctive Difference Business Honorees APX Construction will also be recognized at the 52nd annual Women of Distinction event this April.
ABOUT THE HONOREES:
Barb Kaus: Leading with Purpose, Inspiring Change
Barb Kaus has dedicated her career to empowering others, leading with integrity, and fostering positive change in both business and community service. As the CEO of Greater Mankato Area United Way, Barb exemplifies visionary leadership, driving innovation and inclusivity in the workplace while championing professional growth for women.
Diana Gabriel: A legacy of Leadership and Empowerment
Through her career as a nurse, therapist, educator, and executive strengths-based leadership coach, Diana has answered her calling to be a catalyst walking alongside individuals, inspiring them to reach beyond their limits, lean into their gifts, and create lives aligned with their values, strengths, and purpose.
Her impact is undeniable. She has changed lives, strengthened communities, and empowered a generation of women to stand boldly in their truth. We honor Diana Gabriel as a YWCA Woman of Distinction—a woman who lifts others, breaks barriers, and creates lasting change.
Erin Simmons: A Passionate Advocate for Youth
Erin Simmons is a visionary leader and advocate dedicated to transforming the lives of children at Mankato Youth (MY) Place. As Executive Director, she has created a safe haven where underserved youth receive support, education, and opportunities to thrive.
Her dedication to inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity has shaped MY Place into a model of hope and possibility. Through her relentless advocacy, she instills in young people the belief that they can achieve their dreams despite adversity.
Laura Stevens: A Champion for Youth and Community
After years of leadership at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, she is currently the Development Director at Mankato Youth Place (MY Place), a free out of school program that is committed to providing a nurturing environment that empowers youth to build the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential.
Her commitment to community service extends beyond her current role, having served at various nonprofits, including Greater Mankato Area United Way, YWCA Mankato, and the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, where she was a founding board member. A passionate advocate for philanthropy, Stevens co-founded the Women’s Giving Circle of the Mankato Area Foundation alongside Melanie VanRoekel,
Awards will be given out during the 52nd Annual Women of Distinction event on Thursday, April 24th at The Capitol Room in St. Peter.
YWCA Mankato will also present two Advancing Racial Justice grants to those that are doing critical work in advancing its mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women. The grant recipients are Ark Kimble and Jennifer Ek.
The event reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. with a program to follow. Single tickets are $70, a reserved table is $560, and all are available for purchase online at www.mankatoywca.org/women-distinction or by calling YWCA Mankato at (507) 345-4629. Tickets will be available until sold out.
For more information about the honorees or events, please visit www.mankatoywca.org or call (507) 345-4629.
