The Golden Anniversary Celebration

Cape Girardeau, MO, July 7, 2026 — The Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau is proud to announce Women of Achievement – The Golden Anniversary Celebration, taking place on Friday, November 13, 2026. This signature event will commemorate the club’s 50 years of empowering women and girls while honoring extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and achievements have strengthened communities throughout Southeast Missouri.

The Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau invites past and present members, community partners, sponsors, previous Woman of Achievement recipients, and all supporters of women’s advancement to join us for a memorable evening celebrating both the organization’s golden anniversary and the remarkable women making a difference in our region.

Hosted at the Drury Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau, guests will enjoy an elegant evening beginning with a cocktail hour and community expo featuring sponsor vendor booths, games, and giveaways. Dinner will be followed by an inspiring awards program recognizing outstanding women in our region before the celebration concludes with live entertainment by Gen X.

For 50 years, the Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau has been dedicated to empowering women and girls through scholarships, advocacy, community service, and recognition programs. Women of Achievement – The Golden Anniversary Celebration honors that legacy by recognizing women whose leadership and commitment continue to inspire positive change while celebrating the club’s lasting impact on the community.

Community members are encouraged to nominate the remarkable women they know who are making a difference through leadership, service, mentorship, advocacy, and professional excellence. Whether it’s a colleague, mentor, volunteer, educator, business leader, or community champion, Zonta believes every outstanding woman deserves to have her story recognized.

As part of the celebration, the club will present three prestigious awards:

• Woman of Achievement Award, recognizing exceptional women who have demonstrated leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful service to the community.
• Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring an individual whose lifelong dedication has created a lasting impact on the lives of others.
• Young Woman of Achievement Award, new for 2026, recognizing an exceptional woman 35 years of age or younger who demonstrates outstanding leadership, professional achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to empowering others. This inaugural award celebrates the next generation of women who are already making a lasting impact in our communities.

“This golden anniversary represents more than 50 years of empowering women and girls—it celebrates generations of women who have led with courage, compassion, and purpose,” said Dr. Jan Ruopp, longtime Zontian and co-chair of the event. “As we honor the outstanding women receiving these awards, we also celebrate the enduring mission of Zonta and recommit ourselves to creating greater opportunities for women and girls for the next 50 years.”

The club encourages individuals, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and community members to submit nominations. Taking a few moments to nominate an inspiring woman is a meaningful way to recognize her contributions and ensure her impact is celebrated during this milestone anniversary event.

Event Details

What: Women of Achievement – The Golden Anniversary Celebration

When: Friday, November 13, 2026

Where: Drury Plaza Conference Center, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Evening Schedule:

• 5:30 p.m. – Doors open for cocktail hour, community expo, sponsor vendor booths, games, and giveaways
• 6:00 p.m. – Dinner
• Following Dinner – Women of Achievement Awards Presentation
• 8:00 p.m. – Live music and celebration with Gen X

Awards Presented: Woman of Achievement Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the inaugural Young Woman of Achievement Award

Nominate a Deserving Woman: Award nominations are now open. Nomination forms and event information can be found at: https://capezonta.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=428770&module_id=653195

Who Should Attend: Community members, business leaders, past and present Zonta members, sponsors, award honorees, and supporters of women’s advancement.

For more information about Women of Achievement – The Golden Anniversary Celebration, including sponsorship opportunities, award nominations, or tickets, visit https://capezonta.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=428770&module_id=653195 or contact Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau President Jessica Hill at 573-382-8368 or zonta.jessicahill@gmail.com.