Originally established in 1978 as the Woman of the Year Award, the Woman of Influence Award honors women, who like Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author, activist, and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, have distinguished themselves in their career, devotion to family, and pursuit of humanitarian and advocacy goals.
Woman of Influence
Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973)
Pearl S. Buck was a writer, activist, and humanitarian. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Literature for her novel, The Good Earth, and the Nobel Prize in Literature for her body of work. Ms. Buck used the spotlight on her to shine a light on the plight of marginalized people everywhere and to advocate for the civil rights movement in the U.S. She also founded Welcome House (the world’s first international biracial adoption agency) and established The Pearl S. Buck Foundation (now Pearl S. Buck International) to provide international humanitarian aid.
Ms. Buck’s groundbreaking words and work paved the way for greater international and intercultural understanding. They also provided life-changing aid for countless impoverished children.
Pearl S. Buck International’s Mission:
Pearl S. Buck International provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark home.
Pearl S. Buck International’s Vision:
The legacy of Pearl S. Buck unites nations, societies, communities and individuals with an appreciation for cultural differences and a commitment to service.
Pearl S. Buck Woman of Influence Award
The Woman of Influence Award, given by Peal S. Buck International, is an honor bestowed upon a woman with remarkable talent, drive, and compassion. The award originated in 1979 as “Woman of the Year,” and has such notable recipients as Laura Bush, TV personality Nydia Han, and former President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino. The Woman of Influence is chosen every year based on criteria that best exemplifies both Pearl Buck herself as well as embodies the mission of the organization that bears her name.
2024 Woman of Influence Nomination Form
Nominations for our 2023 Woman of Influence are closed - all new submissions will be considered for 2024
This year, we are expanding our search. We are asking for the public’s help in identifying our “Woman of Influence 2024.”
Criteria:
- History of Humanitarian Pursuits
- Professional Achievement
- Association with a cause that aligns with PSBI’s mission
- National and/or international notability
- Demonstrates exemplary leadership
- Makes significant contributions to our local and global communities with a proven number of beneficiaries of her work (in order to measure impact)
- Advocates for others and contributes to women’s success within their respective fields
- Has received prior awards for her achievements
- Is willing to attend the award ceremony within one year of award being granted at PSBI
- Must not be a deceased individual
- Can be an international candidate
Examples of nomination worthy candidates:
- A woman who is using her voice to drive change by advocating for causes that make an impact in the lives of others, the community, or the environment.
- A woman with a record of significant contribution by way of her dedication to enriching the lives of others. She may be a member of the visual, literary, performing arts, film, or broadcasting community.
- A woman with commitment and passion for serving others while making an impact and leading with purpose. Through her work as a compassionate and caring humanitarian, she demonstrates the application of business development strategies to implement solutions for social, cultural or environmental issues.
Instructions to nominate:
The nominator must…
- Write a letter of recommendation (1-2 pages)
- Complete the nomination application in full on this page
- The nomination form must be completed in full. Please do not include links to more information on your nominee.
Nominations are due by March 1, 2023 at 5 p.m. for 2023 nominations.
Woman of Influence
Read About Past Woman of Influence Honorees
