The City of Yonkers held an award ceremony Thursday night that celebrated outstanding women.

The Spirit of a Woman 2024 Awards Gala recognized eight women for their dedication and contributions to the community as part of Women's History Month.

"It's Women's History Month. So we want to celebrate everyone that's here and also the future generations. We want to inspire and continue to create," said event organizer Mitzi Cierra Walker.

"Yonkers is in my heart," said local artist and recipient Katori Walker. Her projects, like the "100 Words of Wisdom," exhibit have brought inspiration to Yonkers.

"It just makes me feel like all of the hard work I have put into the community, not just me, but my partner Evan Bishop, we work together as well, that we are being recognized for what we are doing in the community and the difference we are making. And that really touches us," Katori Walker added.

Amanda Ayala, a Yonkers-born singer who rose to fame on "The Voice," was also featured at the event.

"It's great to come back to where I was born and to where I came from, so to be back here tonight and to win an award as a trailblazer is truly such an honor," Ayala said.

The YWCA of Yonkers organized the event.

Eight awards were given out, which included two for leadership, two for inspiration, two for trailblazing, one pacesetter award and one champion award.

Cierra Walker said she hopes that by honoring these local women, they inspire other women to chase their goals, too.

"I just want everyone to become inspired and know that whatever dream you have, whatever gift you have, you can do whatever you want to do. And maybe one day, you'll get to join us, but if you don't, you're still great, you're still awesome," she said.