President & CEO Karen Santilli named Woman of Achievement by YWCA

During the awards ceremony, 13 women from the community were recognized for their accomplishments in industry, culture and public service.

YWCA Rhode Island President & CEO Deborah L. Perry said of the Women of Achievement award recipients: "Each recipient demonstrates exceptional skills as leaders, role models or mentors; break new ground or old barriers; are agents for positive change; and inspire others."

Among the awardees, Santilli was recognized for her dedication and innovative Housing First approach to ending homelessness in Rhode Island. "In my ten plus years at Crossroads, I have learned that women who are homeless are achievers. They are brilliant; they are survivors. What they have gone through, what they are going through; working hard to end homelessness for themselves and their families is truly amazing. This award is for them," she said during her acceptance speech Thursday afternoon.