Paula Marcus-Platz receives the Priscilla Gendron Legacy Award on Sunday for her community advocacy, at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Awards Brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Marcus-Platz, the mother of three and grandmother of four, champions community health and youth development. A psychotherapist since 1982, she remains active in community organizations. She has served on the boards of Tree Street Youth, the YWCA Central Maine and Temple Shalom. Behind her are Amanda Hatch, left, chief program & impact officer at YWCA Central Maine; Melanie LaMore Gagnon, the CEO of YWCA Central Maine; and Ayesha Hall, vice president of the YWCA board. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Jessica Donovan, right, CEO of Lucro Management in Lewiston, presents Shanna Cox with the Lee Young Leadership Award on Sunday at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award Brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Cox is the president and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. With a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Maine and experience as a small-business owner, she reportedly excels in strategic planning and community development. Cox is known for her empowering leadership style and dedication to enhancing the region’s economic landscape. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Abby Reuscher is surrounded Sunday by her students, who nominated her for the Marcia Baxter Social Justice Award, during the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Awards Brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Reuscher, a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Lewiston High School, fosters inclusivity and critical thinking in her classroom. Reuscher also leads initiatives, including the Black Student Union and Project Gen-Z, promoting equity and empowerment. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Megan Parks, right, introduces Linda Scott on Sunday at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Awards at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Parks is speaking of her long history with Scott, who urged Parks to join the Lewiston School Committee. Scott, honored with the Tonie Ramsey Service Award, has dedicated herself to serving Lewiston. From the School Committee to the City Council, she says her focus is on advocating for children. She leads initiatives, including neighborhood cleanups and community gardens, and now works at the Lewiston Emergency Warming Shelter, while running her own early childhood education business. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Judith Josiah-Martin delivers the keynote Sunday at the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Awards Brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Her keynote, titled “The Shoulders of Strong Women: Walking Forward Together,” applauds the most powerful woman in the world, and offers tips for how to take care of oneself while fighting for progress. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal