Nominations are now open for the Women of Achievement Awards, officials announced today in Des Moines, appropriately at the Women of Achievement Bridge.

The award strives to recognize the contributions of historical Iowa women who “made outstanding and lasting contributions to the citizens of Iowa or have advanced the well-being of others throughout the world,” according to a release from Iowa Women Lead Change, the organization that will present the awards.

All nominations are due by Jan. 15. Up to three women may be honored per year. Criteria can be viewed online.

The idea stemmed from the commemoration of the Women of Achievement Bridge in 2013, when the first awards were bestowed to Carrie Chapman Catt, Louise Rosenfield Noun, Sister Bernadine Pieper and Gertrude Elzora Durden Rush. Plaques on the bridge bear their names.

“Since that point, the award hasn’t been ‘owned’ by an organization, so now that IWLC is the steward, the award will be given annually,’ said Amy Eaton, marketing director with IWLC.

Principal Financial Group provided the initial grant for bringing back the award. “We will be seeking partners and sponsors as we move forward,” Eaton said.

The goal is to recognize the contributions of women, including those who may not have been applauded during their lifetimes.

“Celebrating the achievements of women past and present throughout the state of Iowa is one more way to showcase how our women leaders are taking charge and leading change,” said IWLC Executive Director Tiffany O’Donnell.

There are awards that already recognize current women of achievement, including the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame and the Business Record’s Women of Influence.

Iowa Women Lead Change is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement, development and promotion of women and their organizations and to having an impact on the regional economy, according to a news release.