The YWCA’s 28th annual Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) will be May 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center. This year’s luncheon will spotlight 62 outstanding female leaders nominated by their organizations. All proceeds go directly to the YWCA’s programs and services.

“When we look at how this event has grown, it really capsulizes the progress women have made in the American corporate culture,” says Roberta Spoon, YWCA board chairperson.

Since its inception, TWIN has honored 2,286 businesswomen and raised nearly $2 million. Last year’s event drew 800 attendees, earning $90,000 in profit for the organization.

“We couldn’t do without it,” says Spoon about TWIN, one of the YWCA’s three annual fund-raisers.

Presenting sponsor for 2007’s TWIN is Bank of America. David Ohanian, honorary chair and the bank’s San Diego market president, says he feels an obligation both personally and corporately to back events such as TWIN.

“We have an opportunity to make a difference in San Diego,” he says. “It comes right down to individuals and organizations to prove we can make that difference. (TWIN) is a phenomenal event and Bank of America wants to be a leader as it relates to careers and opportunities for women, so we feel it’s critical for us to be involved.”

Joye Blount, senior vice president and bank sales manager at Bank of America, is the event chairperson. Supporters of TWIN include Bank of America, the presenting sponsor, and Executive Club sponsors Goodrich Corp., National University, Qualcomm Inc., Rick Engineering Co., SAIC, San Diego Convention Center Corp., San Diego Metropolitan magazine, Sharp HealthCare, Solar Turbines Inc., Sony Electronics Inc., and Union Bank of California.

Comedian and juggler Chris Bliss will entertain during the luncheon. Called “one of the brightest comedians around” by Jay Leno, Bliss’s unusual mix of physical comedy has taken him around the world, including hundreds of concert openings for artists such as Eric Clapton, Kenny Loggins and Julio Iglesias. His remarkable finale — set to a Beatles medley — has garnered international media coverage.

For tickets or more information, call (619) 239-0355 or visit ywcasandiego.org.

— Christy Scannell