The Woman of the Year recognizes a woman who demonstrates the following ideals of Panhandle Business and Professional Women:
- Outstanding career achievement
- Outstanding efforts on behalf of BPW issues (equity in all areas of employment and education, elimination of all forms of discrimination, equitable family laws, health care for women including reproductive freedom, dependent care, initiatives for women/minority owned small businesses, supporting women veterans, etc.)
- Outstanding assistance to other women in their career advancement
- Outstanding guidance to youth and young career women
- Outstanding community service