The 2017 Women of Distinction awards honored five Central Coast women for their professional and civic contributions. The honorees were nominated by their peers and chosen by a selection committee. The five women honored were:

Community and Public Service Award, Volunteer: Shelly Higginbotham
Community and Public Service Award, Professional: Nancy Walker
Progress for Women Award: Janna Nichols
Susan Dressler Educational Leadership: Mila Vujovich-La Barre
Grace N. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award: Roxanne Carr