L'Oreal Paris spokesperson Julianna Margulies with last year's Women of Worth National Honoree, Gretchen Witt.

One of the things I love about certain beauty companies is that they focus quite heavily on recognizing and supporting women’s causes, especially when they highlight women who are really making tremendous strides and changing the world. It’s one of the reasons I’m such a big fan of L’Oreal Paris and their Women of Worth awards, the nominations for which are open now.

The Women of Worth program is in its seventh year and gives women a chance to nominate other women in their communities and lives based on their selfless dedication to charitable efforts, community and volunteerism. Of the women who will be nominated, ten (10) will become finalists (“Honorees”) and one will win the Grand Prize as the National Honoree. Each honoree will receive $10,000 to support her charitable cause, and one of them will be chosen online by public vote to become the National Honoree. She will receive an additional $25,000 for her charity.

All ten honorees will be recognized at a spectacular dinner hosted by Hearst Magazines and L’Oréal Paris in New York City, which is where the National Honoree will be revealed. I had a chance to attend the dinner previously and it’s one of the most inspiring events you can imagine. You’re surrounded by women so amazing you think to yourself, “What MORE can I do?”

Brand spokesperson Julianna Margulies, who is partnering with L’Oreal Paris for the nomination period, has said of the awards, “Having personally met past Women of Worth honorees, I can say with full confidence that these ‘women of worth’ have dedicated their lives to helping others realize their worth every day.”

Do you know someone who embodies the L’Oreal slogan, “Because You’re Worth It?” Do you know someone who is incredibly selfless and who does things to raise awareness for great causes? Well, nominations are open now until May 31st, 2012. Click through and nominate them.

You know why? Because they’re worth it.