Multiple post sections in sidebar?

I currently use a widget for embedded in the left sidebar to list the titles (and linked) to my 6-8 most recent posts. For a select group of individuals who receive credit for reading the (health ed) posts each month, they need to be able to see this specific list and review each post. I would like to add a second list of posts (“Optional”) in the same sidebar separate and apart from the other posts (“Required”). I do use categories so I was hoping to use this to differentiate between the two sections. I can’t figure out how (or if its even possible) to do this. Help’s appreciated!