Women of Distinction Tickets SOLD OUT!
2023 Women Of Distinction Awards Gala
June 14, 2023
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2023
CELEBRATING THE TRAILBLAZING WOMEN, GIRLS AND GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Award Category Update
As an organization, YWCA Cambridge always strives to be responsive to the changing needs and realities of our communities. We’re committed to reflecting the community as it changes – including how we recognize the fierce women, girls and gender diverse individuals who make a difference in Cambridge and North Dumfries.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards are taking a more holistic and inclusive approach that will ensure nominees are recognized for their own unique strengths, achievements and contributions while centering our organization’s core values of equity, self-determination, inclusion, community and leadership.
This year, the Women of Distinction Awards will have one pool of nominees, rather than specific award categories. This provides the opportunity for nominators to highlight their nominees’ unique journeys and impacts, rather than boxing their diverse experiences into categories.
We know the ways individuals contribute to their communities are innumerable and we hope this change away from specific award categories provides the opportunity for nominators to celebrate the diverse ways that women do amazing things.
YWCA Cambridge will award four Women of Distinction awards in addition to three special award categories
Young Trailblazer Award (25 and under)
This award honours a young woman or gender diverse individual under the age of 25 who shows leadership at school, in the community and/or in their workplace. A Young Trailblazer is an exceptional leader and inspiration to their generation. They challenge the status quo, understand and address community issues and inspire other to do the same. Nominees must fall within this age range by March 2, 2023.
Lifetime Achievement Award (55 plus)
This award honours a woman or gender diverse individual who is 55 years or older who has made significant and varied contributions to their community. They are a role model who has tirelessly contributed to the community in many ways, for many years, as an advocate, volunteer and/or mentor. They exhibit strength, wisdom and character that serve as an inspiration to those around them. Nominees must fall within this age range by March 2, 2023.
President’s Award
This award honours someone who has inspired our community through their tireless work to uplift and empower others and build a stronger, better Cambridge for us all. This award is chosen by the YWCA Cambridge board and staff.
Partnership opportunities
What better way to create the change you want to see in the world than by supporting a vital community event created to honour women and inspire generations to come?
YWCA Cambridge is always seeking new partners to join us in celebrating the women that have blazed trails and had incredible impacts on our community. As a valued corporate partner, you are making a critical investment in providing young women, girls and gender diverse individuals access to strong and inspiring community role models.
From hosting and hospitality packages to category sponsorship and more, we will work with you to create a partnership that meets your goals and aligns with your corporate values.
For partnership inquiries, please contact Nataleigh Ballantyne, Director of Philanthropy at n.ballantyne@ywcacambridge.ca
Congratulations to the 2022 women of distinction!
Below are the incredible women that we celebrated as our 2022 Women of Distinction
- The President’s Award: Abiha Syed and Rubina Bilal, Co-Chairs of Muslim Women of Cambridge.
Someone or a team, who has inspired our community through their tireless work to uplift and empower others and build a stronger, better Cambridge for us all.
- Education/Child Care Hero: Bibi Corbeil and Carolina Miranda (tie)
Someone or a team, who has gone above the call of duty to ensure children/youth in their classroom thrive despite all of the hurdles facing them throughout pandemic closures and changes to schooling; - Healthcare Hero: Brenda Parrot, Operating Room Attendant and Nurse Aid, Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Covid Assessment Centre
Someone or a team, in the healthcare field who worked tirelessly through the pandemic to ensure the wellbeing of patients/clients/community; - Pandemic Innovation: Courtney Waterfall, Chapter Director, Shelter Movers Waterloo Region
Someone or a team, who developed or helped develop a product, service or a social movement to help respond to the pandemic; - Humanitarian/Volunteerism Work: Audrey Hill
Someone or a team, who stepped up for people made most vulnerable as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns; - Social Action & Advocacy: Nicole Mahmood, Newcomer Mental Health Facilitator
Someone or a team, who, through paid work or volunteerism has worked tirelessly to move the needle on social issues, particularly the inequities the pandemic exposed; - Community Champion: Pamela Mangos, Laura McKenna and Joanne Malone, Founders and Co-owners of The Art of Home
Someone or a team who have gone above and beyond to support their community through the pandemic; - Small Business Champion: Jessica Montague March, Real Estate Sales Representative, Royal LePage Crown Realty
Someone or a team, who has championed the needs of independent businesses and fostered a sense of community while supporting local businesses throughout the pandemic; - The Courage of Covid Award: Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Lee Fairclough, Dr. Sharon Bal, Deputy Chief of Police Shirley Hilton, Vickie Murray and Superintendent Jennifer Davis:
Someone or a team, who has overcome obstacles and inspired others with their tenacity & grit throughout the pandemic.
If preferred, you may download a .pdf version of the 2022 nomination form to print out offline. You may return this form to our offices at 55 Dickson Street, between Tuesday – Friday, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Women of Distinction are leaders in their fields and communities. They are paving the way for the trailblazers of tomorrow and having a positive impact on our city. They work to inspire, lead and create change and we can’t help but stand up and take notice. Throughout the pandemic, a Woman of Distinction may have:
- Been a role model and inspired others through their work in the field of healthcare, child care or education;
- Participated actively as a volunteer to help people in need;
Contributed in the field of medical research to further innovation; - Developed a pandemic response that supported the physical, emotional and mental needs of others;
- Shown an innovative approach to the unique challenges facing marginalized and at-risk members of our community;
- Demonstrated courage, tenacity and grit to overcome obstacles brought on as a result of the pandemic (either in their professional or personal life).