NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2025 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS OPENING SOON!
Secure your spot now at a discount for an extraordinary event!
2024 Women Of Distinction Awards Gala
June 12, 2024
Whistle Bear Golf Club
CELEBRATING THE TRAILBLAZING WOMEN, GIRLS AND GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Award Categories
Once again this year, YWCA Cambridge will be taking a more holistic and inclusive approach to the awards 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.
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.
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. A Woman of Distinction may have:
- Been a role model and inspired others through their work;
- Participated actively as a volunteer to help people in need;
- 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 (either in their professional or personal life).
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, 2024.
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, 2024.
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 2024 women of distinction!
Kim Fowler
Ruth Cameron
Cheryl MacInnes
Lee Ann Hundt
Jill Summerhayes, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Marjorie Knight, recipient of the President’s Award
Thank you to our 2024 Event Partners
Sarah
Mano
Lynn
Andrea
