2025 Women of Distinction Awards
Celebrating the Remarkable Women in Cambridge
Congratulations to the 2025 Women of Distinction Award recipients!
Women of Distinction Award recipients:
CJ Janzen
Cindy Ofunne
Jess Fry
Krysanne McLean
Special Category recipients:
Young Trailblazer Award – Puneet Chinna
President’s Award – Emily Pyke
Lifetime Achievement – Louise Lawrie
Recognizing trailblazers in our community.
This event is all about acknowledging multifaceted contributions from our community and leaders with distinct perspectives.
Women of Distinction are paving the way for future change in our city. They work to inspire, lead, and create a positive impact. And we can’t help but stand up and take notice.
The 2025 Women of Distinction Awards will once again celebrate nominees’ unique journeys and impacts, rather than boxing their diverse experiences into categories.
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A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Four recipients are recognized with Women of Distinction awards, in addition to three special award categories:
Young Trailblazer Award (30 and under)
Lifetime Achievement Award (55 plus)
President’s Award
This year, 24 phenomenal nominees were honoured for their leadership, resilience, and dedication to making the world better. From advocates and entrepreneurs to students and scientists, these changemakers represent the very best of Cambridge.
Since 1991, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards have honoured over 350 incredible women — thank you to everyone who has been a part of that legacy.
DETAILS & ELIGIBILITY
A Woman of Distinction has made a commitment to, and a significant difference in, their community by showing vision, creativity and initiative. They may have:
- Been a role model and inspired others through their leadership
- Broken new ground or old barriers, and been an agent for change
- Participated actively as a volunteer
- Made an impact in their chosen field or endeavour
- Assisted others to be successful in their achievements and/or pandemic response
- Inspired and encouraged women to take part in shaping the future of their own lives and their communities
- Shown an innovative approach to challenges facing women, girls and gender diverse individuals and the wider community
To be eligible to receive a YWCA Cambridge Woman of Distinction Award nominees must:
- Make their contribution and/or live in the Cambridge and North Dumfries areas
- Not be a previous award winner
- Not be a current member of the YWCA Cambridge Board of Directors or employee of YWCA Cambridge
The Latest News
Seven Women Named 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award Recipients
Nominees for the 2025 YWCA Cambridge Women of Distinction Awards Announced
Celebrating 30 Years of Women of Distinction: A Night to Remember
YWCA Cambridge Names Six Recipients of the 2024 Women of Distinction Awards
Meet the 2024 Women of Distinction Award Nominees
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Helen Turner-Fischer, 2005
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Colleen Smith, 2000
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Jill Summerhayes (1994)
30 Years of Women of Distinction Awards: Ilidia Sa Melo (2015)
Nominations Open for 30th Anniversary Women of Distinction Awards
Every year, the most recent Women of Distinction award recipients join an exclusive community that celebrates together, supports each other, and contributes to social change.
As a member of the Circle of Distinction, you receive invitations to special networking and social events, plus early access to register for YWCA Cambridge community events!
Partnership Opportunities
Your brand can help recognize women’s achievements and support our community by joining in the celebration. What better way to create the change you want to see in the world?
Partnering with us brings your organization into the spotlight, offering a unique opportunity to connect with leaders and changemakers. But more than anything, your support fuels our shared mission for gender equity.
At this event, you can demonstrate your brand’s belief in the power of every woman, girl, and gender-diverse individual to make a mark on the world. This is your invitation to celebrate their stories with us.
From hosting and hospitality packages to category sponsorship, we will work with you to create a partnership that meets your goals.
