EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE!
Women of Distinction Awards Early Bird Tickets Available
April 19-May 14, 2024 11:59P.M.
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 2023 women of distinction!
Thank you to our 2023 Event Partners
Sarah
My Story →
“It makes me feel more connected to my community and honored to be a part of a group of such astounding women.”
Mano
My Story →
“I was so overwhelmed and humbled to have received the nomination and then the honor to receive the award. It is so wonderful to be a part of such a beautiful community that recognizes what you are doing.”
Lynn
My Story →
“Women need to learn to be kinder to them selves and reach out to each other on a more regular basis, share more about their own fears . Women must listen to each other, learn from each other and stand up for each other. United, women are powerful.”
Andrea
My Story →
“I was extremely humbled to have my community service efforts recognized and ecstatic to celebrate it among so many amazing women in my community. It really motivated me to continue to build upon what I’ve done to try and make a difference.”
