Women of Distinction Spotlight: Marsha Jaworski

Feb 13, 2019 | Blog

If you are hip to the fitness scene in Cambridge, this face is likely a familiar one. Marsha Jaworski is a massage therapist yoga and therapeutic exercise instructor, manual osteopath (thesis writer) and all around inspiring human. Oh and did we mention, also a Women of Distinction alumni? Here are a few quick thoughts from her to kick start your day with!

Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned about leadership
In my experience, the most effective way to lead people is to empower them with information and critical thinking skills, then trust them and provide space for mistakes and learning to happen.

Blue box with a quote from Marsha: "The most effective way to lead people is to empower them with information and critical thinking skills, then trust them. Provide space for mistakes to happen."

What is your personal or professional motto?
Decide what kind of life you really want, then say no to everything that isn’t that.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
In order to be great at something, you must be willing to fail. Just keep starting over and over again. AND Health care providers must invest in their own health first.

In moments of self doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up again?
I get back on track and focused by investing in my self care; good nutrition, quality sleep, exercise, quiet time alone reflecting and coffee dates with good friends who inspire me.

What’s your go to motivational quote?
The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming ; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends herself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.  
– Theodore Roosevelt

Thanks for all you contribute to this community Marsha! If you’re interested in talking with Marsha about how to manage pain or improve your physical fitness, contact her at marshaj.ca.

This year’s slate of recipients is sure leave an impression on you too: so get your tickets! Bring your people! And then get out there and find the work that keeps you going, too.

News Release

CAMBRIDGE, ON – YWCA Cambridge is thrilled to announce that Soroptimist International of Cambridge has joined Greentec as a matching partner for their fundraising campaign to support the opening of a new shelter for women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. This partnership is vital to reaching the campaign goal of $125,000, which will cover the costs of fully furnishing and outfitting the shelter located in the lower level of Grace Bible Church, downtown Galt.

Local businesses have shown exceptional support for this initiative, with Greentec leading the way by matching every donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Their generosity inspired Soroptimist International of Cambridge to step forward with an additional $10,000 in matching donations.

“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the Cambridge and broader community,” said Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge. “Having Soroptimist join Greentec as a matching partner is an incredible testament to how businesses and organizations are coming together to ensure that women and gender-diverse individuals in our community have a safe space to call home while they worked towards meeting their housing needs. Soroptimist’s commitment to this cause helps us bring this essential shelter to life, and we are thankful for their leadership and compassion.”

Soroptimist Club President Joni Gosselin spoke about the long-standing relationship between the organization and YWCA Cambridge, noting, “Soroptimist International of Cambridge has been in partnership with YWCA for many, many years. Our mission, to better the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals, starts here. Providing a safe roof over one’s head, a warm bed, a nourishing meal, and people who care is what we strive for. Our donation will help meet the basic needs of community members who have been living without them. People are often unaware of how many women are without homes, and we thank YWCA for their vision in making this essential dream a reality.”

Once open, YWCA Cambridge’s shelter will be the only one dedicated specifically to women and gender-diverse individuals in the region. The 20-bed shelter will operate 24/7, offering on-site services that address both mental and physical health needs, along with other therapeutic and culturally responsive services. This shelter aims to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the community.

The campaign will continue until the end of the year. To donate and support the shelter initiative, please visit www.ywcacambridge.ca.

For more information, contact Roz Gunn, Director of Communications and Advocacy at YWCA Cambridge, via email at r.gunn@ywcacambridge.ca.

About Soroptimist International of Cambridge:


Soroptimist believes in the power of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to shape their own destinies when given the right support. Through their work in 120 countries, Soroptimists create opportunities for women and girls to rise above challenges and transform their lives.

About YWCA Cambridge:


For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the evolving needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. As a member of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of the country’s oldest and largest multi-service women’s organization.