Women of Distinction Spotlight: Norma Mc-Donald Ewing

Feb 1, 2019 | Blog

A long-time board member/volunteer/advocate/friend of YWCA Cambridge, Norma McDonald Ewing is one of those women that makes busy look easy. Even if she’s running between commitments (which she usually is!), she’s always got a smile on and encouraging words to offer. She was also instrumental in creating the first awards 25 years ago and for that we owe her a great debt of gratitude. Thanks Norma!

1. What have you been up to since your big win?
I have been involved in teaching and learning processes as an educator, a trainer and a coach since I won the award. I work at Conestoga College, with the Colleges in Ontario, across the country and internationally. I believe that formal and informal learning is trans-formative and feel privileged to engage with others in impactful experiences.

2. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned about leadership
Leadership is about a relationship between the leader and the individual engaging with the leader. If the relationship is based on respect and trust anything is possible. Everyone has the potential to be a leader. 

3. What’s your personal and professional motto?
Listen carefully and practice kindness.

4. What does the world need more of? Less of?
The world needs people who spend more energy on making a positive difference and less energy passing judgement on others choices and circumstances.

5. What’s your go-to when you need inspiration or motivation?
Time spent with youth inspires and motivates me. I never fail to be inspired by the potential of youth and the clarity and creativity they bring to a situation or issue that as adults we clutter with other variables, assumptions and barriers. I am motivated by a youth or youth’s ability to name what is truly important. My heart fills with hope.

The 2019 event is so close, friends: in fact, it’s TOMORROW! But good news there’s still time to purchase your tickets! Special thanks to Galt Country Club for our space: we can’t wait to celebrate with you there in just about 24 hours!

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.