A YWCA EVENT
Women of Distinction Gala
Award Categories
Agriculture
AWARD
(1 nominee in 2021)
Recognizes a woman’s outstanding achievements in all areas of agriculture/horticulture in the community, through research, education, business, and/or the promotion of agriculture .
Arts & Culture
AWARD
(3 Nominees in 2021)
Recognizes a woman’s outstanding achievements in the expression, performance, development, preservation, or patronage of the visual, literary, performing, or creative arts.
OR
Recognizes significant contributions she has made to honour the vision, spirit, and traditions of her culture. Recognizes her significant contributions in the protection, preservation, awareness, and dissemination of her traditions, language, ceremonies, practices, beliefs, and history for present and future generations.
Social Action
& Community Service
AWARD
(15 nominees in 2021)
Recognizes an outstanding woman who inspires, mentors, and advocates on behalf of others through involvement in voluntary community programs or organisations or philanthropic endeavours.
OR
Recognizes a woman who has shown her dedication by creating, participating in, or adapting programs to meet community needs in the areas of social services, community building and human rights.
Leadership in Business
AWARD
(3 nominees in 2021)
Recognizes an outstanding woman who is acknowledged in her field for their professional leadership. Who is committed to excellence, creates and inspires a positive work environment, influences and motivates positive change in her profession, trade or workplace in the business, government, union, or not-for-profit sector.
Youth (16-21)
& Young Woman (22-29)
AWARD
(1 nominee in 2021)
Recognizes outstanding young women between the ages of 16 & 30 who are respected and admired for their leadership, achievements, and contributions to their school, workplace, and/or the community. Who is a positive role model for her peers. Who has shown perseverance, maturity, innovation, and compassion. Who is “making her mark”.
Excellence in Education
AWARD
(1 nominee in 2021)
Recognizes an outstanding woman who is an educator or mentor in many avenues of life. Recognizes a woman who inspires a passion for personal growth, development, and life-long learning, through the education system, employee training and development, community education, or alternative programs.
Science, Tech, & Trade
AWARD
(1 nominee in 2021)
Recognizes a woman who has shown outstanding achievements in the field of science, technology, and trade. The innovation and contribution to creating lasting and significant change in this field through mentoring, research, or invention, are just some examples of how this woman has achieved milestones in this field.
Healthy Living, Wellness,
& Recreation
AWARD
(1 nominee in 2021)
Recognizes an outstanding woman who enriches her community by fostering and/or promoting better living standards. Recognizes a woman who promotes healthier lifestyles through participation and/or leadership in fitness, well-being, sport recreation, active hobbies, or healthy living.
Lifetime Achievement
AWARD
(6 nominees in 2021)
This award honours women who are 55 years or older who have made significant and varied contributions to the community in any of the Women of Distinction categories. She is a role model who has tirelessly contributed to the community in many ways, for many years, as an advocate, volunteer and/or mentor. She exhibits strength, wisdom, and character that serve as an inspiration to those around her.
Award Categories
Award winners fall under one of nine categories. Nominees may qualify for multiple categories. Nominees are eligible to win in one category annually. Depending on nominations, judges may place award winners in the category that suits them best.
