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Thank you, Hamilton and Halton, for coming out and celebrating the women and girls defining the future of our communities!
Over 49 years ago, the Status of Women Committee for the City of Hamilton began celebrating the “Annual Woman of the Year Awards.” YWCA Hamilton has proudly continued this tradition since 2006 and has had the privilege of honouring over 1,950 women and girls leading change-making efforts in their communities through the Women of Distinction Awards ever since.
Last night, over 900+ guests gathered at the Hamilton Convention Centre for the 49th Women of Distinction Awards, presented by ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
51 nominees were celebrated for their brilliant contributions in 8 categories this year:
Community Champion; Education| Training; Health | Wellness; Innovation in Business; Public Service; STEM | Trades; Young Trailblazer (awarded to a young woman under 25); and Lifetime Achievement (awarded to a woman aged 55+).
Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised an incredible $246,559 including $26,559 donated LIVE last night to support life-changing initiatives for women and children in our community. With your help, we’re now just $3,441 away from reaching our goal of $250,000 to tackle the challenges of violence, poverty, and inequity that so many women and children face.
Can we count on you to help us close the gap and save lives? If you weren’t able to donate at the event, or if you have a little more to give, now is your chance to make a lasting impact. We’re calling on our community to help us reach this crucial goal before International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Every donation makes a difference. Your contribution will directly fund community-driven solutions that change lives for the better. Ready to help? You can donate online at or reach out to us directly at 905-522-9922 ext. 162.
Thank you for being part of this important movement – together, we are creating lasting change!
A Special Celebration of Our 2025 Honourary Women of Distinction
Each year YWCA Hamilton’s leadership selects a woman whose life has been touched by a YWCA Hamilton program and who has distinguished herself through exceptional dedication and passion for a special award.
For the first time in the award’s history, the recipients of the 2025 Honourary Women of Distinction Award are a group of women – The Ushindi Collective. The group embodies the collective energy, leadership, passion and creativity of women when they come together to share their stories.
The Ushindi Collective started as an idea over dinner organized for our Transitional Living Program residents. The Collective consists of former TLP residents: Miriam Karuga; Faith Kimari; Monica Karogo; Everlyne Kiprono; Margaret Muchina; Mary Nderitu; Caroline Okumu; Moud Runoziveyi; and creative team: Paula Grove; Catherine Graham; Ron Weihs; and Melanie Skene.
The Ushindi Collective worked together to produce a play titled, Ushindi: When We Are Welcome to The Hamilton Fringe Fest 2024. The play won “Best in Venue” at The Westdale Theatre. The Ushindi Collective has exemplified the power of storytelling, relationships and coming together in community to lift each other up during difficult times.
“As a group they have supported each other, overcome obstacles and shared their stories of resilience to inspire other women,” said Medora Uppal, CEO of YWCA Hamilton. While giving remarks on behalf of the Ushindi Collective, Moud said, “Ushindi was shaped by every member of the Collective… we make a beautiful team.”
Watch the cast of Ushindi: When We Are Welcome share a glimpse of their journey:
Introducing Your 2025 Women of Distinction
Left to right: Shelby Amponsah, Young Trailblazer Recipient; Evangeline Chima, Innovation in Business Recipient; Catherine McKenzie, STEM | Trades Recipient; Linda Varangu, Health | Wellness Recipient; YWCA Hamilton CEO Medora Uppal; The Honourable Justice Sandra Antoniani, Lifetime Achievement Recipient; Dr. Dina Brooks, Education | Training Recipient; Lina El Ali, Public Service Recipient; Jessica Bonilla-Damptey, Community Champion Recipient.
Congratulations to all nominees and recipients for this year’s Awards – your leadership and trailblazing work is breaking barriers and defining the future for local communities!
To learn more about the recipients and nominees, visit our website.
King Charles III Coronation Medal
During the awards ceremony, guests were treated to a surprise award presentation, when Chris Farias received The King Charles III Coronation Medal.
YWCA Hamilton was selected for The King Charles III Coronation Medal program commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Thirty thousand medals are to be awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada.
YWCA Hamilton nominated Chris for this award because of their commitment to upholding the rights of Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people and their local advocacy to make our community safer and more inclusive. Chris’ vision for a collective future free of violence is an inspiration. Their allyship, voice and work have made a direct and lasting impact— helping others feel seen, valued and truly know that they belong in this world.
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their generous and ongoing support for women, girls and gender-diverse people in Hamilton. Together, we are defining a future free of violence and full of hope.
