Women of Distinction Awards 2023
Renata Hall, 2022 Hamilton Winner. Education | Training | Development
A Legacy of Recognition
Our legacy of building community began 134 years ago when YWCA Hamilton was first established. And, our legacy of recognizing fierce women and changemakers began 47 years ago and continues today with over 1,800 women having been celebrated for their remarkable achievements in their sectors and communities.
Shining a light on the women and girls who build Hamilton & Halton
2023 Women of Distinction Awards Gala
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s
Cocktail Reception: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
This is an in-person gala event
Online tickets have closed for the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards. To purchase a ticket or to revise your guest list, please contact Cristina Lopes at clopes@ywcahamilton.org.
2023 Nominee Announcement Reception
Thursday, January 26, 2023
The Westing House
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This event is for Nominators, Nominees and Sponsors only.
Meet the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards Host

Val Cole
Val started her broadcasting career in the days when they still played records! She quickly rose through the ranks and was on the George & Val Morning Show on CHYM FM for 7 years before being called to build a new morning show in Vancouver, BC. After 10 years of radio, TV and film work in Vancouver, Val returned to Ontario to raise her daughter closer to family and has made Hamilton home since 2010. She pops up from time to time on your screens in commercials or movies.
With Special Appearances by

Layne, The Auctionista
Frequently Asked Questions
Nominations open November 1st, 2022 and close January 9th, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Let a local changemaker know that you see her by nominating her for a Woman of Distinction award. This year, the Women of Distinction Awards will have one pool of nominees, rather than individual award categories. Please be sure to review the eligibility requirements before nominating an individual. Once you have decided to move forward, review each step outlined in the “Nominate” section of the website.
Yes! YWCA Hamilton recognizes the unique contributions of women in Hamilton. All you have to do is determine where the nominee makes their contribution – is it the city of Hamilton or the Halton region? Once confirmed, you can select their city/region of impact in the nomination form.
You can learn if the individual that you are thinking about nominating is eligible by visiting the “Nominate” section of our website.
Tickets and tables can be purchased online in January, 2023. As a purchaser, you’ll have the opportunity to manage your table guest list and names of all ticket holders. The purchase of a table or ticket will provide you access to an award program like no other. Guests will experience an empowering evening in celebration of International Women’s Day and will learn more about YWCA Hamilton’s mission impact and the true changemakers of the Hamilton and Halton community.
As a 2023 Women of Distinction sponsor your company will receive exclusive sponsor benefits. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $20,000 and will power life-changing and life-saving YWCA Hamilton programs and services. By joining us, your company will align itself with Canada’s longest standing and largest women’s organization in the world and you will demonstrate your company’s commitment to the empowerment of women.
For information contact Harvest Wiseman, Philanthropy Coordinator at 905-522-9922 ext. 314 or hwiseman@ywcahamilton.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
CONGRATULATIONS on your nomination! You’ve been identified as a trailblazer in your community and as a woman who has made real impact in the lives of others.
To help you prepare for your journey with YWCA Hamilton and to ensure the best experience as a 2023 Women of Distinction nominee, we have put together an information package to help guide you.
Cristina Lopes, Events and Community Fundraising Coordinator will reach out to you personally by email to share all the details of your nomination. Contact Cristina for any questions you may have at clopes@ywcahamilton.org or phone (905) 522-9922 ext. 171.