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Nominate a woman making an impact in Hamilton or Halton for the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards.

Who is a Woman of Distinction?

A Woman of Distinction has made a commitment and a significant difference in her community by showing vision, creativity and initiative. She may have:

  • Been a role model and inspired others through her leadership
  • Broken new ground or old barriers, and been an agent for change
  • Participated actively as a volunteer
  • Made an impact in her chosen field or endeavor
  • Assisted others to be successful in their achievements and/or pandemic response
  • Inspired and encouraged women to take part in shaping the future of their own lives and their communities
  • Shown an innovative approach to challenges facing women and the wider community

Nominations close December 1 at 11:59 pm.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to receive a YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award nominees must:

  • Make their contribution in the City of Hamilton or the Halton Region
  • Meet the selection criteria
  • Not be a previous award winner
  • Not be a current member of the YWCA Hamilton Board of Directors or employee of YWCA Hamilton

Note: Posthumous applications cannot be accepted

2025 Women of Distinction Awards

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Arts | Culture

This award honours a woman who enriches the community through her commitment to expression, preservation, promotion and/or support of the visual, literary, journalism, multi-media, architectural, cultural heritage, or performing arts. She has used her talents to improve the lives of women, girls and gender-diverse people through her work. She has enriched her community, both by excelling as a creator in her own right, and by encouraging the creative expression of others.

hand with plant

Education | Training

This award honours a woman who mentors and empowers others, giving them the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives. She has made contributions through practice, research or administration in a learning environment including the education system, employee training and development, community education and/or alternative programs. She paves the way for future leaders, leveraging her own achievements and inspiring others to seek knowledge and opportunities.

two hands shaking

Innovation in Business

This award honours a woman whose achievements as a business owner or leader show her commitment to solving problems, meeting community needs and breaking barriers. She has a proven track record of innovation, sustainability and profitability in her field. She is an advocate, using her own success keep open the doors for other women in business to succeed. She has demonstrated leadership within her field, facilitating change and opportunity.

hands holding a plate

Public Service

This award honours a woman who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and impact in her role as a public servant in the community. As a community leader, she shows compassion and ethical responsibility in her service of others. She champions inclusivity and equity and makes significant contributions that enhance the lives of women, girls and gender-diverse people.

cup in a hand

Community Champion

This award recognizes a woman whose exceptional leadership and dedication have created lasting and meaningful change in her community. What started as a volunteer effort may have become a full-time career for this individual. She is an influential leader, passionate advocate and committed volunteer. As a visionary trailblazer, she is a source of strength and inspiration for women, girls and gender-diverse people.

hand pointing

STEM | Trades

This award honours a woman who is dedicated to the pursuit of scientific, technological, or industrial advancement and/or research. She is a trailblazer in one of many fields, including engineering, applied sciences, social sciences, life sciences, STEM, or the skilled trades. She recognizes the importance of elevating women and gender-diverse people in non-traditional occupations, leading by example and, creating future opportunities for women in her field.

hands forming a heart

Health | Wellness

This award honours a woman with an unwavering commitment to creating promoting and advocating for healthy lives and communities. She has empowered her community by improving health and wellness practices and outcomes. She has demonstrated a commitment to advancing health equity and/or wellness practices for women, girls and gender-diverse people.

hand holding a sapling

Young Trailblazer

This award honours a young person aged 25 or under who shows leadership at school, in the community, and/or in their workplace. A Young Trailblazer is an exceptional leader and inspiration to others of their generation. They challenge the status quo, understand and address community issues and inspire others to do the same. Nominees must fall within this age range by December 31, 2024.

two hands holding a flower

Lifetime Achievement Award (55 plus)

This award honours a woman who is 55 years or older who has made significant and varied contributions to the community in any of the Women of Distinction award 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 serves as an inspiration to those around her. Nominees much fall within this age range by December 31, 2024.

giving hand

Honourary Woman of Distinction Award

This award is provided to a woman or girl who has shown courage within her life, her journey and has uplifted others along the way. She is a woman who is dedicated to self-empowerment and to the empowerment of others around her. She has participated in or has been supported by a YWCA Hamilton program or service, or volunteers her time with YWCA Hamilton. She is dedicated to self-advancement and to the advancement of others in her community.

Cristina Lopes

For questions regarding nominations please contact:

Cristina Lopes
Events & Community Fundraising Specialist
clopes@ywcahamilton.org or (905) 522-9922 ext. 171

Nominate a woman who is making an impact in Hamilton or Halton for the 2025 YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards! Nomination Deadline is December 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM LEARN MORE

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