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.

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 to keep open the doors for other women in business to succeed. She has demonstrated leadership within her field, facilitating change and opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This award is provided to a woman or girl who has shown courage within her life and 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.