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Women of Distinction

A woman of distinction is an inspiration to others who has made a commitment to her community as a leader and a role-model. As a catalyst for change, she breaks new ground and old barriers. 


She shows vision, creativity and initiative and has improved the lives of those in Muskoka. 

Annual Awards Gala

Due to unprecedented circumstances and with thoughtful consideration, the 19th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards for Muskoka have been postponed. Originally planned to celebrate from July to October 2020, the Women of Distinction Gala has been postponed until further notice.

Women of Distinction 2019 Recipients

Nomination Information

Due to postponement of event, nominations will not be accepted until further notice.

Who is Eligible


  1. Nominee must be a resident of Muskoka (year round or seasonal). 
  2. Nominees eligible for the Young Woman of Distinction Award are 30 years of age or under as of December 31, 2020. 
  3. Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award are 55 years of age or older as of December 31, 2020 and has not been a Women of Distinction award recipient within the past 10 years. 
  4. YWCA Muskoka Board Members, staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to be nominators or nominees. 
  5. Previous award nominees are eligible to be nominated.
  6. Previous award recipients are ineligible with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement award.


Please Note:

  1. Nominations can be submitted by one individual.
  2. (NEW) Nominations are no longer made to a specific category, with the exception of Lifetime Achievement and Young Woman of Distinction. 
  3. Nominees and Nominators are honoured guests at the Nominees Reception to be held at the YWCA Muskoka.
  4. Award recipients will be notified before the Gala and a public announcement will be made September 1.
  5. Attending the Gala is a criteria for all award recipients.
  6. Award recipients and a guest will receive a complimentary Gala ticket. Nominees will be able to purchase Gala tickets at the YWCA member rate.



Nomination Categories (New nomination options this year!)


Young Woman of Distinction

This young woman, 30 years of age or under, is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or work place. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example. 


Lifetime Achievement 

This woman is 55 years of age or more has made a significant difference in the quality of life in her community. She responds to individual and societal needs with dedication, compassion, and courage. 


Woman of Distinction

An ‘open’ category for any woman or person identifying as female. This woman is an inspiring role model for others. 



What are some of the qualities of a Woman of Distinction? 

  • She uses her gifts and skills to the best of her ability; 
  • She is inclusive and respects diversity; 
  • She is an innovator or entrepreneur – in private or public sector; 
  • She contributes to recreational, creative, athletic activities in Muskoka; 
  • She volunteers and promotes the values of community building; 
  • She may have faced adversity and persevered; 
  • She encourages others to reach for their full potential; 
  • She promotes health in body, mind and spirit; 
  • She guides others to grow and attain success throughout their lives; 
  • She has increased awareness of important issues and strives to improve women’s rights, social justice, peace building, and/or the environment; She advocates for a better quality of life for vulnerable persons; The contributions she is making are providing significant and lasting benefit to her community; 
  • She is a leader in her own way.

Become a Sponsor

She inspires. She builds. She innovates. She gives. Together they CONTRIBUTE.


YWCA Muskoka is proud to continue highlighting the achievements of women in our community by holding the 19th annual Women of Distinction Awards.


Each year more than 20 communities across Canada participate in the Women of Distinction Awards for their YWCA. Funds raised from this long-standing community-driven event help assist YWCA Muskoka reach women and girls across our rural region at over 30 locations - providing programs and services such as Girlz Unplugged, Girlspace leadership, Women in Business and YW's Aging Artfully workshops. 


Over the years, we have received over 260 nominations for the Awards. We make every effort to celebrate each of the women nominated for their innovation, leadership and contributions to our Muskoka communities. They truly inspire us. 


Core Benefits:

  • Onstage recognition at the event
  • Recognition as sponsors in event program (She Talks/WOD only)
  • Recognition in promotional event materials and on social media
  • Recognition on YWCA Muskoka website with a hyperlink to your business
  • Permission to add “Proud Supporter of YWCA Muskoka” to your website and social media
Download the sponsorship package here!

Alumnae

Celebrating 15 years of recognizing the outstanding achievements Muskoka Women.

  • 2019 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction - Kalleen Turchett
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Kim Aitken
    • Mentorship - Patti Hanrath
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity - J'aime Payne
    • Health, Sports & Wellness - Marie Lloyd
    • Community Development & Social Activism - Darlene Poirier
    • Transformational - Diane Litchfield
    • Lifetime Achievement - Sandra Winspear

    Nominees for all categories include: Margaret Dollar, Ellen Duffield, Kai Rannick, Erin Kerr, Karen Patterson, Cailan Punnewaert, 

  • 2018 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction: Kennedy Watson Brown
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Janine Marson
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Michelle Meadows
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Kathleen May
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Kelli Ebbs
    • Mentorship: Nancy Osborne
    • Transformational Award:  Ashleigh Whipp
    • Lifetime Achievement: Gundy Upans

    Nominees for all categories include:  Janice Paterson, Suzanne Stevens, Jen Morgan-Anderson, Christine Kropp, Eva Zachary, Andrea Butler, Alison Dumont, Rebecca Paul, Dorothy Barber, Patti Hanrath, Nancy Hyslop

  • 2017 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction: Candace Yule
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Michelle Emson
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Nicole Manion
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Dawn Novak
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Norma Connolly
    • Mentorship: Bonnie Dart
    • Lifetime Achievement: Debby Andrews
    • New*  Transformational Award:  Brenda Woods

    Nominees for all categories include:  Jo-Anne Constantino, Heather Hay, Joanne Lea, Kathleen May, Jacki McPherson, Julia McCreadie, Christine Moore, Marilyn Parsons, Debbie Pringle, Danielle Ryan, Maggie West, Linda Williams 

  • 2016 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction: Alissa Ahsome
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Penny Varney
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Brenda Rhodes
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Michelle Ainsworth
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Jane Dunford
    • Mentorship: Alison Brownlee
    • Lifetime Achievement: Arleigh Luckett 

    Nominees for all categories include:  Alissa Ahsome, Michelle Ainsworth, Alison Brownlee, Jane Dunford, Christina Hunter, Arleigh Luckett, Kate O’Brien, Brenda Rhodes, Pamela Terreberry, Kerri Vallentin, Penny Varney, Amy Wallace 

  • 2015 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction: Jenny Spring
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Amy Bridle
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Katy McGregor
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Lynn de Caro
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Laura Heming
    • Mentorship: Sheryl Manolakos
    • Lifetime Achievement: Audrey Forth 

    Nominees for all categories include:  Kim Barlow, Morven Barnes, Amy Bridle, Lynn de Caro, Cathy Duck, Audrey Forth, Kelly Hammond, Yvonne Heath, Laura Heming, Sheryl Manolakos, Wendy Martin, Katy McGregor, Danielle Millar, Fran Mitchell, Kailey Richter, Jenny Spring 

  • 2014 Recipients and Nominees
    • Young Woman of Distinction:  Hailey Scott
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Wendie Donabie 
    • Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Arden McGregor 
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Debbie Kirwin
    • Health, Sports & Wellness:   Cheryl Dove 
    • Mentorship:  JoAnn Jordan
    • Lifetime Achievement: Barbara Power 

    Nominees for all categories include: Daniela Bajec, Bonnie Blain, Rhonda Bradley, Sheena Branigan, Judy Campbell, Laura Cameron, Melissa Candelaria, Jodi Golding, Kelly Haywood, Dara Howell, Jennifer Hoyle, Celine MacKay, Jane McCutcheon, Emily Montgomery, Avery Saunter, Jenny Spring, Sherisse Stevens, Krystal Watson, Fiona Westner-Ramsay, Ellen Yeo

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