Over 30 local women have been nominated for a prestigious Women of Distinction Award – an award presented by YWCA Muskoka to recognize the accomplishments of women who go above and beyond for their community and inspire others to as well.
“Over 270 women in Muskoka have been recognized and nominated since 2003 we held the first Women of Distinction Awards Gala in Muskoka,” said Hannah Lin, Executive Director of YWCA Muskoka. “It’s game changing for the accomplishments and leadership of women to be recognized in public and community spaces. It’s the YWCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, happening in communities all across the country – what better way to celebrate women than on International Women’s Day?”
Six recipients will be pre-announced to the public on February 10th and they will be presented with awards at the Women of Distinction Gala on March 8, International Women’s Day. The gala will be held at Hidden Valley Resort and this exciting event is open to all persons – community members can purchase tickets at www.ywcamuskoka.com.
Attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner, browse the silent auction and hear from keynote speaker, Aline Nizigama, CEO at YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest organization working to advance gender equity in the country. A special Women in Trades Award will also be given out by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Funds raised at this event support YWCA Muskoka’s programs and services to champion positive change for girls, women and gender diverse people throughout Muskoka.
2025 Women of Distinction Nominees:
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Britney Hammell, Young Woman of Distinction
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Janessa Swanson, Young Woman of Distinction
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Kendra King, Young Woman of Distinction
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Allie Mason, Arts, Culture and Creativity
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Christina Serra, Arts, Culture and Creativity
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Gayle Dempsey, Arts, Culture and Creativity
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Kelly Hamilton, Arts, Culture and Creativity
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Candice Jennings, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Kersti Kents, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Leslie Tempest, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Melissa Johnson, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Michelle Robinson, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Stacey Thornton, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Barb Bridgeman, Transforming Community
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Kelly Jones, Transforming Community
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Leah Perron, Transforming Community
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Linda Fraser, Transforming Community
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Tracy Nickles, Transforming Community
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Victoria Baumgart, Transforming Community
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Ashley Moore, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Chelsey Reid, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Christine Degan, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Julie Charters, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Valerie Houston-Peel, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Sarah Roberts, Health, Sports and Wellness
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Anne Axler-Larcade, Lifetime Achievement
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Beth Ward, Lifetime Achievement
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Donna Kearney, Lifetime Achievement
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Frances Mae Balodis, Lifetime Achievement
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Marie Little, Lifetime Achievement
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Patricia Arney, Lifetime Achievement
Community members can celebrate these outstanding women on International Women’s Day by purchasing event tickets at www.ywcamuskoka.com
YWCA Muskoka greatly appreciates its event sponsors: Mawer Investment Management, Kim O’Grady, Broker, Chestnut Park Real Estate Brokerage, BDO Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka Urology, Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Muskoka Chrysler, Cedar Laine Restoration, Physio Works, Barriston Law, JL Car Care, Co-operators Insurance, and Viktoria Hamma Biopsychosocial Wellness Practitioner.
YWCA Muskoka champions positive change for girls, women and gender-diverse people through education, leadership and advocacy. As a local charitable organization, YWCA Muskoka has 4 strategic directions: preventing gender-based violence; cultivating economic resilience; promoting mental health and wellbeing; building relationships. YWCA Muskoka envisions a world in which girls, women and gender-diverse people thrive in a safe and equitable society.
For more information about YWCA Muskoka please visit the website at ywcamuskoka.com and on social media @ywcamuskoka.