Hamilton’s Women of Distinction

The history books are filled with great stories. Stories of people who changed the world, shaped the way we look at things, and inspired others around them. The YWCA Hamilton and the Women of Distinction Awards are working hard to make sure that Hamilton’s history books are being filled with stories of how women are doing that. These awards highlight the amazing women leaders we have across our city, and have been for 40 years. These women are working in areas such as health, arts and culture, business, community leadership, science and technology. These awards celebrate young women as well as women who have been leading and shaping our city for many years.

The Women of Distinction awards were started 40 years ago out of the Status of Women Committee. The mandate of this committee was to “inform City Council on matters pertaining to women” and Hamilton was the only municipality that had such a committee for the first few years.

The awards ceremony began as a luncheon in the mid-70’s, and women received their awards from then-Mayor Victor Copps at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

The awards grew and expanded and partnered with the YWCA Hamilton 10 years ago. The YWCA Hamilton now organizes the annual awards ceremony in our city and the Women of Distinction Awards happen across Canada through the YWCA.

This year is a special year, celebrating 40 years and is filled with strong, powerful women who are shaping our city. Awards have been given to teachers, scientists, women in the trades, members of government and even an astronaut! (Roberta Bondar received a Special Woman of the Year).

A new category this year is the outstanding workplace. This brand new award honours a business or organization that supports and responds to the diverse needs of its employees, especially women.

The night of celebration will be held this year on March 10^th at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s.

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• awards
• Hamiton
• Women of Distinction
• YWCA