Nominate a woman making an impact in Hamilton or Halton for the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards.
The 2025 award categories are:

STEM | Trades
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Test Category
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Arts | Culture
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Public Service
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Health | Wellness
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Young Trailblazer
Description
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 be 25 years of age or under by December 31, 2024.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Community Champion
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Education | Training
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Lifetime Achievement
Description
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 must be 55 years of age or older by December 31, 2024.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |
Innovation in Business
Description
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.
Criteria
Criterion | Weight |
---|---|
Question 1: Breaking Barriers | 25.0% |
Question 2: Leadership | 25.0% |
Question 3: Social Equity | 25.0% |
Question 4: Impact and Key Accomplishments | 25.0% |