Who is a Woman of Distinction?

A Woman of Distinction has made a commitment and a significant difference in her community by showing vision, creativity and initiative. She may have:

  • Been a role model and inspired others through her leadership
  • Broken new ground or old barriers, and been an agent for change
  • Participated actively as a volunteer
  • Made an impact in her chosen field or endeavor
  • Assisted others to be successful in their achievements
  • Inspired and encouraged women to take part in shaping the future of their own lives and their communities
  • Shown an innovative approach to challenges facing women and the wider community

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to receive a YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award nominees must:

  • Make their contribution in the City of Hamilton or the Halton Region (this includes the City of Burlington and the towns of Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills)
  • Meet the selection criteria
  • Not be a previous award recipient
  • Not be a current member of the YWCA Hamilton Board of Directors or employee of YWCA Hamilton

Note: Posthumous applications cannot be accepted

As a Nominator, you must consent to the Statement of Understanding below.

  • Nominations will be evaluated only on the merit of the submissions received
  • As a nominator, it is your responsibility to reflect the achievements of the nominee to the selection committee, to draw out their exceptional contributions
  • The nomination package for each nominee will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy and scored accordingly by an independent reviewer panel
  • Nominators may be contacted for clarification or for consultation
  • Late and/or incomplete submissions will not be accepted unless an accommodation has been approved
  • Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment email confirming receipt within 2 business days. Please, retain this email as proof the nomination was received by the deadline
  • Completed nomination packages will be forwarded to an independent reviewer panel for scoring based on a weighted evaluation matrix.
  • The decisions of the reviewer panel are final and will remain confidential until the evening of the Awards Gala. Results are audited by MNP LLP to confirm scoring and award recipients
  • I have also read the criteria and confirm the eligibility of this nominee.

Upon submission, nominee approval is required.

A Nominee must be made aware of their nomination.
By continuing with an application, you are confirming that the nominee is aware of the nomination and consents to YWCA Hamilton contacting them to further consent to the contents of your application.

The Nominee must also agree to the following:

  • The publication of their name and photo in connection with any YWCA Hamilton 2025 Women of Distinction Awards programming (All names and photos of nominees will be published in the local media and within YWCA Hamilton communications.) All information submitted to YWCA Hamilton becomes public information.
  • To attend a Nominee Reception on January 9th, 2025.
  • To attend the in-person Women of Distinction Awards Gala on March 5th, 2025.
  • To allow YWCA Hamilton to contact them during and following the entire Awards process.