How do I create an account?
Click here to find the "create account" form. Fill in your name, contact information, email and password, and you're set! When you sign up, you'll be logged in automatically and can start creating your entries for a nominee right away.
Where do I go to submit entries?
When you first log into your account, you'll see a "Start a new entry" form. Simply choose which category you want to nominate your nominee in, give your entry a title (must be your nominee's full name), and click the "Start" button. In the form that loads, you will find all the information you need in order to submit an entry on behalf of your nominee, for the selected category. You don't have to complete your entry all in one sitting. Your entry saves while you work, so you can always come back to it later.
You can see all of the submissions you have entered by clicking the view submissions link in the menu. You can nominate multiple different Nominees in any and/or all categories. However, Nominee's can only approve one (1) submission to move forward to the Nomination Review Process. From here, you can edit the submissions by clicking on the add/edit photos link and the written submission link.
Can I make changes to my entry after I've submitted it?
Yes, you can continue to edit your entries until the submission deadline.
Once the deadline has passed, you will be able to view your entries, but the editing controls will be disabled.
At this point, it will be up to your nominee to review all the material you provided in their nomination submission. YWCA Hamilton will be in direct contact with your nominee to ensure consent and approval of the nomination is provided.
Submitted Nominations will not be reviewed until you declare the submission final, and all submissions not declared final will be disqualified. A reminder that the Nominee must approve and consent to the information provided in your nomination submission.
Do I need any kind of special software to make my entries?
This awards system is entirely web-based. You can create your entries on your phone, iPad, laptop, or any computer. All you need is a browser.
What is required for a nomination submission?
Each nomination must submit the following:
- Nominator contact information & consent
- Nominee contact information, application approval & consent
- A short profile of the nominee (max. 120 words)
- Answers to a 4-question application form
- A minimum of two testimonials from individuals other than from nominees, endorsing the nominee's impact (max. 5 testimonials)
- A headshot photo of the nominee (if applicable)
Who and how are nominations reviewed? How are recipients selected?
The Women of Distinction Awards independent nomination reviewers are made up of engaged community members that represent many organizations, community groups, and sectors.
Each nomination score will be tabulated and reviewed by an independent auditor to determine award recipients. Using Awardify, each nomination reviewer will read through all supporting materials and score the applications according to a common scoring tool and set of criteria.
Nominees will not know the results until they are announced, live, at the Women of Distinction Awards Gala.
The return of categories!
We are re-introducing categories in 2025 based on community feedback and as a way to celebrate the numerous ways women and girls make an impact in Hamilton and Halton.
How does my nominee review my submission?
Your nominee will receive an email from Awardify once you hit "submit", congratulating them on their nomination!
After review of your nomination, to ensure all criteria and requirements are present, YWCA Hamilton will reach out to your nominee with a PDF copy of your submission. YWCA Hamilton will be tasked with working with your nominee to ensure that they consent to the information you provided.
Depending on the information provided, your nominee may request changes to be made to the nomination submission to ensure accuracy.
I am a Woman of Distinction Nominee. What is expected of me?
CONGRATULATIONS on your nomination! You've been identified as a trailblazer in your community and as a woman who has made real impact in the lives of others.
To help you prepare for your journey with YWCA Hamilton and to ensure the best experience as a 2025 Women of Distinction nominee, we have put together an information package to help guide you.
YWCA Hamilton will reach out to you personally by email to share all the details of your nomination. Contact Heather Barkley for any questions you may have at hbarkley@ywcahamilton.org.
How do you protect my information?
Your account is protected by industry-leading 4096-bit encryption, and the entire system is backed up every day.
