YWCA Muskoka is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards. Given in six categories to Muskoka women nominated by community members for their contributions and accomplishments, Women of Distinction is a signature event for YWCA’s across Canada.
2025 Women of Distinction Recipients:
● Britney Hammell, Young Woman of Distinction
Award Description: This young woman, 30 years of age or under, is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or workplace. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example.
● Gayle Dempsey, Arts, Culture and Creativity
Award Description: This woman enriches lives through her contributions to the arts and cultural activities of Muskoka. She encourages creative, cultural and artistic expression and promotes the value of culture and the arts as integral to the community.
● Leslie Tempest, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Award Description: This woman achieves success in entrepreneurial endeavours, business, trades, and/or the professions in private, public, or not-for-profit organization The contributions she makes in her field provide significant and lasting benefit community.
● Tracy Nickles, Transforming Community
Award Description: This woman is helping to build a strong community by making changes and advocating for a better quality of life. She strives to increase awareness and promote improvements in areas such as gender equality, social justice and peace, and/or the environment. She is an inspiration to others.
● Sarah Roberts, Health, Sports, and Wellness
Award Description: This woman directs her energies to the well-being of people in her life and/or the Muskoka community. She promotes healthy lifestyles through her excellent leadership in fields relating to physical, spiritual, emotional, and/or social well-being
● Beth Ward, Lifetime Achievement
Award Description: This woman is 55 years of age or more and has made a significant difference in the quality of life in her community. She responds to individual and societal needs with dedication, compassion, and courage.
The awards will be presented at YWCA Muskoka’s 19th Women of Distinction Gala on Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, at Hidden Valley Resort.
Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest organization, working to advance gender equity in the country. In addition to the Women of Distinction Awards, a new Woman in Construction Award will be presented by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, and King Charles III Coronation Medals will be presented to Dr. Eva Olsson and Penny Varney.
This is YWCA Muskoka’s main fundraiser of the year, and net proceeds from this event will support educational programs and services provided across the region.
YWCA Muskoka is accepting silent auction donations for the event. To donate, please contact [email protected] or call 705-645-98. As a local charitable organization that champions positive change for girls, women, and gender-diverse people, YWCA Muskoka has four strategic directions: preventing gender-based violence, cultivating economic resilience, promoting mental health and well-being, building relationships. For more information about YWCA Muskoka please visit the website at ywcamuskoka.com and on social media @ywcamuskoka.
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