Last night, we gathered for an unforgettable celebration of women and girls in Hamilton and Halton. As we marked the 50th anniversary of the Women of Distinction Awards, the room was filled with joy and connection.
For 50 years, the Women of Distinction Awards have honoured the incredible impact of more than 2,000 nominees who have made our communities a better place and this year the legacy shone brighter than ever.
The event saw a record attendance of over 1,100 guests at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s and an amazing 73 nominees across nine award categories. Thank you to the many sponsors, auction donors, partners, elected officials, and community supporters who came out to honour 50 years of women’s leadership while bringing a future into focus that is advancing gender equity.
Together, we raised $255,276 (and counting!) last night to support life-changing and life-saving programs and services for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals in our community. Matching Donor Zonta Club of Hamilton 1 pledged to match the first $10,000 donated in the room last night doubling the impact of the crowd’s generosity and impact. Partnerships like this make the work of YWCA Hamilton possible.
YWCA Hamilton CEO Medora Uppal reflected on the very first Hamilton Woman of the Year Award Recipient in 1975, Norma Berti, who was the first woman elected to the Steelworkers Union Executive of Local 1005. It was a powerful reminder that while sometimes we don’t always know whose shoulders we’re standing on. And last night’s celebration was about remembering—and honouring—the women who helped build the path forward.
A special thank you to our incredible emcee, Libby Ward, whose personal connections to YWCA and their emotional honesty were beautiful to hear. Libby’s warmth and enthusiasm carried us through the evening.
Throughout the night, we were reminded of the extraordinary accomplishments of this year’s nominees. Their dedication strengthens our community and their stories encourage the next generation to dream boldly and lead confidently.
We are thrilled to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards:
- Santee Smith – Arts | Culture
- Kim Ritchie – Community Champion
- Karenna’onwe – Dr. Karen Hill – Education | Training
- Dr. Sheryl Green – Health | Wellness
- Dr. Katherine Gardhouse – Innovation in Business
- Gina Azulay – Public Service
- Jess Deyong – STEM | Trades
- Sarah Kalmanovitch – Young Trailblazer
- Marisa Mariella – Lifetime Achievement
As we reflect on the milestone evening, it feels especially meaningful in the lead-up to International Women’s Day. This day calls up to recognize progress, confront challenges and continue to build a more equitable future. Last night was a powerful reminder that change happens when communities come together with purpose and heart.
Please check out our online digital event program to learn more about the nominees and celebration.
There’s still time to donate to help advance gender equity. Make a gift in honour of International Women’s Day today!