Awards Process
2027 Award Categories
This award honours a woman who enriches the community through her commitment to the expression, preservation, promotion and/or support of the visual, literary, multimedia, architectural, cultural heritage, journalism, or performing arts. She has used her talents to improve the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. She has enriched her community by excelling as a creator in her own right and by encouraging the creative expression of others.
This award honours a woman who mentors and empowers others by giving them the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives. She has made contributions through practice, research, or administration in formal and/or informal learning environments, including the education system, employee training and development, community education, and/or alternative programs. She paves the way for future leaders, leveraging her achievements and inspiring others to seek knowledge and opportunities.
This award honours a woman whose achievements as a business owner or leader demonstrate her commitment to solving problems, meeting community needs, and breaking barriers. She has a proven record of innovation, sustainability, and profitability in her field. She uses her success to advocate for and open doors to other women in business. She has demonstrated leadership within her field, facilitating change and opportunity.
This award honours a woman who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in her role serving the public good in the community. As a community leader, she shows compassion and ethical responsibility in her service to others. She champions inclusivity and equity and makes significant contributions that enhance the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
This award honours a woman whose exceptional leadership and dedication have created lasting and meaningful change in the Halton community. What may have started as a volunteer effort has become a significant commitment to strengthening her community. She is an influential leader, passionate advocate, and dedicated volunteer. As a visionary trailblazer, she is a source of strength and inspiration for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Nominees in this category must demonstrate that the primary focus and impact of their community leadership is within Halton.
This award honours a woman whose exceptional leadership and dedication have created lasting and meaningful change in the Hamilton community. What may have started as a volunteer effort has become a significant commitment to strengthening her community. She is an influential leader, passionate advocate, and dedicated volunteer. As a visionary trailblazer, she is a source of strength and inspiration for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Nominees in this category must demonstrate that the primary focus and impact of their community leadership is within Hamilton.
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 demonstrates a commitment to advancing health equity and wellness for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
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 fields such as 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 others in her field.
This award honours a young person aged 25 or under who shows leadership at school, in the community, and/or in the workplace. A Young Trailblazer is an exceptional leader and an inspiration to others of their generation. They challenge the status quo, address community issues, and inspire others to do the same.
Nominees must be 25 or under as of December 31, 2026.
This award honours a woman aged 60 or older whose leadership, achievements, and service throughout her life and career have created lasting impact. Over many years, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to strengthening her community, advancing opportunities for others, and inspiring those around her. Through her professional accomplishments, community leadership, advocacy, mentorship and/or volunteerism, she has built a legacy that continues to influence and inspire future generations.
Nominees must be 60 or older as of December 31, 2026.
Awards Process
Timeline
Call for Nominations
Nominate the women and girls that are making a difference across Hamilton and Halton by nomination them for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Review
All nominations are reviewed for accuracy by nominees and completeness by YWCA Hamilton staff.
Nominees Announcement
All nominees are invited to the Nominee Announcement Reception on Wednesday January 20, 2027, where they are invited to get to know each other and celebrate their nominations.
Recipient Evaluation
Independent volunteer nomination reviewers review nomination packages and score according to the standardized scoring criteria listed on our awards nomination website. Top scoring nominees are identified and the scoring is independently audited.
The Awards Gala
All nominees are celebrated and recipients are announced at the Women of Distinction Awards in honour of International Women’s Day. By purchasing tickets, you are helping to recognize women’s leadership in Hamilton and Halton and supporting vital services for women, girls and gender-diverse people in our community.
What Makes a Woman of Distinction?
A Woman of Distinction creates meaningful impact through her leadership, achievements and commitment to building a more equitable community. Her contributions inspire others, challenge barriers and help create opportunities for women, girls and gender-diverse people.
She may have:
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership and inspired others through her example
- Created meaningful and lasting impact in her profession, field or community
- Broken barriers, challenged inequities or created new opportunities for others
- Advanced gender equity through her work, leadership, advocacy or community involvement
- Demonstrated innovation, creativity or courage in responding to challenges
- Mentored, empowered or opened doors for women, girls and gender-diverse people
- Used her expertise, influence or platform to strengthen her community
- Achieved excellence while helping others learn, lead and succeed
- Championed positive change that has contributed to a more inclusive and equitable future
Women of Distinction demonstrate impact in many different ways. Nominees are evaluated according to the specific criteria established for their award category.
Who Can Be Nominated?
YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards recognize women and girls creating meaningful impact in Hamilton and Halton.
Eligible nominees must meet the criteria for their award category, demonstrate impact within Hamilton or Halton, and align with YWCA Hamilton’s mission and values. Current YWCA Hamilton employees and Board members are not eligible, and self-nominations and posthumous nominations are not accepted.
Nominees must consent to participate and confirm their nomination information before established deadlines.
Please review the full eligibility criteria, nomination requirements and award terms in the nomination portal before submitting a nomination.


