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Support the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

Nominations open September 17, 2025 and close November 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Let a local changemaker know that you see her by nominating her for a Woman of Distinction award in one of nine award categories Please be sure to review the eligibility requirements before nominating an individual. Once you have decided to move forward, review each step outlined in the “Nominate Now” section of the website.

Yes! YWCA Hamilton recognizes the unique contributions of women making an impact in Hamilton and/or Halton – this may be through professional, volunteer or other leadership roles and/or contributions. Her impact may go beyond these communities but needs to be demonstrated locally.

You can learn if the individual that you are thinking about nominating is eligible by visiting the “Nominate Now” section of our website. Additional criteria and scoring information is available on our Awardify nominations portal.

Nominees are ineligible if they have already received a Woman of Distinction Award regardless of the category. Please review the Past Recipients section of our website for a comprehensive list. If you have a question, please reach out to wodnominations@ywcahamilton.org for clarification.

Tickets and tables can be purchased online or over the phone starting September 17, 2025. As a purchaser, you’ll have the opportunity to manage your table guest list and names of all ticket holders. The purchase of a table or ticket will provide you access to an award program like no other. Guests will experience an empowering evening in celebration of International Women’s Day and will learn more about YWCA Hamilton’s mission impact and the true changemakers of the Hamilton and Halton community.

As a 2026 Women of Distinction sponsor your company will receive exclusive sponsor benefits. Sponsorship levels range from $1,500 to $20,000 and will power life-changing and life-saving YWCA Hamilton programs and services. By joining us, your company will align itself with Canada’s longest standing and largest women’s organization in the world and you will demonstrate your company’s commitment to the empowerment of women.

For information contact Lidia Siino, Corporate & Community Engagement Coordinator at lsiino@ywcahamilton.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.


Contact Us


Heather Barkley

Director of Philanthropy

Event Production & Partnerships 

hbarkley@ywcahamilton.org

(905) 522-9922 ext. 156


Lidia Siino

Corporate & Community Engagement Coordinator 

Sponsorships & Ad Sales 

lisiino@ywcahamilton.org

(365) 659-4026


Lindsay Tipping

​​​Stewardship Officer

Tickets, Tables & Receipts 

ltipping@ywcahamilton.org

(905) 522-9922 ext. 162


Chizoba Onyekwere

Events Coordinator

Nominations & Nominee Support 

conyekwere@ywcahamilton.org

(905) 522-9922 ext. 171


Stacey Marshall

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Opportunities 

smarshall@ywcahamilton.org