Award Categories
Ten award categories recognize Women of Distinction in a variety of sectors. To be nominated in a category, the nominee must demonstrate:
- Being a leader and role model
- Breaking new ground or old barriers
- Participating actively as a volunteer
- Guiding, supporting and encouraging the development of others
- Showing vision, creativity and initiative
- Making a sustained commitment and significant difference
- Being respected by her community for her contributions
Award Categories
Arts, Culture & Design
Sponsored by TD Waterhouse
She enriches the community through her commitment to visual, literary, media, architectural or performing arts. She is recognized in her field for excelling as a creator or performer, facilitating or promoting the artistic efforts of others or broadening community engagement in the arts.
Business & the Professions
Sponsored by KPMG LLP
She is acknowledged in her field for her professional leadership and consistent commitment to excellence. She leverages her achievements and business acumen to facilitate change and create opportunities. She demonstrates respect for and engagement with her community, clients and colleagues.
Community Building
Sponsored by Industrial Alliance Pacific
She has identified a local community need or issue and has provided effective initiative to inspire and pioneer meaningful change. She is recognized as a source of strength and heart in her community, and harnesses the time, talent and capacity of others.
Education, Training & Development
Sponsored by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
She inspires a passion for life-long learning in those around her. She contributes through practice, research or administration in a learning environment, including the education system, employee training and development, community education or alternative programs. She has motivated learners to discover knowledge, set goals or seek opportunities.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
She has a solid vision of the future, and possesses creativity and ingenuity that separates her from her peers. She has taken an innovative approach to solving a problem, filling a need or breaking into a new market. She has made sacrifices and risked a great deal to successfully manage, launch or revive a business, product, service or community organization.
Health & Active Living
Sponsored by Teck Cominco Limited
She is unwavering in her commitment to building healthy communities by elevating the values of physical, mental or spiritual well-being. She models these values through leadership in supporting and promoting healthy living, physical activity or positive play in her profession, practice or community.
Non-Profit & Public Service
Sponsored by BC Housing
She strengthens the community and builds capacity by advancing important issues or causes and effecting change through her leadership within the non-profit or public sector. She mentors, inspires and mobilizes others to further these issues or causes through her personal commitment.
Technology, Science & Industry
Sponsored by Goldcorp Inc.
She is dedicated to the advancement of technological, scientific or industrial discovery or application. Her efforts forge new roles for women and create opportunities for future generations in such fields as the trades, science, applied science, natural resources and information technology.
Young Woman of Distinction
She is an exceptional young woman aged 18-25 who demonstrates leadership, maturity and compassion. Through her commitment to a cause or pursuit of a personal dream, this young woman has shown perseverance, innovation and a keen understanding of community issues.
YWCA Innovative Workplace
This business or organization has created a respectful workplace that supports the wellness and diverse needs of its employees. This business or organization demonstrates excellence in encouraging individuals to balance the demands and rewards of career, family, community and personal growth. This business or organization:
- Is a leader and role model in workplace practices
- Is progressive and responsive to employee needs, including work/life balance
- Supports employee volunteerism and community initiatives
- Promotes healthy lifestyles for employees
- Provides fair compensation
- Fosters professional development and mentorship
- Supports the advancement and success of women
