Women of Distinction Awards

The Women of Distinction Awards began in 1984 to honour, encourage and recognize women whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the health and future of the community. Since then, YWCA Vancouver has honoured over 200 deserving women and workplaces.

Recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious awards for women, the Women of Distinction Awards also honours businesses and organizations that support the diverse needs of their employees.

YWCA Vancouver is proud to announce this year's recipients:

Arts, Culture & Design    
Jane Heyman – Theatre Director

Business & The Professions
Margaret Ostrowski, Q.C. – Lawyer and Adjudicator

Community Building       
Christy Clark – Host, The Christy Clark Show

Education, Training & Development
Sophie Lavieri – Senior Lecturer of Chemistry, SFU

Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Ratana Stephens – COO and Co-Founder, Nature’s Path Organic Foods

Health & Active Living  
Heather McKay – Professor, Centre for Hip Health and Mobility

Non-profit & Public Service
Shawn Bayes – Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver

Technology, Science & Industry   
Adele Diamond – Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, UBC, and Canada Research Chair

Young Woman of Distinction
Katie Benjamin

Innovative Workplace
Concert Properties Ltd.