34th Annual Women of Distinction Awards

Wednesday April 28, 2010

Winnipeg Convention Centre

The YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Program is an inspirational and exciting celebration of talent, achievement, imagination and innovation, honouring Manitoba women who have made a unique and exemplary contribution to the development of others in our community.

The annual presentation of these awards reflects the Y's commitment to increase public recognition of these women who have earned our admiration and respect.

Congratulations to the 2010 Nominees

Gudrun Viola Bjarnason-Hilton, Marie Bouchard, Janine Bray-Klimack, Linda Bulka, Nancy Chippendale, Dr. Juddith Chipperfield, Oluwatomilayo Daodu, Sandra Herbst, Doris Hunter, Janet Ingersoll, Dr. Zahra Kazem-Moussavi, Linda Lalande, Beverly Larmour, Dr. Patricia Martens, Maria Stella Mazza, Dr. Karmin O, Dr. Ortrud Oellermann, Angeline Ramkissoon, Allison Elizabeth Ready, Phyllis Reid-Jarvis, Janet Sealey, Amber Skrabek, Christa Vann, Tammy Wood

Congratulations to the 2010 Nominees for the Gerrie Hammond Memorial Award of Promise and the Prairie Award of Promise

Kaitlin Alexander, Karlie Blahut, Chelsea Caldwell, Rachel Cherka, Krista Cortez, Nicole Del Rosario, Sarah Ens, Melissa Favell, Jennier Hobson, Michelle Johnson, Madilyne Kevany, Jessica Lawrence, Megan Leskiw, Trish Musana, Jane Samaroo, Jessica Saprowich, Amanpreet Sidhu, Sara Thurlbeck, Kyla Wills, Anna Xie, Chelsea Zacharias

Women of Distinction Awards Proceeds Support A Variety Of YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Women’s Programs Including:

• Make Waves-An instructor-led, gentle aquatic program designed for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.
• Mothers and Daughters Power-up-A communication skills building program designed to assist parent and child interaction during the sensitive tween years. Topics of discussion include; decision-making, developing healthy self esteem and handling peer pressure.
• Y Neighbours -A social and supportive group setting for women at 17 locations in and around Winnipeg involving workshops, guest speakers, group outings, and childcare assistance.
• Y Women-A bi-weekly, 55-plus support program that includes speakers, crafts and tours.
• YWCA Canada’s Week without Violence-A nation-wide initiative designed to build safer neighbourhoods across Canada including ‘The Power of Being A Girl’ events such as Winnipeg’s Girlz Jam.
• YMCA-YWCA Youth Leadership Development Programs-A skills development initiative directed at youth 12-17 years of age.
• YMCA-YWCA Community Development– In 2009, funds will support programs for children and youth at the new North End Wellness Centre currently under construction and scheduled to open in April-2009.
• International YWCA partnerships-Programs that involve women in developing countries with projects such as youth shelters, community economic development and day care centres.