The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize those women in our community who, through their own initiative, ability, and effort, have made exemplary achievements in their fields – women who are outstanding role models because of their goals and the way they have achieved these goals.
YWCA Women of Distinction are leaders, mentors, facilitators, communicators, supporters, and listeners. Whether recognized as trailblazers in their fields or young women on the rise, all are pathfinders, bringing forth the key issues facing Canadian women. As a women’s organization, we are committed to increasing public recognition of these incredible women who call Lethbridge home.
Each year, YWCA Lethbridge & District honours women who have made substantial contributions to the social fabric of our community in unique and individual ways.
Every year, in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8th, YWCA Lethbridge & District hosts the Women of Distinction Awards, an evening dedicated to acknowledging, championing, and celebrating the exceptional women in our community, and how their successes have shaped our city.
For the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards Dinner, our 49th anniversary event, we are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s awards:
- Maral Kiani Tari – The Catalyst for Change Award
- Dr. Carly Adams – The Guiding Light Award
- Dr. Sayeh Zielke – The Shattered Ceilings Award and
- Anna Campmans – The Young Woman of Promise Award
- Dr. Bev Muendel-Atherstone – The Lottie M. Austin Lifetime Achievement Award
Each of these women has demonstrated a life lived through passion, hard work, and dedication. In their own ways and focuses, these five women have, and do, exemplify the values that are the foundational blocks of the YWCA Lethbridge: Community, Health & Wellbeing, and Compassion.
Please join us in congratulating all our award recipients.
2025 Women of Distinction Awards
Save the date for the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards. The ceremony will take place on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025.
2025 Women of Distinction Sponsors
2025 Women of Distinction Awards Dinner
Join us at the Coast Hotel – Grand Ballroom with LA Chefs
526 Mayor Magrath Drive S, Lethbridge AB
Saturday, March 8, 2023 – International Women’s Day
- 6:15 – 7:00 pm Registration and Cocktails
- 7:00 – 9:00 pm Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Tickets $125 Individual/$995 for table of 8
Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities Available
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
2024 Women of Distinction Recipients
- Dawn Sugimoto – Community Leadership & Enhancement
- Trudi Mason – Education & Mentorship
- Kamryn Sandberg – Young Woman of Promise
- Mandy DeCecco-Kolebaba – Leadership & Empowerment
2023 Women of Distinction Recipients
- Sandra Asuchak – Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Mary Ann Crow Healy – Arts, Culture & Heritage
- Michelle Day – Community Leadership & Enhancement
- Bridget Mearns – Leadership & Management
- Brenna Scott – Young Woman of Promise
- Treena Tallow – Truth & Reconciliation
- Lottie M. Austin – Lifetime Achievement Award
For 49 years, the YWCA Lethbridge & District has been recognizing and celebrating the incredible women who have shaped our beautiful city, and the community of amazing people who call Lethbridge home.
The Laureates List of the Women of Distinction Awards is filled with the names of those women, living in legacy for those who come behind them to admire, aspire to be like, and achieve levels of greatness that upholds the essence of these awards.
