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, 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.
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2025 Women of Distinction Recipients
- Maral Kiani Tari – The Catalyst for Change
- Dr Carly Adams – The Guiding Light
- Dr. Sayeh Zielke – The Shattered Ceilings
- Anna Campmans – Young Woman of Promise
- Beverly Muendel-Atherstone – Lottie M. Austin Lifetime Achievement
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 50 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.


