Women of Distinction™
A celebration of women who are role models, trailblazers, and outstanding achievers.
Women of Distinction™ celebrates the contribution of women who've worked to improve the quality of life in Guelph, and beyond. It is a nationally recognized prestigious YWCA program, with a long history of shining a light on deserving women.
Initiated at the Guelph YMCA-YWCA in 1994 under the leadership of Pat McCraw (a dedicated and distinguished woman herself), the event has evolved and grown to change with the needs of our community. As our journey of justice, access, inclusion, diversity, and equity progresses we recognize all female identifying individuals through this special event.
Our YMCA of Three Rivers is pleased to continue collaborating with YWCA Canada to keep this special Guelph tradition going, honouring the people whose talents and efforts make our community stronger and better.
2026 Women of Distinction™ Award Ceremony
In 2026 we are pleased to recognize and induct new members into our Women of Distinction alumnae. Join us for a special evening of celebration.
Nominations
To be eligible, nominees must live and/or work in the Guelph or Wellington area and meet the selection criteria for the honour. They should be a current member of the YMCA of Three Rivers Board or the YMCA of Three Rivers Endowment Foundation Board, nor should they have been previously honoured as a Woman of Distinction™.
Nominees should have demonstrated commitment to Guelph- Wellington, making an impact in their field, community or endeavor. They are a role model who supports and inspires others, especially young women, girls and gender-diverse youth. They may have broken new ground, shattered glass ceilings or otherwise lead as an agent of change. They are an active and engaged citizen who have helped shape our community, and who share our Y values of justice, access, inclusion, diversity and equity.
Award Categories
YMCA of Three Rivers will award up to five (5) Women of Distinction™ awards, in addition to two (2) special award categories – Young Trailblazer (25 and under) and Lifetime Achievement (55 plus). Nominees for these special categories must fall within their age range by December 31, 2025.
Nomination Requirements
One complete copy of the nomination package is required and must be submitted by the deadline of 11:59 P.M. on December 31, 2025, to be eligible. Posthumous applications cannot be accepted.
A previously unsuccessful nominee can be re-nominated in any future year but they cannot be a past recipient of a Women of Distinction™ award. The exception to this is nominations for our Lifetime Achievement Award.
Champions of Women, Girls and Gender-Diverse Youth
We are so grateful to our partners who support Y programs for women, girls and gender-diverse youth. If you’d like to show your support this year by sponsoring our Women of Distinction™ Award Ceremony, please email your interest to giving@ytr.ymca.ca.
About the YMCA of Three Rivers Women of Distinction™ Events
There are two types of bi-annual events associated with Women of Distinction:
Women of Distinction award ceremonies — these events, open to the public and all supporters, are when we honour and celebrate new honourees. These ceremonies are held during the spring in even alternating years. Click here to see photos of the 2024 event.
Women of Distinction alumnae events — these events are private events for women who have been recognized as honourees in the past. They are held during the spring of odd alternating years, and vary in timing and format with the goal of celebrating the talents and connections of this special group. Click here to see photos of the 2025 event.
If you are interested in supporting this event as a champion of women, girls and gender-diverse people, please view our sponsorship package here.