YWCA Women of Distinction nominations now open

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 9, 2025.

The Lethbridge YWCA is putting out the call for nominees for their 49th Annual Women of Distinction Awards in March.
The awards  recognize local leaders, mentors, facilitators, communicators, supporters and listeners, and women who are trailblazers in their fields.
The YWCA has been awarding Women of Distinction in the community since 1976. Every year the ceremony is hosted on International Women’s Day, and honors women who have helped to shape Lethbridge to being what it is now.
“It is incredibly hard to work in a field that is 98 percent men and to be a star, and to be a leader, in those industries, as a woman.” says Lorie Johansen, co-ordinator of events, marketing and communications for the Lethbridge YWCA.
For the first time ever, the organization will be accepting video submissions, in addition to a written nominations. Submissions will be kept on file for two years, in addition to new submissions an additional two years, with all 2025 submissions to be received before midnight on Jan. 29. Videos should be a maximum of five minutes and written nominations should be under 1,500 words.
“One of the primary goals of the YWCA Lethbridge organization is to uplift and champion, support and empower the women in our community,” says Johansen. “And what better day to do it other than International Women’s Day?”
Women of Distinction has become a tradition in Lethbridge over the decades, following the exact same format every year. The nominees will be hosted for a champagne reception, followed by dinner.
The award categories include:  Catalyst for Change Award, The Bridge Builder Award, The Icon of Impact Award, The Guiding Light Award, The Shattered Ceilings Award, The Young Woman of Promise Award, and the Lottie M. Lifetime Achievement Award.
The organization is also in search of female-run businesses who can sponsor items for gift packages for the event. The presenting sponsor will be included in all future news releases and media.
Ticket information and nomination packages are available at ywcalethbridge.com, where you will also find registration forms, sponsorship information, last year’s awards  categories and eligibility. The awards gala will take place March 8 at the Coast Hotel Grand Ballroom.

2
-1