6 DISTINGUISHED WOMEN YWCA HONOURING FOR IMPROVING MUSKOKA’S QUALITY OF LIFE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — Six distinguished women will be recognized for their youthful leadership, arts contribution, entrepreneurship, community transformation, health and wellness and lifetime dedication to quality of life.
They are recipients of this year’s YWCA Muskoka’s 2025 Women of Distinction Awards.
Presented in six categories, they were nominated by community members for their contributions and accomplishments.
Women of Distinction is a signature event for YWCAs across Canada.
Those being honoured next month are:
Britney Hammell, Young Woman (under age 30) of Distinction:
Hammell is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or work place. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example.
Gayle Dempsey, Arts, Culture and Creativity:
Dempsey enriches lives through her contributions to the arts and cultural activities of Muskoka. She encourages creative, cultural and artistic expression and promotes the value of culture and the arts as integral to the community.
Leslie Tempest, Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Tempest achieves success in entrepreneurial endeavours, business, trades, and/or the professions in private, public, or not-for-profit organizations. Contributions she makes provide significant and lasting benefit to her community.
Tracy Nickles, Transforming Community:
Nickles is helping to build a strong community by making changes and advocating for a better quality of life. She strives to increase awareness and promote improvements in areas such as gender equality, social justice and peace, and/or the environment. And is an inspiration to others.
Sarah Roberts, Health, Sports and Wellness:
Roberts directs her energies to the well-being of people in her life and/or the Muskoka community. She promotes healthy lifestyles through her excellent leadership in fields relating to physical, spiritual, emotional, and/or social well-being.
Beth Ward, Lifetime Achievement (over age 55):
Ward has made a significant difference in the quality of life in her community. She responds to individual and societal needs with dedication, compassion, and courage.
The awards will be presented at YWCA Muskoka’s 19th Women of Distinction Gala Saturday March 8, International Women’s Day, at Hidden Valley Resort.
Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Aline Nizigama, CEO at YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest organization working to advance gender equity in the country.
In addition to the Women of Distinction Awards, a new Woman in Construction Award will be presented by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and King Charles III Coronation Medals will be presented to Dr. Eva Olsson and Penny Varney.
This is YWCA Muskoka’s main fundraiser of the year and net proceeds from this event will support educational programs and services provided across the region.
YWCA Muskoka is accepting silent auction donations for the event. To donate, please contact [email protected] or call 705-645-9827.
As a local charitable organization that champions positive change for girls, women and gender diverse people, YWCA Muskoka has 4 strategic directions: preventing gender-based violence; cultivating economic resilience; promoting mental health and wellbeing; building relationships. For more information about YWCA Muskoka please visit the website at ywcamuskoka.com and on social media @ywcamuskoka.
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