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The 19th

Women of Distinction

Awards Gala

Aline Nizigama is the National CEO at YWCA Canada, leading efforts in gender equity, affordable housing, childcare, workplace equity, youth leadership, and eliminating gender-based violence. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor’s in Health Policy from York University, focusing on the social determinants of health, and an executive certificate from Yale University on Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Aline has extensive experience with equity-deserving groups and received the Governor General’s King Charles III Coronation Commemoration medal in 2024.


A woman of distinction is an inspiration to others who has made a commitment to her community as a leader and a role-model. As a catalyst for change, she breaks new ground and old barriers. 


She shows vision, creativity and initiative and has improved the lives of those in Muskoka. 

Saturday, March 8, 2025

International Women's Day

Hidden Valley Resort

5:30 Cocktails/Silent Auction

6:30 Dinner/Awards

Tickets: $175

Members: $160


Dinner, Silent Auction, Mingling, and Awards presentation.


This evening will also include:

The Muskoka's Women in Construction award organized by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, this project is Supported by The District of Muskoka IDEA Grant Program, Fowler Construction. Robinson Haulage & Quarry and Employment North Gravenhurst

and the presentation of King Charles III coronation medals to two women in Muskoka.

All funds raised support YWCA Muskoka's programs and services for girls women and gender diverse people in Muskoka. Thank you!

We are grateful for the overwhelming support for Women of Distinction! We are now at capacity for the gala event. Another great way to support is to bid on the fabulous silent auction items at the link below!

Join the fun! Click to bid on our silent auction!

2025 Sponsors

Women of Distinction 2019 Recipients

Alumnae

Celebrating 15 years of recognizing the outstanding achievements Muskoka Women.

  • 2019 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction - Kalleen Turchett
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Kim Aitken
    • Mentorship - Patti Hanrath
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity - J'aime Payne
    • Health, Sports & Wellness - Marie Lloyd
    • Community Development & Social Activism - Darlene Poirier
    • Transformational - Diane Litchfield
    • Lifetime Achievement - Sandra Winspear

    Nominees for all categories include: Margaret Dollar, Ellen Duffield, Kai Rannick, Erin Kerr, Karen Patterson, Cailan Punnewaert, 

  • 2018 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction: Kennedy Watson Brown
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Janine Marson
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Michelle Meadows
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Kathleen May
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Kelli Ebbs
    • Mentorship: Nancy Osborne
    • Transformational Award:  Ashleigh Whipp
    • Lifetime Achievement: Gundy Upans

    Nominees for all categories include:  Janice Paterson, Suzanne Stevens, Jen Morgan-Anderson, Christine Kropp, Eva Zachary, Andrea Butler, Alison Dumont, Rebecca Paul, Dorothy Barber, Patti Hanrath, Nancy Hyslop

  • 2017 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction: Candace Yule
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Michelle Emson
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Nicole Manion
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Dawn Novak
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Norma Connolly
    • Mentorship: Bonnie Dart
    • Lifetime Achievement: Debby Andrews
    • New*  Transformational Award:  Brenda Woods

    Nominees for all categories include:  Jo-Anne Constantino, Heather Hay, Joanne Lea, Kathleen May, Jacki McPherson, Julia McCreadie, Christine Moore, Marilyn Parsons, Debbie Pringle, Danielle Ryan, Maggie West, Linda Williams 

  • 2016 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction: Alissa Ahsome
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Penny Varney
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Brenda Rhodes
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Michelle Ainsworth
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Jane Dunford
    • Mentorship: Alison Brownlee
    • Lifetime Achievement: Arleigh Luckett 

    Nominees for all categories include:  Alissa Ahsome, Michelle Ainsworth, Alison Brownlee, Jane Dunford, Christina Hunter, Arleigh Luckett, Kate O’Brien, Brenda Rhodes, Pamela Terreberry, Kerri Vallentin, Penny Varney, Amy Wallace 

  • 2015 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction: Jenny Spring
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Amy Bridle
    • Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Katy McGregor
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Lynn de Caro
    • Health, Sports & Wellness: Laura Heming
    • Mentorship: Sheryl Manolakos
    • Lifetime Achievement: Audrey Forth 

    Nominees for all categories include:  Kim Barlow, Morven Barnes, Amy Bridle, Lynn de Caro, Cathy Duck, Audrey Forth, Kelly Hammond, Yvonne Heath, Laura Heming, Sheryl Manolakos, Wendy Martin, Katy McGregor, Danielle Millar, Fran Mitchell, Kailey Richter, Jenny Spring 

  • 2014 Recipients and Nominees

    • Young Woman of Distinction:  Hailey Scott
    • Arts, Culture & Creativity: Wendie Donabie 
    • Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Arden McGregor 
    • Community Development & Social Activism: Debbie Kirwin
    • Health, Sports & Wellness:   Cheryl Dove 
    • Mentorship:  JoAnn Jordan
    • Lifetime Achievement: Barbara Power 

    Nominees for all categories include: Daniela Bajec, Bonnie Blain, Rhonda Bradley, Sheena Branigan, Judy Campbell, Laura Cameron, Melissa Candelaria, Jodi Golding, Kelly Haywood, Dara Howell, Jennifer Hoyle, Celine MacKay, Jane McCutcheon, Emily Montgomery, Avery Saunter, Jenny Spring, Sherisse Stevens, Krystal Watson, Fiona Westner-Ramsay, Ellen Yeo

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