Nominations are open and tickets are on sale for YWCA Muskoka’s 20th Women of Distinction Awards Gala, but nominations must be submitted by February 12th.
Women of Distinction Awards are presented by YWCA’s across Canada as an annual fundraiser to provide programs and services for women and their families that address gender-based violence, housing, childcare, and build economic resilience.
“A Woman of Distinction is someone who has contributed to her community and improved the lives of people in Muskoka,” said Laura Sundy, Co-Chair of the event and YWCA’s Director of Community Engagement. “We encourage everyone to nominate the women in their lives who have been a catalyst for change and who deserve to be celebrated and recognized.”
Nominations for this year’s awards will close on Thursday, February 12 at 4:00pm and the Gala will be held on April 2, 2026 at Deerhurst Resort. Nominees must be a resident of Muskoka. There are seven categories to choose from – including one new category for Skilled Trades:
Young Woman of Distinction
This young woman, 30 years of age or under, is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or work place. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example.
This young woman, 30 years of age or under, is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or work place. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example.
Arts, Culture, and Creativity
This woman 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.
This woman 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.
Health, Sports, and Wellness
This woman 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.
Transforming Community
This woman 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. She is an inspiration to others.
This woman 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. She is an inspiration to others.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This woman achieves success in entrepreneurial endeavours, business, trades, and/or the professions in private, public, or not-for-profit organizations. The contributions she makes in her field provide significant and lasting benefit to her community.
This woman achieves success in entrepreneurial endeavours, business, trades, and/or the professions in private, public, or not-for-profit organizations. The contributions she makes in her field provide significant and lasting benefit to her community.
Skilled Trades
This award recognizes a woman who is excelling in the skilled trades— whose craftsmanship, dedication, and expertise set a high standard in her field. With skill and integrity, she contributes meaningfully and inspires others to pursue pathways in the trades.
Lifetime Achievement
This woman is 55 years of age or more and 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.
This woman is 55 years of age or more and 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.
Nominations can be done online at www.ywcamuskoka.com/women-of-distinction. Nomination forms are also available at the YWCA Office at 205 Manitoba Street in Bracebridge. You can also call the YWCA Muskoka at 705-645-9827 or email office@ywcamuskoka.com for more information.
Award recipients will be announced publicly in March during the week of International Women’s Day and the awards will be formally presented at the Gala on April 2, 2026 at Deerhurst Resort. Attendees will enjoy dinner, a silent auction, mingling and the awards presentation.
Gala Tickets are available now at ywcamuskoka.com for $175 per person ($160 for YWCA Members). Funds raised support YWCA Muskoka’s educational programs and social services provided to women of all ages, youth and community members throughout Muskoka.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses, organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of lifting up and celebrating local women in the community. Please contact Laura Sundy to receive a sponsorship package: Lsundy@ywcamuskoka.com.