Circle of Distinction (COD) Awards

About the Circle of Distinction Awards

Formerly called the Women of Distinction Awards, YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction Awards relaunched in 2023 to widen our community of excellence to celebrate the achievements of women and gender-diverse people. YWCA’s across Canada hold this prestigious awards annually to provide a platform to share stories of empowerment and inspiration to motivate others to learn, achieve and participate. Within their respective domains, nominees are those who break barriers, and overcome obstacles to make a difference in the lives of others.

Nominations for the 2024 awards are open!

nomination package

Nominations close: June 28, 2024; Award celebration: September 9, 2024

Nomination Criteria

YWCA St. John's embraces diversity as a core value. Through this nomination process (and in all of our programs), we aim to embrace the rich diversity that makes up the fabric of our community. Nominations are encouraged to reflect the diversity of our community.

YWCA St. John’s recognizes identities beyond the binary. Our feminism is Trans-inclusive and nominations for women, trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary people are welcome.

Nominees must be at least 18 years of age at the time of nomination and residents of the St. John’s Metro Region.

Previous recipients of YWCA St. John’s Women of Distinction Awards or Circle of Distinction Awards are not eligible for nomination (a full list of former recipients can be found at https://www.ywcastjohns.com/cod-past-recipients). Current YWCA St. John’s Board of Directors, Board Committee members, Selection Committee members, staff, and volunteers are not eligible for nomination.

Participants of YWCA St. John’s committees that are project-specific (e.g. a project advisory committee) are eligible for nomination.

nomination package

online nomination form

nominee consent form

Circle of Distinction Award Categories

The following award categories celebrate excellence in our community and in the communities we aim to support:

Trailblazer Award: Nominees, aged 18-24, are already making significant contributions to their community. They demonstrate leadership, innovation, and inspire others to follow their example.
Social Justice and Advocacy Award: Nominees are using their voice to speak to systemic injustice and make change toward equity in community. They champion and create space for diversity to be prioritized and celebrated.
Equity at Work Award: Nominees are employers that model and uphold equitable practices, making a difference for workers and community. They have an exceptional track record for building and sustaining practices that support and mentor women and gender-diverse people.
Inspired Innovation Award: Nominees may come from any field – such as, but not exclusive to, health, science, arts, or community – where they are role models for others in breaking new ground.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Nominees, aged 60 plus, have made significant contributions to their community in various ways over the course of their lives. They have shown exemplary commitment, courage, and leadership. Their wisdom and example is an inspiration to others.