About the Circle of Distinction Awards

Formerly called the Women of Distinction Awards, the YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction Awards is a widening of our community of excellence to celebrate the achievements of women and gender-diverse people. The Awards provide a platform to celebrate and share empowering stories of women and gender-diverse people that will inspire 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.

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.

Women of Distinction 2020

2020 Women of distinction award recipients

Standing, from left to right: Modeline Longjohn (Science & Technology); Leila Beaudoin (Public Sphere); Emma Duke (Health & Wellness); Jenelle Duval (Arts, Culture & Heritage)
Seated, from left to right: Fatima Fathia Mansaray (Community & Social Development); Andrea Rowe (Business); Mehnaz Tabassum (Mentorship & Education); Bernice Morgan (Lifetime Achievement)

Missing from photo: Jurgienne Arizza Umali (Young Woman Of Distinction)

2020 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD NOMINEES AND RECIPIENTS

2020 Women of distinction nominees and award recipients