Women who are changing our society in positive and long-lasting ways!
This morning, the Montréal Women’s Y Foundation announced the names of the laureates for the 24th edition of the Women of Distinction Award. Every year, the Foundation presents these unique awards that pay tribute to the accomplishments of women who have changed our society in positive and long-lasting ways. This year, seven awards were presented in categories that cover every sphere of activity. Two special prizes were also awarded: the Montréal Women’s Y Foundation’s Inspiration Award, and the YWCA Montréal’s Coup de Coeur Award.
These prizes have an added social value because they highlight the contributions of women who are part of the solution when it comes to providing a secure future in which women and girls of Montréal can develop their full potential. They will be presented on September 26, at the Arsenal in Old Montréal, during the 2017 Women of Distinction Awards Benefit gala, presided over by Édith Cloutier, Vice-president, Sales, Québec-Rogers.
“I’m extremely proud to be associated with the Montréal Women’s Y Foundation’s Women of Distinction Awards this year. I am honoured to be part of highlighting the accomplishments and impressive life stories of these committed and inspiring women. Their contributions are crucial to ensuring equality and inclusion in our society,” said Édith Cloutier.
The Women of Distinction Awards will be presented to laureates on September 26, 2017, in the following categories:
- Arts, Culture and Design: Suzanne Sauvage, president and chief executive officer of the McCord and Stewart Museums
- Business and Entrepreneurship: Annie Lemieux, president, LSR GesDev
- Education and Information: Ève Lamont, filmmaker
- Public Services: Géraldine Martin, director of entrepreneurship, Ville de Montréal
- Research and Innovation: Annie Pullen-Sansfaçon, assistant professor, School of Social Work, Université de Montréal
- Social and Environmental Engagement: Anne-Marie Messier, executive director, Centre de santé des femmes
- Sports and Wellness: Dr. Marie Laberge-Malo, head of Sainte-Justine Hospital’s Department of Physical Medicine
Two special prizes were also announced this morning: the Inspiration Award, presented to Shahrzad Arshadi, for her social engagement as a volunteer, and the Montréal YWCA’s Coup de Cœur Award, presented to Dinah Oliel for over 25 years of service with YWCA Montreal’s legal information clinic as a volunteer lawyer.
In 2017-2018, each laureate will volunteer her time, talent, and expertise by becoming the honorary sponsor of one of the Montréal YWCA’s programs or services. In this way, each woman will serve as a symbol of success and perseverance in a particular area.
“The Foundation’s mission is to support YWCA Montreal, which provides programs and services to address the concerns of women in Montréal. It offers women assistance to prevent violence, ensure their safety, aid them in their job-seeking efforts, prevent sexual exploitation, and reduce isolation. The Women of Distinction Awards benefit gala recognizes extraordinary women. This unique event is also a major fundraising activity that enables the Foundation to continue supporting the Montréal YWCA in ensuring a better future for women and girls in Montréal,” said Sophie Fortin, president of the Montréal Women’s Y Foundation.
Thanks to our partners
Thanks to our partners who, through their financial contributions, make this major event possible: Rogers, Scotiabank, Bell, TD Bank Group, L’Oréal Canada, Rogers, McKesson Canada, and Riverview Food Service.
