YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2014: Winners

The Women of Distinction Awards is the YWCA’s premier fundraising event and this year, the 31st annual awards ceremony honours 60 outstanding nominees and 12 category winners.

This event shines a spotlight on women whose achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our community and businesses and organizations that support the wellness and diverse needs of their employees. Funds raised through the event support YWCA programs and services across Metro Vancouver.

This is my 5th year as Social Media Sponsor of the awards ceremony and it’s always a highlight of the season. There are many inspirational stories, prizes and raffle items benefitting the YWCA (and the lucky winners), fantastic women whose talents are showcased, and a fun and friendly atmosphere.

John will once again be taking photos as I document the evening. Stay tuned to this blog post and my Twitter feed (@Miss604) for updates throughout the evening.

All Photos by John Bollwitt for Miss604

YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2014 Winners

Arts, Culture & Design
Shaira (SD) Holman – Co-Founder / Artistic Director, Vancouver Queer Arts Festival

https://twitter.com/nikidun/status/474032105463107584

Business & the Professions
Lisa Vogt – Partner & Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer, McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Community Building
Shashi Assanand – Founder & Executive Director, Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS)

Education, Training & Development
Janis Sarra – Professor, UBC Faculty of Law & Director, Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies

Entrepreneurship
Shannon Rogers – President & General Counsel, Global Relay

'We're here not just to celebrate #Vancouver's amazing women, but also to help raise the next generation of them' – @sophielui #Vanwod2014

— Joshua Lenon (@JoshuaLenon) June 4, 2014

Environmental Sustainability
Lyda Salatian – Founder & Program Director, The Lower Mainland Green Team (LMGT)

Lyda Salatian mobilized 1800+ volunteers to preserving parks for our next generation. She is winner of environ sustainability #VANWOD2014

— Dr. Amy Lee (@minisciencegirl) June 4, 2014

Health & Wellness
Victoria Bernstein – Director, Post-Operative Cardiac Surgical Unit, Vancouver General Hospital

Quote from Victoria Bernstein, cardiologist: you have my heartfelt thanks that comes from my left ventricle. #awesomeness #VANWOD2014

— Eleni Kassaris (@EKassaris) June 4, 2014

Non-Profit & Public Service
Darlene Marzari – Former MLA and Vancouver City Councillor

Technology, Science & Research
Jennifer Gardy – Senior Scientist, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control

https://twitter.com/jennifergardy/status/474044337039609856/

Young Woman of Distinction
Isabel Chen – Co-Founder & Executive Director, Keep Safe Initiative

Innovative Workplace
Pacific Blue Cross

Connecting the Community
Kristi Blakeway – Vice Principal, Thomas Haney Secondary

Follow the YWCA of Vancouver on Facebook and Twitter for more information along with the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards @YWvanWODA and #VANWOD2014 on Twitter.

YWCA Metro Vancouver is dedicated to achieving women’s equality. Their mission is to touch lives and build better futures for women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities.