"Amazing leaders from around the region were honoured at this special celebration in Brandon," shares YWCA Executive Director, Lois Ruston. 

YWCA Westman announced the recipients of the 2024 Women of Distinction Awards at their evening ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in Brandon.

"It was great!  It was so much fun and so much fun to celebrate all the nominees and all the amazing women, and I think it was a really fun night," she shares. "I really hope everyone enjoyed themselves!"

Thirty-nine women were nominated in ten categories, highlighting the incomparable contributions that women make to our communities, year after year.

For 2024, the recipients are:

  • ❖ Agriculture – Laura McDougald-Williams
  • ❖ Arts, Culture & Design – Katy Martin
  • ❖ Business Leadership, Entrepreneur – Tracy Baker & Angela Chambers
  • ❖ Community Leadership, Social Action – Tanya LaBuick
  • ❖ Healthy Living, Recreation & Wellness – Catherine Arnold
  • ❖ Education, Mentorship – Susie McPherson Derendy
  • ❖ Science, Technology & Trade – Raya Turner
  • ❖ Young Trailblazers (17 & Under) – Jordan-Blayne Bjornsson
  • ❖ Young Woman of Distinction (18-25) – Madeline Johnson
  • ❖ Lifetime Achievement – Wendy Bulloch

'Hosted by YWCA Westman since 1985, the Women of Distinction Awards not only recognize outstanding recipients, but they also celebrate the contributions of many women from communities throughout the region and from every age group and background. More than 300 guests were in attendance to honour this year’s nominees and learn about the host of ways that they contribute to their communities,' stated Ruston in the YWCA media release.

'It was a night of celebration, reflection and empowerment with eleven winners announced, as there were two recognized in the Business Leadership, Entrepreneur category.'

Candice Waddell-Henowitch, President of YWCA Westman, states “What a beautiful evening of celebration, recognizing excellence and shining a light on the amazing gifts that women are sharing with their communities every day! It’s an honour for YWCA Westman to host this event each year.”

"YWCA Westman appreciates the support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers and attendees who contribute to the success of the Awards Show, and we look forward to recognizing the contributions of many more remarkable women throughout our region for years to come!" adds Ruston.

For more information on the awards, please visit www.ywcawestman.ca or call 204-571-3680.