YWCA Toronto’s Women of Distinction Awards, now in its 38th year, is an annual event that recognizes the outstanding contributions of women in their communities. Nominated and selected by their peers, Women of Distinction recipients are leaders that have made lasting changes in areas such as pay equity, abortion rights, constitutional reform, gun control, ethical […]

Did you know that YWCA Toronto is part of a global movement working to help women and girls? In over 120 countries, YWCA’s create valuable resources and fight for women’s rights. As part of this global movement, YWCA’s from around the world come together to support sister Associations by funding projects that create opportunities for […]

Growing up as a girl in today’s world can be a struggle. From bullying, harassment, and inequality to balancing family life with the expectations of school, girls and young women face many challenges. Discovering who you are and who you want to become can be a tough process and too many girls confront these struggles […]

Ebonnie Rowe (fourth from the right) is the founder of PhemPhat Entertainment Group, a dynamic, all-female non-profit company that provides promotional and educational opportunities for up-and-coming female artists. She is founder and executive director of Honey Jam, an annual Toronto-based showcase of female music acts, which has been going strong for the last 20 years. She is […]

Carmela and her team, the Fast and Furious, were the top fundraisers in support of violence against women shelters at the 2015 B&O Yorkville Run. Sponsor one of our runners or sign up to run at the 2016 B&O Yorkville 5K Run happening September 11, 2016.  I first became involved with YWCA Toronto when a colleague […]

Joselyn is a recent high school graduate and volunteer at YWCA Toronto’s Girls’ Centre. Joselyn reflects on her experience as a mentor at the 2016 Digital Girls – Digital Literacy Camp. The Girls’ Centre is such an important part of my life.  When I am there, it feels like home.  I started as a participant […]

Dr. Cheryl Wagner is a primary care physician and a 2016 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction. I was in Moose Factory Hospital on the edge of James Bay when the call came to take over the practice of a Toronto physician diagnosed with AIDS. That was thirty years ago. The full impact of the epidemic […]

Elizabeth Shilton, Senior Fellow, Queen’s University Centre for Law in the Contemporary Workplace, is a 2016 YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction. (womenofdistinction.ca.) She receives her award for leadership in law and justice Thursday, May 26. Every Monday morning, a Toronto daily newspaper publishes a set of tables showing data on financial issues such as interest […]

When I first stumbled upon Toronto’s YWCA International Boutique, I loved that it had really interesting and beautiful items from around the world. When I became a volunteer, I discovered that there is so much more to the Boutique than just unique merchandise.  There is a really wonderful virtuous circle that is happening at the […]

Cheryl Carbis, YWCA Toronto 2014 Woman of Distinction celebrating at last year’s event By Lise Schofield, Manager, Marketing and Communications, YWCA Toronto On May 21st, seven outstanding women in our city will be honoured at the 35th YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Awards. This year’s bold, remarkable women will inspire you with their achievements in improving […]