YWCA Muskoka has announced the recipients of the 2025 Women of Distinction Awards, recognizing local women for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to the community.

This year’s honourees include a young leader making an impact in her school and workplace, an artist enriching Muskoka’s cultural landscape, and an entrepreneur driving innovation in her field. Others are being celebrated for their work in community advocacy, health and wellness, and lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. 

The awards will be presented at the 19th Women of Distinction Gala on March 8 at Hidden Valley Resort, featuring keynote speaker Aline Nizigama, CEO of YWCA Canada. The event will also introduce a new Woman in Construction Award, and will honour Dr. Eva Olsson and Penny Varney with King Charles III Coronation Medals. 

2025 Women of Distinction Recipients:

• Britney Hammell, Young Woman of Distinction

Award Description: This young woman, 30 years of age or under, is making significant contributions to her school, community, and/or work place. She demonstrates innovation, leadership, and inspires others to follow her example.

• Gayle Dempsey, Arts, Culture and Creativity

Award Description: This woman enriches lives through her contributions to the arts and cultural activities of Muskoka. She encourages creative, cultural and artistic expression and promotes the value of culture and the arts as integral to the community.

• Leslie Tempest, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Award Description: This woman achieves success in entrepreneurial endeavours, business, trades, and/or the professions in private, public, or not-for-profit organizations. The contributions she makes in her field provide significant and lasting benefit to her community.

• Tracy Nickles, Transforming Community

Award Description: This woman is helping to build a strong community by making changes and advocating for a better quality of life. She strives to increase awareness and promote improvements in areas such as gender equality, social justice and peace, and/or the environment. She is an inspiration to others.

Sarah Roberts, Health, Sports, and Wellness

Award Description: This woman directs her energies to the well-being of people in her life and/or the Muskoka community. She promotes healthy lifestyles through her excellent leadership in fields relating to physical, spiritual, emotional, and/or social well-being.

• Beth Ward, Lifetime Achievement

Award Description: This woman is 55 years of age or more has made a significant

difference in the quality of life in her community. She responds to individual and societal needs with dedication, compassion, and courage.