We were honoured to be invited and greatful to the
@ywcahamilton for hosting a beautiful night with Women of Distinction Recipients at the
@thehamiltonclub1873 . CEO, Medora Uppal shared that this was the first time bringing this gathering to life, and we truly hope it continues as an annual tradition.
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It was also a memorable moment having Ryan Findlay
@findlayr00 there as a sponsor and the only man in the room, he handled being outnumbered with ease and a good sense of humour.
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A special congratulations to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient,
@marisamariella whose decades of leadership have made a lasting impact across our community. From advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives, to building student-led programs like iMATTER and Run 4 Their Lives, to supporting newcomers through Arms Wide Open, Marisa has consistently created spaces of hope, healing, and connection. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring people feel seen, supported, and empowered—true leadership in every sense.
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Did you know
@hillbergandberk donated some stunning pendant necklaces as gifts to all recipients!
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It was also an honour to celebrate such inspiring leaders, including:
@santeesmith , Kahnyen’kehà:ka artist from Six Nations of the Grand River, McMaster’s first Indigenous Chancellor and 2023 Order of Canada appointee; Kim Ritchie, McMaster social work graduate, community outreach volunteer supporting Hamilton encampment residents, and co-founder of the National Overdose Response Service; Dr. Karen Hill (Karenna’onwe), Mohawk physician from Six Nations and assistant professor at McMaster University; and Dr. Sheryl Green, clinical and health psychologist at St. Joseph’s Women’s Health Concerns Clinic, author, and assistant professor supporting women and people assigned female at birth across their reproductive journey.
💜 honouring women who rise💜
