Meet 30 women of distinction (11 photos)

Women are central to any society and Thursday’s 2017 Women of Distinction awards was an affirmation of that centrality.

That was the message from Jean Becker, senior advisor of aboriginal initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University and the guest speaker at the annual awards gala held at the River Run Centre..

“I have always been so proud to be indigenous, so proud to be a woman,” said Becker,  who is of Innu, Inuit and English ancestry and who grew up in a community where women were “the centre around which the whole universe revolved.”

“I experienced that in my daily life and I still believe it and I still experience it every day of my life: the centrality of women to society. To any society,” Becker said.

She spoke of indigenous cultures close to Guelph where women are the keeper of the culture.

“They are responsible for defining the political, social, spiritual and economic norms of the nations.

“Women were embedded in their systems of government and awarded a great deal of respect long before colonization and long before the great democracy that we recognize in the Western world.”

Becker quoted an old Cheyenne saying: “a nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is finished, no matter how brave its warriors or how strong its weapons.”

She said the affirmation of women in a culture is not only a smart thing to do, it is a necessary thing to do for the well being of any society.

“Women are oppressed not because they are inferior, but too often because they are not living in societies that value them.”

The Women of Distinction awards changed its format this year.

Rather than choosing a winner from a group of nominees in particular categories, a total of 30 nominees were honoured in different categories with no one single winner chosen.

Becker praised the 30 Women of Distinction being recognized Thursday night who “give so much of themselves to make our community a better place to live.”

Dr. Eva Nagy, a University of Guelph scientist and advocate for women in the field of science, and Isobel Boyle, whose long nursing career was followed by years of volunteering in the community, received lifetime achievement awards.

Karly Richardson, a mother, student and role model, received the Turning Point Award.

This year’s recipients were:

Kelly Angerilli: Principal and mentor at St. John Bosco Secondary School for students in need of specialized programming and support.

Karen Bellamy: A volunteer for 30 years at Knox Presbyterian Church.

Kayla Billings: Organizer of the Shine Your Ability Fashion Show that raises funds for KidsAbility.

Isobel Boyle: Accomplished retired nurse and community volunteer.

Dr. Andrea Buchholz: Noted and respected U of G professor recognized for her supportive teaching and innovative course development.

Ann Caine: Founder of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre.

Dr. Gerarda Darlington: Innovative professor of mathematics and statistics at the U of G.

Patricia Eton-Neufeld: An accountant who has loaned her talents to many Guelph organizations over the years, including many charities and non-profits.

Misty Gagne: President of CUPE Local 241.

Kelly Gee: Fitness guru and champion of fitness and wellness programs for seniors.

Gail Hoekstra: Director of the Welcome In Drop-In Centre.

Shirley Hunt: Co-founder of Focus on Nature and Up and Running Guelph, a running group for women with depression and anxiety.

Dr. Nina Jones: Associate professor at the U of G and an expert in the area of cell signaling – the chemical communication between cells.

Laura Keller: Volunteer with Girl Guides and St. George’s Anglican Church.

Alina Kislenko: Champion for people with ADHD, Aspergers and neurodiversity.

Jordynn Klein: U of G student and passionate volunteer, particularly in the area of mental health.

Briana Lynch: Founder of the Guelph Academy of Dance.

Tracey McGrath: Vice-chair of Bracelet of Hope.

Dr. Lucy Mutharia: Noted associate biology professor at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Eva Nagy: University of Guelph scientist and researcher known for her strong advocacy of women in science.

Karly Richardson: A 19-year-old mother who works full time while pursuing her education. Richardson is a graduate of the Y’s TAPPs program.

Leah Robinson: U of G student and two-time Paralympian.

Lynn Skilton-Hayes:  U of G fitness program supervisor and international fitness advocate.

Sofie Skoufis: Multi-times world martial arts champion, 4th degree black belt and business owner.

Margaret Stinson: Lifetime volunteer.

Lana Tarrant: Owner of Appetizingly Yours Events and Catering.

Marissa Teeter: Director of Corporate Communications for the Skyline Group and volunteer.

Dr. Jocelyn Wessels: Scientist, community volunteer and role model for young scientists.

Gina Woods: Volunteer who led the charge for sponsoring of Syrian refugee family.

Joanne Young Evans: Executive Director of Family Counselling and support services for Guelph Wellington.