So far, 2025 hasn’t exactly been chock-a-block full of good news.
From bitter trade wars to political uncertainty to the disturbing backslide in human rights around the world, it’s been a rough start.
In an effort to remind us about all that is still good about our community, YWCA Edmonton has brought back the much-loved and much-needed Women of Distinction (WOD) awards.
First established in 1982, the awards spotlight inspiring women and gender diverse leaders in the capital region who are working to make our community a better place for all.
Previous winners have included greats like former Alberta Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole, Olympic athlete Lori-Ann Muenzer and activist Mary Burlie.
The 2025 award recipients were chosen by a distinguished jury of community leaders who evaluated every nomination.
Meet the 2025 YWCA Edmonton Women of Distinction. They are helpers, healers and, most of all, everyday heroes for our times.
Honouring visionary leaders whose lifelong dedication and contributions have broken barriers, set new standards, and redefined what is possible in their fields.
Jocelyn Verreault has devoted her life to building new bridges from the sacred Indigenous teachings and traditions of her ancestors to the academic world and classrooms around the world.
An Isga Wiya (Stoney woman) from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Jocelyn’s work most recently saw her invited to UNESCO’s prestigious 2024 International Conference on Learning Cities in Saudi Arabia.
Jocelyn works at Yellowhead Tribal College, stewarding Edmonton’s membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.
“[Jocelyn’s] collaborative approach and ability to merge cutting-edge research with traditional knowledge, enhance our city’s approach to education and sustainable development,” Edmonton City Clerk Aileen Giesbrecht wrote in her nomination letter. “I eagerly anticipate her future contributions, and hope her work receives the recognition it deserves.”
Honouring young leaders taking initiative to challenge norms and drive impactful change for future generations.
Alexandra Ages has turned her personal story into action that is helping build safer, stronger communities for all.
A survivor of gender-based violence, Alexandra helped lead Alberta’s first coordinated campus sexual violence prevention campaign, shaping trauma-informed policies for vulnerable youth, and amplifying survivor voices nationally.
A policy expert, mentor, writer and former executive director of the Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS), she is relentless in pushing for justice and accountability. Whether in government, media or grassroots advocacy, Alexandra ensures survivors are not just heard, but empowered.
Her work sets a new standard for survivor-led change.
Honouring those who lead with purpose to drive social change, inspire action, and champion safer, stronger communities.
Dunia Nur is redefining the landscape of racial justice, gender equity and community advocacy
in Alberta.
She moved to Canada as a child when her family fled the civil war in Somalia. Throughout her career, Dunia has worked hard to build coalitions dedicated to combating anti-Black racism and Islamophobia and creating systemic reform at every level.
As President and CEO of the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council, she has led initiatives that provide life-changing support to Black communities, including helping with the implementation of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments in Alberta’s courts, ensuring fairer sentencing for Black youth.
Honouring entrepreneurs and business leaders who drive innovation and economic growth while championing equitable, inclusive business practices.
Bernie Kollman is the ultimate fixer.
With more than 30 years in leadership and innovation under her belt, she’s a trusted advisor and connector in the capital region for business and community leaders.
After retiring from an executive career at IBM, Bernie continues to serve on numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards and is a Forum Chair for the prestigious MacKay CEO Forums.
Ranked by Alberta Venture as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Albertans, Bernie has helped pave the way for hundreds of girls and young women interested in entering male-dominated fields like artificial intelligence and technology.
Honouring those who enrich Edmonton’s cultural landscape through artistic expression, performance, and creative leadership.
From her pottery to her publishing and journalism career, Dianne Meili weaves storytelling and community-building into everything she does.
The great-granddaughter of Cree Elder Victoria Callihoo, Dianne is also the driving force behind the Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre in Spruce Grove. The centre, which opened in 2022, is a hub for Indigenous arts and culture and Truth and Reconciliation efforts.
Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker wrote that Meili’s “sincerity and authenticity make people feel seen and heard.”
Honours YWCA Edmonton’s first president, Lorinda Bellamy, by posthumously celebrating an extraordinary historic Edmonton woman – this year recognizing Maud Bowman (1875-1944), founder and visionary behind the Art Gallery of Alberta. Visit the AGA website for her complete bio.
Her fans are affectionately called the “Maud Squad.”
Maud led the AGA until 1943, remaining its only female director until 2000. Her successor, R.W. Hedley, wrote: “No credit is too great, much of the very existence of [AGA] is due to her energy and single-minded determination.”
YWCA Edmonton is a powerful voice for equity, dedicated to building safer, stronger and more inclusive communities through leadership, education and empowerment. As part of YWCA Canada, the oldest and largest women’s social service organization in the country, we’ve been proudly serving the capital region since 1907 through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Su-Ling Goh Senior communications advisor and former Global Edmonton journalist
Scott Graham Community convener, human rights advocate and former founding executive director of the Stollery Family Foundation
Sandra Muchekeza Alberta Council for Global Cooperation Executive Director and former YWCA Edmonton board member
Sithara Naidoo University of Alberta Student and Community Volunteer
Tina Thomas Edmonton Community Foundation CEO
Thursday, May 1, 2025 | Royal Glenora Club
See the YWCA’s webpage about this event. Proceeds support YWCA Edmonton’s housing program for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
This content was produced in partnership with the advertiser by Odvod Publishing for commercial purposes.
