Connecting the Community Award

Voting is now closed.

Each YWCA Women of Distinction nominee is eligible to win the Connecting the Community Award. The recipient is selected by public vote, and the winner chooses a YWCA cause that is important to her, donating $10,000, courtesy of Scotiabank, to the YWCA program of her choice. 

Aisha Yang

At YWCA Metro Vancouver, gender equity is the foundation of everything they do. I support this area of advocacy because Gender Equity is a basic human right and a very significant step in building healthier and more prosperous communities. Together, we can break down all barriers to create the just and equitable world for women, families, and all.

Andrea McLean

As a mother of two and a woman who works in the male-dominated infrastructure industry, I understand how important access to affordable childcare is in allowing women to re-enter and fully participate in the workforce. I support the YWCA’s advocacy for Universal Child Care because I believe it is instrumental in leveling the playing field and advancing gender equality.

Anmol Sandhu

Supporting Women’s Economic Well-Being is essential to fostering independence and resilience. Through my work, I’ve seen how financial instability profoundly affects other areas of life, from health to safety. I choose to champion this cause because YWCA Metro Vancouver is empowering women to overcome these challenges and build secure, fulfilling futures. 

Annita McPhee

My resilience is rooted in a long line of Matriarchs and strong ancestors. Their strength flows through me, shaping my commitment to creating a better world and advancing Truth and Reconciliation. Everything I do carries their legacy forward. 

Ashlie Corcoran

As a single/sole mother to a three-year-old, I can speak personally to the power of Universal Child Care. It supports working parents, especially mothers, by providing affordable, quality care. It promotes early childhood development, equal opportunities, and economic growth. It reduces inequality, boosts workforce participation, and fosters gender equality by sharing caregiving responsibilities. Overall, it ensures a stronger, more equitable society. 

Brianne Gardner

Brianne Gardner, Senior Wealth Manager, passionately supports the YWCA’s mission for Women’s Economic Well-Being, aligning with her dedication to advancing women in finance. As a mentor and advocate in a male-dominated industry, she champions equality, empowers women to excel in wealth management, and strives to create opportunities that challenge gender barriers and build a more inclusive financial future. 

Bridgitte Anderson

As an advocate for policies that increase competitiveness, productivity, investment, and business growth in our region, I choose to support Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families because YWCA Metro Vancouver is working to change lives and improve women’s personal and economic security through better housing. 

Chantal Martin

I choose to support Truth and Reconciliation because promoting biodiversity and environmental education through place and land-based programming requires learning, reflection, and action on the unceded lands and waters we occupy. True stewardship and sustainability are not possible without Indigenous perspectives; let us work together in a good way towards a healthy future for all. 

Chantelle Krish

A world where safety and dignity are a reality for all is my guiding purpose, and it starts with ensuring women and gender-diverse individuals can live free from violence. Ending Gender-Based Violence is not just essential—it’s the foundation for opportunity, justice, and inclusion. I am deeply aligned with the YWCA’s advocacy to make this vision a reality. 

Cheryl Ho

As a physician, researcher, educator and medical leader, I appreciate the evolving world that recognizes how Gender Equity improves care, leads to better outcomes and enables creative solutions in health systems. It is our welcome responsibility to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM recognizing the value of shared, respected and equal voices. 

Cindy Beedie

It makes me extremely proud to say YWCA Metro Vancouver is the operating partner of Cindy Beedie Place (a housing initiative for single mothers fleeing violence, slated to open later this year).  I choose to support Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families, because I have seen up close the YWCA’s tireless support for this critical issue facing too many. 

Cindy Morrison

As a fundraiser for youth mentoring programs, I know that mentorship plays a crucial role in promoting gender equity for girls and gender-diverse youth by removing barriers to education and creating an environment for personal growth and resiliency. I choose to support Gender Equity because it is at the heart of everything the YWCA Metro Vancouver embodies. 

Colleen O'Neil

In my advocacy work helping people access health and social services I see firsthand the stresses on young families who need two incomes in order to flourish.  Universal Child Care in BC has dramatically alleviated the stresses of the high cost of daycare allowing both partners to remain in their careers knowing their children are getting the care they need. 

Dalya Israel

As a survivor myself and having walked alongside hundreds of survivors over the past 20 years, I know and have witnessed the real impact of Sexual Violence. I choose to support Ending Gender-Based Violence because YWCA Metro Vancouver is working to raise awareness of this critical epidemic locally and additionally provides direct services to survivors of gender-based violence.

Daria Dueck

Gender Equity is essential for a just society. As a white-passing biracial individual, I know firsthand how identity shapes experiences. My DEI work focuses on breaking barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering spaces where everyone feels empowered to thrive. Equity is the foundation of progress, and I’m dedicated to driving meaningful change. 

Denise Karkkainen

I choose Women’s Economic Well-Being because I witnessed firsthand the profound challenges my mother faced after my father left. With only a grade school education and no work experience, she fought tirelessly to raise us. Her struggles highlighted the critical importance of economic independence for women and the vital role the YWCA Metro Vancouver plays in addressing this. 

Diane Espiritu

Serving our community offers us a sense of belonging and the opportunity to form connections through sharing our collective experiences. I choose to support Women’s Economic Well-Being. Showing up for one another fosters mutual respect and trust that creates the space to be our authentic selves. What a beautiful feeling to give and receive. 

Diane Johnson

I support Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. - Helen Keller 

Doreen Macfarlane

As a strong advocate for Indigenous children and families in Vancouver for the past 25 years, I have witnessed and supported the need for advancing Truth and Reconciliation as an actionable and inclusive initiative within the community, emphasizing the importance of moving forward collectively. 

Faye Halls/ Yeltsilewet

I am a Squamish Nation Elder and Knowledge Sharer who is following the legacy of my late father, Khotlacha Siyam, by being an ambassador of our culture and the human spirit. My life’s work is also my passion: teaching the truths in a safe and respectful way so we can all move forward to Truth and Reconciliation in harmony and trust. 

Feezah Jaffer

Working within the housing sector, I see firsthand the impact of investing in safe, quality, affordable housing. I choose to support Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families as this is not just about providing a roof over one's head, it is about empowering individuals and families to thrive, build stability, and help shape the future of entire communities. 

Glisha Dela Cruz

As an independent artist, music producer, and sound engineer, I experience firsthand the negative gender stereotypes and lack of job opportunities for women in music who want to work in studios. I choose to support gender equity because YWCA Metro Vancouver is working to engage business, community and government leaders to change policies and practices to advance Gender Equity. 

Gwendolyn Point/ Shoyshqwelwhet

Ts'itholetstel - I thank you. My traditional name is Shoysqwelwhet and I believe every Canadian should know the recent history of First Nations people in Canada. As the YWCA shared, "Understanding our past. As an organization with a long history, we are committed to better understand, acknowledge and address our complicity in historic and current colonial practices" supports Truth and Reconciliation. 

Harpo Mander

Having safe, Affordable Housing is essential for Women and Their Families to thrive. They deserve a sanctuary to heal and grow. For single mothers, a stable home means nurturing their children in a secure environment. For those escaping violence, it represents freedom and hope. Every woman deserves a place to call her own, where she can build her future with confidence. 

Heather Lippold

As a longtime volunteer in the arts, I have witnessed how the sharing of knowledge, skill building and the strength of women can uplift and create resilience within a community. I choose to support the YWCA advocacy for Women’s Economic Well-Being as I believe the programs they provide are working to remove barriers that women face economically in Metro Vancouver. 

Honglin Luo

As a woman in science, I have experienced the challenges of gender disparity in research. I advocate for Gender Equity because promoting equal opportunities in science empowers more women to lead and shape the future of technology. 

Jana-Lea Davidson

The elimination of Indigenous specific racism that exists within the fabric of this country can only be achieved by learning the Truth and working toward Reconciliation.  The work of the YWCA in this regard is particularly important given the horrendous impact of Indigenous specific racism on Indigenous women and girls and is something that I am strongly supportive of. 

Janaye Majer

Having experienced the harsh realities of racism and bullying, I am dedicated to advocating for young Black and Indigenous women who deserve to be heard and empowered. I support the YWCA Metro Vancouver's fight for Truth and Reconciliation, which provides culturally appropriate resources and support, creating a better future for women. 

Jean Wasegijig

"I believe in balance, Truth and Reconciliation, harmony, and healing for our people, which I focus on in my work. We are all part of the circle of life, where there is no beginning and no end, where we all are equal in the eyes of the Creator. From the Elders generosity, I have precious traditional teachings." - Elder Jean 

Jessica McAlpine

With my team of researchers and clinicians, we are dedicated to providing personalized, equitable gynecologic cancer care across BC, regardless of race, ethnicity, or geography. I am continually humbled by the strength and resilience of the cancer patients I care for, and this drives me to advocate for greater access and Gender Equity in health care for all. 

Jillianne Code

When women are empowered with knowledge and agency, they become catalysts for change—not just in their own lives, but across entire communities. Educating women to have the tools to advocate for themselves fosters Gender health Equity, creating a ripple effect of resilience, well-being, and lasting societal transformation. 

Jindy Bains

It is up to us all to educate people about the importance of Gender Equity and inspire them to be champions and take action. Gender Equity is not just a women's issue; it is a human issue. It liberates us all to reach our full potential and creates an inclusive environment where everyone thrives. 

Joanne Stone-Campbell/ Iy’imelwit

As an educator and mentor, I aim to empower women with essential tools like education, financial stability, and mentorship to unlock their potential for success and help them recognize their true gifts. I support Women’s Economic Well-Being because YWCA Vancouver is committed to enhancing women’s economic security and overall quality of life. 

Joy Masuhara

Working on Truth and Reconciliation is key for the improvement of health care for Indigenous people. As a physician, I support this advocacy area and YWCA Metro Vancouver’s work, as health inequities continue to exist, and efforts are needed in particular to improve the social determinants of health. 

Julie Walchli

As a university educator who’s devoted her career to helping students—particularly from the Humanities and Social Sciences—realize their full potential through high-impact workplace and career learning integrated with their degrees, I’m supporting Gender Equity because the YWCA advocates for equity in access to education and employment opportunities, including through their remarkable mentorship programs for women and girls. 

Kathryn Hayashi

We must all work together to break barriers, challenge biases and drive Gender Equity in science - the future of innovation depends on all of us. Science and technology must be part of the solution to our world's problems, and we should all have the opportunity to make a difference. 

Katie Maslechko

Through every affordable home I’ve helped protect and deliver across BC, I’ve seen the transformative power of safe, secure, affordable housing in breaking cycles of instability, fostering community, and opening doors to opportunities that ripple through generations. My passionate support for Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families stems from my belief in housing as a catalyst for generational change. 

Kerry Gibson

Interconnectivity is a primary key to achieving true equity. No longer can individualism hold dominant if we are to achieve comprehensive systems change environmentally, socially, or economically. Gender Equity is regressing globally, creating larger gaps that require collaborative efforts to address the entire vertical that is causation focused as prevention, rather than reacting to the symptoms of inequality. 

Kim van der Woerd

Education is one of the most important tools to move Truth and Reconciliation forward - understanding Canada's colonial legacy is essential for providing culturally safe care for Indigenous women and families. As an Indigenous woman, I am inspired by the YWCA in their efforts to educate and be a safe space for healing and growth for Indigenous people. 

Koyali Burman

An advocate for the status of women for Gender Equity, I am a firm believer in economic dignity and the importance of making the economy work for women as a pathway to achieving true economic empowerment. The YWCA’s efforts are exemplary, as they prioritize economic dignity, empathy, and practical support, particularly for single mothers, which is critical to addressing systemic inequalities. 

Kristine Simpson

As a BDO Canada partner and FCPA, I personally and professionally champion initiatives that strengthen our overall economy and community, specifically the living conditions of our citizens. By enhancing economic opportunities and providing affordable housing, we are directly improving Women’s Economic Well-Being and stability, which empowers more women to achieve their full potential. 

Kristy James

I’m proud to support YWCA Metro Vancouver’s mission to Ending Gender-Based Violence. Through my volunteer work, I’m committed to ensuring all women live free from violence and that seeking support is normalized, without fear or judgment. The YWCA provides these essential services, giving women and children impacted by violence the resources they need to find safety and rebuild their lives. 

Kristy Watson

Too many women and girls are told they don't belong on the field, in the gymnasium, at the rink or on the courts.  I choose Gender Equity because along with YWCA Metro Vancouver, I want to give women and girls the strength and power to do what they want to do; to do what it is they love to do. 

Leena Yousefi

I have utilized my education and career to legally defend and provide free resources to disadvantaged women in relationships with power imbalances and abuse. I align with and wholeheartedly support the diverse Access to Justice initiatives of the YWCA which focus on empowering, educating and protecting women who need it most.  

Leigh Joseph/ Styawat

As an Indigenous ethnobotanist and entrepreneur, I am passionate about increasing Indigenous representation, supporting Truth and Reconciliation, and providing opportunities for reconnecting to cultural land-based knowledge. Skwálwen Botanicals provides a path for me to share these passions with a wide audience at the same time as building community locally here in my home territory of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. 

Liza D

Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families is the foundation for stability, safety, and opportunity. It empowers women to break cycles of poverty, escape unsafe environments, and provide their children with a secure future. When women thrive, communities grow stronger, creating a ripple effect of equity and resilience that benefits everyone. 

Loveena Chera-Tsaparas

As head of a health and wellness organization that is led predominantly by women and whose client base is largely women, I see firsthand the impact that equitable health can make in the lives of women and their families. I choose to support Gender Equity, because YWCA Metro Vancouver partners with diverse organizations to build momentum in this important area. 

Mariana Brussoni

There are few investments that can make such a difference in the lives of children, support gender equality, and strengthen the economy as quality universal childcare. My research in child development shows how important this early investment is, and I choose to support the YWCA's advocacy for Universal Child Care. 

Mariat Imade Jibril

As a gender-based violence survivor, I know firsthand that this epidemic demands speaking up, creating awareness, and ensuring access to support to drive systemic change in Ending Gender-Based Violence. I am grateful to see the strong pillar of support and action from YWCA Metro Vancouver in championing this cause. 

Megan Buckley

I am deeply invested in removing barriers and advancing the development of female leaders. I believe that equal access to opportunity, supports, and results-focused mentorship for girls and women cannot happen without also guiding and educating boys and men. Only when all voices are valued, and all voices are invested in Gender Equity can we hope for meaningful progress. 

Melanie Mark/ Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak

Truth and Reconciliation does not rest on the shoulders of Indigenous people alone. We need allies to turn things around. When we Paddle Together we can achieve remarkable things to reconstruct the social, environmental and economic conditions that have staggered progress and prosperity for Indigenous Nations. A rising tide, can lift all canoes, and is the essence of equity to me. 

Mita Naidu

I am committed to my role in understanding, amplifying, and implementing the 94 Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I do this by deep-listening, coalition-building, and prioritizing Truth and Reconciliation in all the spaces I engage in. As I continue challenging the status quo, I also celebrate the YWCA, as they lead change with courage, humility, and innovation. 

Mo Korchinski

As a woman with lived experience and a peer support worker, I’ve seen the intergenerational impact of substance use and incarceration. Women’s safety, security, and well-being depend on a justice system that works for them, yet there are systemic barriers. Access to Justice means more than legal aid—UTG provides dignity, support, and hope while providing innovative, free justice initiatives. 

Monica Gärtner

My area of advocacy is Ending Gender-Based Violence. Unfortunately, my family has experienced violence firsthand. A month before my mother’s passing at age 87, she talked to her pastor about the guilt she had regarding being abused by her first husband. Women with disabilities face abuse not only from their partners, but also from the medical community and society. 

Naomi Zimmerman

As a professor in mechanical engineering, a male-dominated field, I choose to support Gender Equity because women bring essential perspectives to solving global engineering challenges. YWCA Metro Vancouver's commitment to addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive environments enables women to have the opportunities and support they need to drive innovation, building healthy and more prosperous communities in the process. 

Natalia Bussard

As a Nominee's Selection of Advocacy Area, I am choosing Universal Child Care for the following reason: When childcare becomes a bridge, not a barrier, women transform their professional landscapes. Affordable care unlocks potential, allowing mothers to seamlessly weave career ambitions with family responsibilities, empowering individual economic resilience while simultaneously healing workforce gaps with their talent, determination, and renewed professional momentum. 

Ogechi Anumba

I am passionate about ensuring safe Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families. A secure place to sleep is fundamental to overall health and well-being, providing the stability needed to break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures. Everyone deserves the safety and opportunity that a stable home brings. 

Opreet Kang

As a co-founder of a women-led firm, I know that economic empowerment is key to building strong diverse communities. I support the YWCA’s work to advance Women’s Economic Well-Being, ensuring access to opportunities, and financial security. When all women thrive, businesses and communities flourish. 

Pari Goyal

STEM thrives on equality because talent has no gender. Empowering women and fighting for Gender Equity in STEM isn't just fair - it's essential for a future built by everyone, for everyone. 

Prachi Jatania

My lived experience fuels my passion to amplify women’s voices, challenge injustice, and build a world where all women can thrive free of violence and inequality. YWCA Metro Vancouver’s work supporting women with training, employment and policy advocacy—aligns with my commitment as a social justice advocate to End Gender-Based Violence, addressing it as a health and social issue. 

Radha Curpen

Our dedication to our community is deeply connected to a shared responsibility of advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous nations. As legal professionals, we strive for meaningful action and connection—listening, learning, and collaborating to address the past, recognize Indigenous rights, and unlock our nation's potential through economic reconciliation for the benefit of all. 

Ramandeep Randhawa

Empowering women with financial independence transforms lives. Through my work in the community-focused financial sector, I witness daily the courage it takes for women to rebuild and how economic stability gives them strength to thrive. I support YWCA Metro Vancouver in fostering Women’s Economic Well-Being, creating lasting change for uplifting generations and ensuring a brighter, more secure future for women. 

Rena Dhir

Gender Equity means recognizing the unique value of every individual, regardless of gender, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Together, we must challenge stereotypes and build a future where fairness and equity are not ideals but realities. Through advocacy and empowerment initiatives, YWCA actively supports gender equity and strives to create a more inclusive society for everyone. 

Rohene Bouajram

As an advocate for representation and women in leadership, I see the transformative impact when their presence, voices and experiences shape change. Supporting Gender Equity means advancing systemic and cultural change, a vision YWCA Metro Vancouver leads with courage and commitment. When she rises, we all rise—because equity for women is progress for everyone. 

Sandra Phillips

As a Shared Mobility Architect, I have seen firsthand the disconnect between who designs transportation and who it should serve. Women—our daughters, mothers, and grandmothers—are often excluded from opportunities for work, healthcare and education because of inequitable transportation planning. That’s why I choose Gender Equity, because YWCA Metro Vancouver envisions a just and equitable world for women, families and allies.

Sarah Helene Beley Conteh

Universal Child Care benefits everyone, both this generation and future ones. It is essential for reducing inequality and improving labor force participation. This advocacy aligns with my commitment to alleviate poverty, help individuals re-enter the workforce with dignity, and ensure they can provide for themselves and their families, contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.

Sarah Finlayson

As a surgeon focused on gynecologic cancers, I witness the gaps in health care for women every day. I choose to support YWCA Metro Vancouver's mission to advance Gender Equity. Improving health care for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends--both in BC and around the world--is something I care deeply about.

Serena Chu

As an art educator, students not only take my workshops to learn new techniques but also because I provide a positive and inclusive space.  In a world where gender is still not always treated equal, my classes promote Gender Equity and allow students to feel accepted. My programs encourage laughter and storytelling so people can connect, after all, art makes you happy!

Shahana Alibhai

Too often we think of health only as a physical entity and ignore the implications that access to elements such as affordable housing can provide. I have chosen to support the YWCA Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families, so women are given autonomy and agency to make the best decision for both themselves and their children.

Shannon Henderson/ Seli’xwelut

As a proud Squamish Nation member and Sixties Scoop survivor, I honor my grandfather's legacy by advocating for Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation, community healing, unity, and the transformative power of education through the Orange Shirt Society and the Indian Residential School Survivor Society.

Shannon MacDougall

Women face a variety of systemic challenges in the workplace and often lack access to mentors and sponsors who can advocate for them to support career advancement. I am proud to support Gender Equity given the YWCA’s ongoing pursuit to remove the visible and invisible barriers preventing women from unlocking their full potential.

Sonia Strobel

In our efforts to decolonize our seafood system, we honour and uplift Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in fishing communities who model sustainable harvesting practices and contribute to the restoration of fish stocks and habitats. I support the YWCA’s Truth and Reconciliation work because it actively builds strong relationships with Indigenous communities, amplifies Indigenous voices, and advocates for much-needed systems change.

Sophia Yang

As a solo BIPOC female youth entrepreneur, resources provided by foundations and organizations such as YWCA and Startup Women Canada were fantastic in helping my organization flourish. Gender Equity and economic well-being go hand in hand and are vital to communities' growth. I strongly believe that we all thrive when we invest in female founders.

Stephanie Slen

As a woman who grew up in the downtown eastside with nothing, I’ve secured half a million dollars’ worth of scholarships for low-income youth to pursue their dream universities. I see firsthand the importance and impact YWCA Metro Vancouver is bringing forth opportunities for Women’s Economic Well-Being from an early age. 

Sue Roppel

As an active builder of community capacity and resilience to combat the impacts of climate change, I daily learn from the gifts of knowledge shared with me by Indigenous peoples. Finding solutions will only be possible with Indigenous leadership, inclusion and empowerment. I choose to support Truth and Reconciliation as the YWCA's advocacy and programming are foundational for systemic change.

Suhana Gill

As the Women’s Representative at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University and advocate for equality, I believe that when one woman wins, we all win. I choose to support Gender Equity because YWCA Metro Vancouver is breaking barriers and empowering women to lead, thrive, and inspire others to achieve their dreams.

Sydney Goodfellow

Women’s Economic Well-Being is about more than closing the pay gap. When women have the resources to support themselves and their families, we gain the freedom to make choices that protect our well-being, amplify our voices, and transform our communities.

Tabreek Somani

As a community builder and an advocate for underrepresented groups, I support Women’s Economic Well-Being through empowering women to achieve financial independence, creating ripple effects that benefit families, communities, and future generations. YWCA Metro Vancouver is driving change by addressing systemic barriers, challenging harmful social norms, and providing employment programs and services that enable women to thrive.

Tina Strehlke

Although many people in BC believe that gender equality has been solved, the daily experiences of women and gender diverse people prove that there is still work to do. Because gender equality is the foundation of a fair and healthy society, I support the YWCA's work to Advance Gender Equity and create an equitable and inclusive future for all.

Trina Plamondon

As someone who has supported vulnerable populations for decades, I have seen how women are transformed by becoming economically stable, uplifting themselves and those around them.  I choose to support access to critical services, such as safe, Affordable Housing for Women and Their Families because YWCA Metro Vancouver provides direct services to women in need.

Trish Kelly Chornyj

As the child of a resourceful single mother, and as a woman leading a business, I know that women and other gender minorities face systemic barriers to good employment and economic security. I think Women’s Economic Well-Being is critical to women’s safety, health and dignity.

Trixie Ling

I believe in the power of uplifting and celebrating newcomer immigrant and refugee women as leaders in the community through storytelling and feminist food entrepreneurship. I commit to working with the YWCA to promote Women’s Economic Well-Being and advocate for systemic changes for women entrepreneurs to lead and flourish in our community.

Vedanshi Vala

Ending Gender-Based Violence is often seen as a 'women's issue'. However, combatting GBV is a community-wide issue that affects everyone, and touches the lives of countless individuals each year. GBV can only truly be eradicated when women, men and people of all gender identities are in agreement over building a mutually respectful culture of consent.

Vicky Ryan

I chose to support Advancing Gender Equity because it’s foundational to inclusion, which is at the heart of inGIRLS CLUB. It’s essential that women become a loud(er), strong(er), and fully equal voice in leadership and politics, and that our points-of-view, needs, and circumstances are built into any decisions that impact lives, livelihoods and communities across our province, country and world.

Winnie Shi

As co-founder and Chair of the BC Women’s Infrastructure Network and a mother of two daughters, I look forward to a future where Gender Equity is no longer an issue. Gender Equity is essential to the success of society and is the responsibility of all members of society, regardless of gender, to advocate for a better and more sustainable future.

Zahra Hashemi

As an advocate for ending gender-based violence (GBV) and a task force member at the Canadian Centre for Women's Economic Empowerment (CCFWE), I see how economic barriers prevent women from escaping abuse. I support Women’s Economic Well-Being to break the cycle of abuse and build healthier relationships, as YWCA Metro Vancouver raises awareness and provides crucial services.

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The Connecting the Community Award is sponsored by