To read more about the process, please review the Nomination Package here.

About the Circle of Distinction Awards

Formerly called the Women of Distinction Awards, YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction Awards relaunched in 2023 to widen our community of excellence to celebrate the achievements of women and gender-diverse people. YWCA’s across Canada hold this prestigious awards annually to provide a platform to share stories of empowerment and inspiration to motivate others to learn, achieve and participate. Within their respective domains, nominees are those who break barriers, and overcome obstacles to make a difference in the lives of others.

Nomination period opens: May 18, 2026

Awards Celebration: September 21, 2026

Nomination Criteria

YWCA St. John's embraces diversity as a core value. Through this nomination process (and in all of our programs), we aim to embrace the rich diversity that makes up the fabric of our community. Nominations are encouraged to reflect the diversity of our community.

YWCA St. John’s recognizes identities beyond the binary. Our feminism is Trans-inclusive and nominations for women, trans, gender-diverse, and non-binary people are welcome.

Nominees must be at least 18 years of age at the time of nomination and residents of the St. John’s Metro Region.

Previous recipients of YWCA St. John’s Women of Distinction Awards or Circle of Distinction Awards are not eligible for nomination (a full list of former recipients can be found at https://www.ywcastjohns.com/cod-past-recipients). Current YWCA St. John’s Board of Directors, Board Committee members, Selection Committee members, staff, and volunteers are not eligible for nomination.

Participants of YWCA St. John’s committees that are project-specific (e.g. a project advisory committee) are eligible for nomination.

Circle of Distinction Award Categories

In honour of 100 years of YWCA St. John’s, we increased the focus on intergenerational connections and mentorship by creating a youth award in three of the five categories.

The following award categories celebrate excellence in our community and in the communities we aim to support.

Nominees, aged 18-29, are already making significant contributions to their community. They demonstrate leadership, innovation, and inspire others to follow their example.
Nominees are using their voice to speak to systemic injustice and make change toward equity in community. They champion and create space for diversity to be prioritized and celebrated.
- The Social Justice and Advocacy Award will have a youth category in 2025 for women and gender-diverse people ages 18-29.
Nominees are employers that model and uphold equitable practices, making a difference for workers and community. They have an exceptional track record for building and sustaining practices that support and mentor women and gender-diverse people.
- The Equity at Work Award will have a youth category in 2025 for women and gender-diverse people ages 18-29.
Nominees may come from any field – such as, but not exclusive to, health, science, arts, or community – where they are role models for others in breaking new ground.
- The Inspired Innovation Award will have a youth category in 2025 for women and gender-diverse people ages 18-29.
Nominees, aged 60 plus, have made significant contributions to their community in various ways over the course of their lives. They have shown exemplary commitment, courage, and leadership. Their wisdom and example is an inspiration to others.