Celebrating our Faculty Members’ Achievements

Women of Distinction take centre stage

“I’m a past judge of this event and I know how hard it is to select the right person to win,” she said. “Everyone is so deserving.”

That’s why she was shocked to hear her own name called Tuesday night as the recipient of an award for her tireless work as a social activist and an advocate for change.

“It is an honour to stand here before you,” said Uppal, director of Good Shepherd Women’s Services. “But it is also an honour to do the work for the women in the community without a voice.”

Close to 500 people gathered at the Hamilton Convention Centre to celebrate the achievements of Uppal and 10 others — this year’s YWCA Women of Distinction.

The crowd toasted past and present recipients for their outstanding contributions to the arts, business, politics, volunteerism, and health and wellness in Hamilton.

“I didn’t expect to win this evening,” Diane Chiarelli said in an emotional acceptance speech. She went on to thank her co-nominees as she was handed an award for her work in the community as a volunteer, writer, public speaker and activist.

Lorraine Chapman, the recipient of a lifetime achievement award, said she was overwhelmed by the honour.

“I’ve been hit by waves and waves of gratitude,” said Chapman, who has devoted nearly 40 years to serving the community as a social worker. “It’s just a privilege to work with people from all walks of life.”

Honorary chair and three-time Olympic ice hockey gold medallist Becky Kellar called the achievements of this year’s winners “awe-inspiring.”

“It is such an honour to be here tonight and celebrate the successes of all these great women,” she said.

Kellar also likened the awards ceremony to her Olympic experience, when she and her teammates were thrust into the spotlight. Yet, like this year’s recipients, she acknowledged that most of the work that propelled them to the public stage took place when no one was watching.

“The journey for us is the most important part,” she said.

The winners:

Arts, Entertainment and Creative Energy: Anna Sponer is founder of the Artist Art World online art gallery. She is an artist and art advocate who donates time and work to nonprofit organizations to help them meet their fundraising goals.

Business, Industry and Entrepreneurship: Casey Johnson is CEO and owner of the Dundas-based firm, StoneCastle Communications. She is a corporate communications specialist, strategic writer and public speaker who works to promote international investment in Hamilton.

Circle of Friends: In their work with We Raise Our Children’s Kids, or We ROCK, Cathy Ried and Jessie Hope offer support and social opportunities to grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Community Development and Social Activism: Medora Uppal is the director of Good Shepherd Women’s Services. She sits on several local committees that provide outreach programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health issues, addictions, homelessness and poverty.

Health and Wellness: As a rural family physician, academic and teacher, Dr. Cheryl Levitt has worked tirelessly to promote gender equity and women’s health in family medicine.

Lifetime Achievement: For nearly 40 years, Lorraine Chapman has helped women overcome substance use issues and helped those living with serious mental illnesses in her role as a social worker.

Politics and Public Affairs: Lisa Hepfner is a CHCH reporter and advocate for the wellness and enrichment of girls and women.

Mentoring and Education: As principal of Dr. J. Edgar Davey public school, Leah Schwenger has implemented community partnerships and innovative programs that help provide a safe and positive learning environment for the school’s diverse, inner-city student population.

Volunteerism: Diane Chiarelli has devoted more than 30 years to volunteering as a community advocate, public speaker, writer, trainer, community program developer and seniors’ and children’s rights activist.

Young Woman of Distinction: Susan Tian is a student at Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary who is active in athletics, student government, peer mentoring and the graduation committee. She was also elected to the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board as a student trustee.

Teri Pecoskie
tpecoskie@thespec.com
905-526-3368