Meet the Winners of the 2015 Women of Distinction Awards

MONTREAL, May 5, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - This morning, Anne Mezei, President of the Women's Y Foundation, and Louise Poirier, President of YWCA Montreal, unveiled the winners of the 2015 Women of Distinction Awards. These 13 exceptional women will be officially honoured at a ceremony to be held on September 29 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

The Women of Distinction Awards is a celebration of women and their remarkable achievements and contributions to our society. Over the years, these awards have played a vital role in recognizing women's leadership. For 22 years, more than 240 women have received this honour. These inspiring women have, each in their own way and in their own field, opened new doors for women and girls.

Exceptional winners

The winners of the 2015 Women of Distinction Awards are:

Business and Professions — Mary-Ann Bell, board member: INRS, Valener, Gaz Métro, Cominar and NAV Canada

Arts and Culture — Martha de Francisco, sound engineer and producer; Associate Professor, McGill University

Communications — Line Pagé, journalist and former Director of Information, ICI Radio-Canada Première

Education — Dr. Susan J. Bartlett, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, McGill University

Social Commitment — Diane Chênevert, founder and General Manager, Centre Philou

Entrepreneurship — Anne-Marie Chagnon, jeweller, founder and President, Anne-Marie Chagnon Inc.

Environment — Sheila Watt-Cloutier, speaker, author and advocate for human rights, culture and the environment

Woman of Outstanding Achievement — Louise Fréchette, Chair of the Board of CARE Canada and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1998–2006

YWCA Woman of Distinction — Colette Lafrance, resident of Housing Services, YWCA Montreal

Young Woman of Distinction — Anne-Sophie Thommeret-Carrière, resident in Family Medicine, Université de Montréal

Health — Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, Scientific Director of the Institute of Gender and Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal

Science and Technology – Brigitte Vachon, tenured Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Particle Physics

Sports and Wellness — Danielle Danault, CEO, Cardio Plein Air

The exceptional calibre of the numerous applications that were received posed a significant challenge for the jury, who selected the winners based on a points system that considered, among other things, the women's outstanding achievements, their impact and contribution to society, as well as their leadership.

A celebration not to be missed
On September 29, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the 2015 Women of Distinction Awards gala promises to be a festive occasion full of surprises in celebration of the 140th anniversary of YWCA Montreal and its ongoing support of Montreal women throughout its history. This event is also an opportunity to achieve YWCA Montreal's mission of building a better future for women and girls. Tickets are now available.

Valuable partners
The Women of Distinction Awards are made possible through the generous support of many partners: Desjardins, Bell, Scotiabank, National Bank, Cogeco, Cascades, TD Canada Trust, BMO, and the Secrétariat à la condition féminine.

SOURCE Y DES FEMMES DE MONTREAL / YWCA MONTREAL

and interviews: Julie Rainville, Communications / Media Relations, 514 866-9941, ext. 207 [email protected]