In time for International Women's Day, today March 8, the YWCA Metro Vancouver announced its nominees for the 2016 Women of Distinction Awards, including four women from the Tri-Cities.
Local nominees are:
• Carol Todd, nominated as Community Champion, is the founder of the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, which raises funds and awareness to prevent bullying, cyber abuse and promote internet safety.
• Gloria Cuccione, nominated under Non-Profit, is the founder and executive director of the Michael Cuccione Foundation, which is named for her late son, the well-known cancer crusader, and raises funds for childhood cancer research.
• Diana Miles, nominated under Public Service,is the president and CEO of WorkSafeBC, the province's agency for workplace injury claims, which also has a goal of promoting workplace health and safety
• Zoya Jiwa, nominated as a Young Woman of distinction, is the founder of As We Are, an online fashion platform for people living with disabilities, diseases and chronic pain.
The award ceremonies will be held June 8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
In addition to the 12 nomination categories, the individual nominees are eligible for the Connecting the Community Award. Nominees will select a YWCA program area in which they are interested and use social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook to promote votes.
From April 20 to May 13, the public can cast votes and the nominee with the most votes will receive the Connecting the Community Award. Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of her choice.
For a full list of nominees, visit ywcavan.org/nominees. To purchase tickets for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards dinner, visit ywcavan.org/tickets.
