

For 45 years, the Women of Distinction Awards has shone a spotlight on women and gender-diverse changemakers breaking barriers, building community, and creating real change.
The 2026 finalists and recipients represent leadership across industries, cultures, generations, and lived experiences. Their stories are bold. Their impact is real.
Explore the finalists below, organized by award category, click to read each bio!
To view the Finalist videos, click HERE.
This award honours a woman or group of women or gender diverse individuals who are breaking ground and overcoming barriers in a non-traditional field — defined as any industry where women and gender diverse folks make up 25% or less of the workforce. They have made a significant, sustained impact in Southern Saskatchewan, creating opportunities for other women and gender diverse people and are paving the way for future leaders. Their work uplifts and inspires others to succeed in spaces where women and gender diverse people have historically been underrepresented. They may be working in STEM, agriculture, trades, construction, or any other non-traditional industry.
This award honours a woman or group of women or gender diverse individuals inspiring a passion for learning, growth, and empowerment in others. They have made a lasting impact through education, training, community programming, or mentorship, motivating others to pursue knowledge and reach their potential. Their work creates opportunities for lifelong learning and strengthens the communities they serve. They may be an educator, administrator, mentor, volunteer, program leader, or advocate for education.
This award will honour a woman or group of women or gender diverse folks who are creating lasting, measurable impact by improving equity and inclusion for underserved groups within the community. They challenge systems of oppression and advocate for marginalized individuals, helping to remove barriers and build more inclusive spaces. Their leadership empowers others to rise and contributes to meaningful, community-driven change. They may be a community leader, advocate, program creator, educator, or social justice champion.
This award honours a woman or group of women or gender diverse individuals committed to advancing Indigenous cultural resurgence and reconciliation in meaningful and lasting ways. They have made a significant difference through language revitalization, cultural teachings, advocacy, and relationship-building within her community. Their work strengthens cultural identity and advocates to find a new way forward. They may be a knowledge keeper, educator, advocate, cultural leader, or community organizer.
This award will honour a woman or group of women or gender diverse folks who have identified a community need or issue and initiated meaningful change, dedicating time and resources towards championing their cause. They inspire and mobilize others through her personal commitment and passion, either in her volunteering or paid role. They have made a significant and sustained difference while being recognized as a source of strength and heart in the community. They may be a community member or another leader contributing to change.
This award honours a woman or group of women or gender diverse folks whose achievements in business demonstrate a commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. They embrace new ideas, drive positive change, and have a proven track record of success in their field. Through their leadership, they advocate for and support the advancement of other women and gender diverse folks in business, fostering workplaces where they can thrive. They may be a founder, owner, executive, entrepreneur, or leader within their industry.
This award honours a young woman or group of women or gender diverse people aged 14-25 in Southern Saskatchewan who have made a meaningful and lasting difference in their field of work, their education, or community. They demonstrate leadership, compassion, and resilience, while pursuing their passions and advocating for causes that matter to them. Their actions create ripples of positive change and inspire others to get involved. They may be a student, volunteer, entrepreneur, artist, activist, or youth leader.

This celebration does not happen without you.
Your belief in equity, leadership, and community power fuels more than a single night, it helps create safety, opportunity, and possibility for women, children, youth, and families across Regina.
Thank you for standing with YWCA Regina and for helping carry the legacy of Women of Distinction forward.