Happy 2020 Black History Month!
As YWCA Toronto kicks off our celebration of Black History Month there is no better way to start than by highlighting our illustrious Black Women of Distinction alumnae. These women span fields from the arts to law to politics. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate the way each of these recipients has improved the lives of women and girls across Toronto.
In our continued efforts to create a city that provides a safe and equitable life for all people, Black women are certainly leading the way towards just transformation. It is everyone’s responsibility to work together to eliminate systemic discrimination and oppressions. YWCA Toronto is proud to be a part of that effort.
Starting with our most recent Black Women of Distinction, below is a list of award recipients in chronological order:
maxine bailey – 2019 Woman of Distinction, Arts
As the Vice President of Advancement at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for 18 years, maxine bailey was a driving force behind the movement to champion and support women in film. She is the founder of Share Her Journey, TIFF’s five year fundraising commitment to achieving gender parity both behind and in front of the camera.
Toyo Ajibolade – 2018 Young Woman of Distinction
An inspirational role model, mentor and coach, Toyo Ajibolade founded Lady Ballers Camp, which provides opportunities for young racialized women to reach their potential through sport.
Zanana Akande – 2018 Woman of Distinction, Public Service
Zanana Akande has been a lifelong champion for equity and social justice, both as an educator and community leader. In 1990 she became the first Black woman to serve as a cabinet minister in Canada as Ontario’s Minister of Community and Social Services.
Dr. Marjorie E. Dixon – 2017 Woman of Distinction, Health
Dr. Marjorie E. Dixon is a renowned reproductive endocrinologist and advocate for inclusivity in fertility and reproductive health care regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.
Denise Dwyer – 2017 Woman of Distinction, Law
Throughout her career in law and public service, Denise Dwyer has worked tirelessly to promote equality of opportunity and foster diversity, both in her professional roles and as a mentor and founder of the Black Female Lawyers Network.
Hibaq Gelle – 2017 Woman of Distinction, Community Development
Hibaq Gelle is a community leader and social justice champion who tenaciously advocates for women, refugees, racialized communities and other marginalized groups
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Teriano Lesancha – 2015 Young Woman of Distinction
Teriano Lesancha established the Masaai Girls for Education Project, which provides girls from her village in rural Kenya with the same opportunities she had — an education and a chance at a changed life.
d’bi. young anitafrika – 2015 Woman of Distinction, Arts
Committed to providing a space for Toronto’s youth and artists to share and hone their talents, d’bi. young anitafrika founded Canada’s Watah Theatre Institute, where she mentors artists to tell their stories and express their politics.
Dr. Akua Benjamin – 2014 Woman of Distinction, Social Justice
Dr. Akua Benjamin’s ground-breaking work weaves together feminism, anti-racism, immigration, and economic justice.
Angela James – 2012 Woman of Distinction, Sport
Angela James is one of Canada’s most spectacular athletes. In 2010, she became one of two women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame joining the 200 top-ranking male hockey stars in the world.
We remember Joan Lesmond – 2011 Woman of Distinction, Health Leadership
From launching programs, to improve women’s access to health care, to mentoring racialized women and girls from low-income families, Joan Lesmond fought to break down barriers faced by women and girls from diverse backgrounds at every turn.
Mary Anne Chambers – 2010 Woman of Distinction, Community Service
Through all of her life’s work, Mary Anne Chambers has been motivated by a firm belief that by creating opportunities for marginalized people, not only are individual lives changed for the better, communities are changed for the better.
Angela Robertson – 2009 Woman of Distinction, Social Change
Angela Robertson is a strategic thinker, an innovator, and a woman who is widely respected for implementing life transforming programs for women who have been left behind.
Ayan Hersi – 2008 Young Woman of Distinction
Ayan Hersi spent the summer of 2007 in Namibia where she worked in solidarity with local women and girls to advocate for anonymous HIV/AIDS testing centres, counselling, and treatment and prevention programs.
Saron Ghebressellassie – 2007 Young Woman of Distinction
As a mentor and organizer, Saron Ghebressellassie helps other women to lead by passing on skills and information, one event, panel, radio show and retreat at a time.
We remember Kay Blair – 2006 Woman of Distinction, Community Leadership
Best known for her work as Executive Director of Community MicroSkills Development Centre, Kay Blair provided settlement, training, employment and self-employment services to immigrants and racialized people, with an emphasis on the needs of low-income women.
Tonika Morgan – 2005 Young Woman of Distinction
Inspired to make a difference in the lives of other young people, Tonika Morgan immersed herself in community initiatives such as the Toronto Youth Cabinet, the Task Force for Socially Isolated and Homeless Persons and the Toronto City Summit Alliance.
Beth Jordan – 2005 Woman of Distinction, Social Justice
Beth Jordan is known for her leadership in solidifying and expanding the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, a life-saving telephone support service for women isolated in abusive situations.
Ebonnie Rowe – 2005 Woman of Distinction, Arts and Entertainment
Ebonnie Rowe is the founder of PhemPhat Entertainment Group, a dynamic, all-women non-profit company that provides promotional and educational opportunities for up-and-coming women artists.
Debbie Douglas – 2004 Woman of Distinction, Social Action and Justice
As Executive Director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, Debbie Douglas is a steadfast advocate for the social and economic inclusion of newcomers to Canada.
June Veecock – 2003 Woman of Distinction, Labour
In the early 1990s, June Veecock was a major player in the first successful discrimination case on the prohibited grounds of racism to be investigated and settled by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Kamala-Jean Gopie – 2002 Woman of Distinction, Community Service
A trailblazer, Kamala-Jean Gopie became the first woman president of the Jamaican Canadian Association in 1979 and she was one of the first racialized women to run for provincial office in 1981.
Hesper Philip-Chamberlain – 2002 Young Woman of Distinction
From elementary school on, Hesper Philip-Chamberlain used letter writing to campaign on key issues, including the rights of women and girls to not be harmfully objectified in the media, and for the rights of Black South Africans.
M. NourbeSe Philip – 2001 Woman of Distinction, Arts
M. NourbeSe Philip’s poetry, articles and essays have provided many women, particularly Black women and other racialized women, with empowering visions of self and powerful frameworks for understanding their experiences
Dr. Avis E. Glaze – 2001 Woman of Distinction, Education
An international leader in the field of education, Dr. Glaze has been extremely powerful in her work to provide opportunities to all of her students, but particularly for young women and racialized students.
Joan Grant-Cummings – 2000 Woman of Distinction, Social Action
The first Black President of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, Joan Grant-Cummings’ successful campaign was a direct result of her grassroots community work on issues impacting the lives of women, children and men who have been marginalized in our society.
Eslin Payne – 2000 Woman of Distinction, Community Leadership
Eslin Payne is celebrated for her transformative community-based work with youth facing difficulties and women who have experienced violence.
The Reverend Paulette Brown – 1999 Woman of Distinction, Religion and Community
Rev. Paulette Brown founded the Created For Life youth ministry in the Jane-Finch community, offering seminars and training sessions to help youth become more aware of their strengths and abilities.
We remember Beverly Mascoll – 1993 Woman of Distinction, Entrepreneurship
Beverly Mascoll capitalized on a significant void in the beauty industry for Black beauty products and blazed a trail for Black women entrepreneurs.
Claire Prieto – 1992 Woman of Distinction, Arts and Entrepreneurship
As a filmmaker, Claire Prieto’s goal is to place positive images of Black people before all audiences, especially before Black youth.
We remember Muriel Collins – 1989 Woman of Distinction, Labour
As a Nursing Attendant and Metro Unit officer for CUPE Local 79, Muriel Collins reached out to other women who were new to this country and needed someone to fight for their rights.
Jean Augustine – 1987 Woman of Distinction, Community and Public Service
Jean Augustine’s contributions to the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, and the Congress of Black Women, combined with her experience mothering two daughters, all have pointed to her unshakeable belief that “one has to leave this place better than one found it.”
The 2019 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction Award recipients will be announced on March 7th in celebration of International Women’s Day. Learn more here.