13 ‘Women of Distinction’ honoured

YWCA Westman awarded 13 recipients at an annual event recognizing strong, resilient and hard-working women across southwestern Manitoba on Wednesday evening.

A total of 44 women were nominated in 11 categories for the Women of Distinction Awards that were presented at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

“The concept is that it just recognizes and uplifts and empowers women throughout our entire region,” said YWCA Westman executive director Lois Ruston.

“It’s really important to stop and pause and recognize the accomplishments and the ways that women lead in our communities.”

This year’s nominees included women with backgrounds in local municipal leadership, women’s health care, business, arts, education and mentoring young people through agriculture.

The 2026 recipients of the Women of Distinction Awards are:

• Nancy McPherson, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a registered nurse who has served in northern and remote communities, as well as internationally in the West Indies and northeastern Siberia. She currently teaches in the nursing program at Brandon University.

• Angela Pearen, who won the Agriculture Award for her work as the co-ordinator of agriculture extension at the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine College, where she supports industry-driven education.

• Lisa Vasconcelos and Lisa Heide won the Arts, Culture and Design Award. Vasconcelos is the owner of Mecca Productions, which connects hundreds of people with the performing arts each year. Heide, the president of the Boissevain-Morton Arts Council, has also spent a decade working as a painter and author.

• Jolene Toder is the recipient of the Business Leadership and Entrepreneur Award. She is the founder and senior designer of JT Interiors Design Group, which specializes in remodelling, new construction and professional organizing.

• Judy Swanson, who won the Community Leadership Award, is the first woman to serve as mayor in Boissevain.

• Dr. Alise Gaiser, a family physician who founded The Wellness Clinic in Brandon, and Gail Nykoliation, a fitness leader and wellness coach, received the Healthy Living, Recreation and Wellness Award.

• Emma Varley won the Education Mentorship Award for her work as an associate professor of anthropology at Brandon University. Trained as a medical anthropologist, her work has focused on women’s health care and social justice.

• Lyndsay Seafoot won the Science, Technology and Trade Award. She is the founder and CEO of the Curbridge Group, which is made up of innovative and tech-first companies that focus on modern and effective HR services for clients.

• Emily Holland is the recipient of the Social Action Award for her contributions as an anthropology professor at Brandon University and as a professional forensic anthropologist working to recover human remains.

• Beatrice Gatien won the Young Woman of Distinction Award for women between the ages of 18 and 30. She graduated from Brandon University in May 2025 and is now a medical student at the University of Manitoba.

• Nia Smith won the Young Trailblazer Award for those aged 17 and under. She is a Grade 11 student at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and plans to pursue a career in engineering.

The Women of Distinction Awards have recognized hundreds of individuals since 1985 who are leaders in their professions and contribute their time, talents and passion to strengthen and inspire families, organizations and communities.

The awards show is a fundraising event that supports the operation of a 24-7 women’s shelter, which provides safety and resources for individuals and children fleeing from domestic violence.

» tadamski@brandonsun.com