An Olympic gold medalist, a former Ontario deputy premier, and a pair of homeless and gay rights advocates are among the latest eight women receiving top honours from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
The non-profit organization unveiled its 2023 Women of Excellence Honourees on Wednesday. The annual list recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, business, education, sport, science, breaking barriers, and social justice.
Swimmer Maggie Mac Neil, the London native who won a gold, silver, and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, is being celebrated for her “dedication and achievement” and for inspiring a new generation while excelling academically.
Former Ontario Deputy Premier and London North Centre MPP Deb Matthews has been selected for building inclusive and engaging work and volunteer cultures in politics and for supporting other women in politics. Matthews held the seat in London North Centre for 15 years before retiring from the legislature in 2018.
Kathleen Holland is being recognized for breaking barriers for her work in the LGBTQ2+ community. She has fought to ensure access to equal benefits, fair treatment, and safe spaces in the workplace for the past 30 years.
In the social justice category, Allison DeBlaire is being saluted for her work at 519Pursuit, a grassroots homeless outreach group she co-founded five years ago. According to the YMCA, DeBlaire develops strong partnerships, mentors many, and transforms lives.
Dr. Jackie Schleifer Taylor and Dr. Lauretta Frederking, the presidents of the London Health Sciences Centre and Brescia University College, have been named for their contributions in their respective fields.
Karen Fryday-Field is being recognized as an entrepreneur. The Ivey business school graduate is the founder of Meridian Edge Leadership and Governance Consulting and chief executive of Govern for Impact.
Victoria Paraschak is being tapped for her work in sports and fitness. The University of Windsor Kinesiology professor is considered a leader in teaching a feminist perspective of sport, challenging traditional, gender-based norms in the face of resistance. She aims to make sport culture more inclusive for women.
“These women, all leaders in their field, have provided the impetus for improvement and innovation – we are thrilled they have been selected as our 2023 YMCA Women of Excellence Honourees,” Women of Excellence Co-Chairs Aruna Koushik and Laurie Lashbrook said in a statement. “Their achievements are truly a model of excellence and an inspiration to others.”
Over the past 39 years, the YMCA has recognized the achievements of 128 women through the annual Women of Excellence Awards.
The latest eight honourees will be formally celebrated at a gala at RBC Place London on May 16. Proceeds from ticket sales to the event go to support the Y’s Community Starts Here campaign.
