YWCA Toronto Unveils 2026 Distinction Award Honourees

TORONTO, ON – March 17, 2026 – YWCA Toronto today announced the seven inspiring recipients of its 45th annual Distinction Awards, celebrating a diverse group of leaders for their profound contributions to gender equity, social justice, and inclusion. The announcement also marks a new chapter for the prestigious event, which will now be known as the YWCA Toronto's Distinction Awards, presented by Elmwood Spa and Bangkok Garden, reflecting a new presenting sponsorship.

This year’s honourees are: Jenny Ahn (Labour), Sara Asalya (Immigration), Kehkashan Basu (Young Leader of Distinction), Juana Berinstein and Ellen Kanika Tsi Tsa Blais (Health), Chinyere Eni (Corporate Leadership), and Janice Rubin (Law). These individuals will be celebrated at a gala ceremony on Thursday, May 28, at The Carlu.

Architects of Change: A New Cohort of Leaders

The 2026 recipients represent a cross-section of Toronto's most dynamic sectors, each demonstrating an unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and creating a more equitable society. Their work, often performed away from the spotlight, has had a measurable impact on countless lives.

In the field of Labour, Jenny Ahn, Executive Director of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), is being recognized for her tireless advocacy for women's and workers' rights. Described by the YWCA as a "force for women within the labour movement," Ahn was instrumental in uniting diverse movements to challenge inequity. Her leadership was critical in securing a 2024 federal amendment that prevented the corporate restructuring of public universities, a move that preserved hundreds of jobs held by women, racialized, and Indigenous people.

For her work in Immigration, Sara Asalya is honoured for founding the Newcomers' Empowerment Network, a grassroots organization that provides critical support for immigrant and refugee women. Asalya’s advocacy has led to significant policy reviews at the municipal level, ensuring newcomer services are more accessible and culturally sensitive. Her network offers mentorship, legal clinics, and community-building workshops that have become a lifeline for thousands of women navigating the complexities of a new country.

Recognized as the Young Leader of Distinction, Kehkashan Basu has already made a global impact. As the founder of the Green Hope Foundation, she has tirelessly championed the intersection of climate justice and gender equity. Basu's work empowers young women, particularly from the Global South, to become leaders in environmental sustainability, arguing that climate change disproportionately affects women and girls.

In Health, the joint award for Juana Berinstein and Ellen Kanika Tsi Tsa Blais celebrates their collaborative work in establishing the Cedar River Health Centre. This innovative clinic blends Western medical practices with Indigenous healing traditions to provide holistic, culturally safe care for Indigenous women and their families. Their model has been praised for decolonizing healthcare and addressing deep-seated inequities that have long created barriers to wellness.

Chinyere Eni receives the award for Corporate Leadership for her transformative work as a senior executive in the financial sector. Eni has championed comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that have become a blueprint for the industry. She spearheaded pay equity audits, launched mentorship programs that have accelerated the careers of hundreds of women, and successfully advocated for inclusive family-leave policies.

In Law, Janice Rubin is honoured for her pioneering work as an employment lawyer. A co-founder of Rubin Thomlinson LLP, she has become one of Canada’s most respected authorities on workplace investigations and assessments, particularly in cases of harassment and misconduct. Her work has not only delivered justice for individual clients but has also helped shape organizational policy and legal precedent, making workplaces safer and more equitable across the country.

More Than an Award: Fueling Vital Community Services

While the Distinction Awards celebrate individual achievement, the event's core purpose is to fund the essential work of YWCA Toronto. As the city's largest multi-service organization for women, the YWCA serves nearly 13,000 people annually, providing a critical safety net for those in need.

"The United Nations' 2026 International Women's Day campaign theme, 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,' is a powerful call to action to dismantle systemic inequalities," said Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto's Chief Executive Officer. "Our vision is reflected in this year's Distinction Award recipients who are dedicated to advancing lasting change in our communities."

The funds raised at the May gala are the lifeblood for programs that help women, girls, and gender-diverse people flee violence, secure safe and affordable housing, find meaningful employment, and build new lives. These services include emergency shelters, transitional housing, employment training, skills development workshops, and leadership programs for girls. The event is the organization's single largest annual fundraiser, making its success crucial for the thousands who rely on these services.

The Power of Partnership: Business and Community Unite

This year's event is strengthened by a significant new partnership with Elmwood Spa and Bangkok Garden as presenting sponsors. This collaboration underscores the growing recognition within the corporate sector of the importance of supporting social justice initiatives.

In a statement, the sponsors expressed their pride in supporting the event. "For over 40 years, Elmwood Spa has been a welcoming space for women in the heart of Toronto, rooted in a legacy of care and community," the statement reads. "We deeply value the importance of creating spaces that support meaningful change for women, girls, and gender diverse individuals throughout Toronto."

This partnership is more than a financial transaction; it represents a shared commitment to community well-being. It highlights a model of corporate citizenship where businesses invest in the social infrastructure of their city, amplifying the impact of non-profit organizations and contributing to a more resilient and equitable society for all.

The 45th annual YWCA Toronto's Distinction Awards promise to be an evening of inspiration, celebrating the remarkable women who are shaping a better future while raising the critical funds needed to support those who need it most. The event on May 28 will not only honour seven outstanding leaders but will also reaffirm the power of community in driving lasting change.