Women’s Nonprofit Network Launches Inaugural Awards to Celebrate Women Leaders in Canada’s Nonprofit Sector
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Recognizing exceptional leaders, the WNN Awards Presented by GreenShield highlight transformative work advancing inclusion, equity and social impact across Canada.
Toronto, ON - October 21, 2025 – The Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) is proud to announce the launch of the WNN Awards Program, its inaugural national honours campaign recognizing the leaders and initiatives advancing gender equity and driving social change across Canada’s nonprofit sector.
Founded in 2024, WNN is dedicated to championing women in the nonprofit space and amplifying the voices of those redefining leadership and driving transformation. Through nine distinct award categories, the WNN Awards celebrate exceptional individuals and initiatives breaking barriers, championing diversity and building more inclusive, supportive nonprofit communities.
Aligned with the newly recognized Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day (WNAD), the awards will shine a well-deserved spotlight on the changemakers working tirelessly behind the scenes to create a better, more equitable Canada.
"When I founded WNN, it was because I saw incredible women in the nonprofit sector whose voices weren’t being heard and whose work wasn’t being celebrated,” says Hailey Rodgers, Founder & Executive Director of WNN. “The WNN Awards are about telling their stories, honouring their journeys and showing the world the difference they make every single day."
“The launch of the WNN Awards Program marks an inspiring milestone grounded in celebration and deep reflection,” says Meera Mahadeo, the WNN Board Chair. “By celebrating the exceptional leadership and innovation of women driving impact in their communities, we continue to advance a more vibrant and inclusive future for Canada’s nonprofit sector.”
The awards are grouped into two categories, Trailblazer Awards and Champions of Change Series, comprising four and five awards, respectively.
The Visionary Impact Award, presented by GreenShield, honours bold, creative leaders driving transformative change for women and gender-diverse people in the nonprofit sector. GreenShield is Canada's only national non-profit health care and insurance organization. This year’s recipient, Aline Nizigama, National CEO of YWCA Canada, exemplifies this through her intersectional leadership and dedication to advancing reconciliation, anti-racism and inclusion nationwide.
"Winning the 2025 Visionary Impact Award fills me with gratitude and joy,” says Nizigama. “This honour reflects the support of brilliant colleagues, mentors and community members. In a divided world, our strength is in coming together to champion inclusion and equity. When we uplift diverse women leaders, we spark a ripple effect that inspires others to lead boldly and advance the vital work still ahead.”
Canada’s nonprofit sector is powered by 2.8 million workers and millions of volunteers contributing 4.1 billion hours of service each year. Yet women, who make up an estimated 80% of the sector, often see their contributions overlooked and undervalued. This is not just a workforce issue; it’s a gender equity issue and a recognition issue.
GreenShield proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the WNN Awards, supporting WNN’s mission to recognize and celebrate women leaders across Canada’s nonprofit sector. Dentons joins as a Gold sponsor, helping to amplify the visibility and impact of this inaugural awards program.
“At GreenShield, we are deeply committed to advancing women’s health and well-being – both through our programs and by recognizing the leaders who drive change in Canada’s non-profit sector,” said Sabrina Ladha, Vice President, GreenShield Cares. “Through our partnership with the Women’s Nonprofit Network and the Visionary Impact Award, we’re proud to celebrate the women who are breaking barriers, championing equity, and building healthier communities for all.”
The WNN Awards featured a self-nomination process, with submissions reviewed by an eight-member, diverse judging panel. Each winner was thoughtfully selected through a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring that the awards recognize excellence, impact, and leadership across Canada’s nonprofit sector.
For more information, please visit womensnonprofitnetwork.com/awards
About Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN)
Founded in February 2024 and officially registered as a Canadian nonprofit in August 2024, the Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) exists to break down barriers, amplify voices and advocate for a sector that values and supports the women who sustain it. At a time when rising economic pressures and increasing demands place added strain on nonprofit leaders, WNN is changing the narrative by providing a space for connection, empowerment and action. Our mission is to foster leadership, well-being and community among women in the nonprofit sector, grounded in principles of inclusivity and equity. Our vision is a world where women in nonprofits are empowered to lead, innovate and drive positive change, where their voices shape decision-making, diverse leadership thrives and equity is the norm. When women thrive, entire organizations and communities flourish.
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