Join us on Thursday, May 22, 2025 for YWCA Banff’s annual Change Makers event!

This event brings together over 180 attendees in Canmore for an evening of inspiration, celebrating Bow Valley women and gender diverse leaders, innovators, and community shakers doing amazing work!

*Venue change: The 2025 Change Makers event will be taking place at the Silvertip Resort (Canmore, AB).

6:30 PM | Welcome Reception
7:30 PM | Program & Change Makers Awards

Tickets:

Tickets for 2025 Change Makers will be released soon. Please check back for more details.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

  • Where is the venue?

    Change Makers will be held at the Silvertip Resort in the Pavillion.

    Silvertip Resort

    2000 Silvertip Trail
    Canmore, AB T1W 3J4

    Directions to the Silvertip Resort can be found HERE.

  • What is the dress code?

    Dress to impress in your best semi-formal/cocktail attire! Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and fabulous.

  • Will food and beverages be served?

    Dinner will NOT be served at the event. Light refreshments will be provided.

    There will be a bar at the event (cash, debit, & credit accepted).

    Stoney’s Grill at the Silvertip Resort will be open prior to the event. The restaurant is open until 9:00pm.

Change Makers Awards

Nomination Deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM (MST)

Nominations:

Each year, YWCA Banff presents the Change Makers Awards to outstanding women and gender diverse people from the Bow Valley who have made a lasting difference in the lives of people in the Bow Valley and beyond. Any woman (transgender or cisgender) or gender diverse person who meets the award category criteria is eligible for nomination. YWCA Banff is proud to host these awards, recognizing local individuals who through their own initiative, ability, and effort have demonstrated positive change in the community in alignment with YWCA Banff’s core values.

Award Categories & Nomination Forms:

Please download the forms via the links below and fill it out. When the form is completed, save the form onto your computer and submit it as per the instructions on the form.

 

  • Margaret Stephens Emerging Leader Award (Ages 16-30)

    This award honors an individual between the ages of 16 and 30 who has driven meaningful change within the local community by dedicating their time, energy, and resources to champion a cause. Their efforts have made a significant and lasting impact in the Bow Valley, demonstrating leadership and inspiring their peers through volunteerism and community involvement.

    As role models and changemakers, they contribute to strengthening their community, whether through advocacy, grassroots initiatives, or service within the non-profit or public sectors. Their dedication reflects a deep commitment to creating a better future for those around them.

    Click here to download the nomination form for the Margaret Stephens Emerging Leader Award.

  • Community Champion Award

    This award celebrates an individual who has recognized a pressing local need or issue and driven meaningful, lasting change by dedicating their time, energy, and resources. Through their volunteer leadership, they have made a significant and sustained impact on the Bow Valley, inspiring others to take action. They are a vital force – a source of strength, compassion, and momentum within their community.

    These champions rally others, harnessing collective talent and capacity to amplify their efforts. They may be founders, administrators, board members, or other influential community leaders whose dedication uplifts and transforms the lives around them.

    Click here to download the nomination form for the Community Champion Award.

  • Business Innovation Award

    This award recognizes an individual whose leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have driven social good and positive change within our community. Through innovation and vision, they have addressed a critical need or gap, creating lasting impact in the Bow Valley. Their contributions not only foster meaningful and sustained progress but also open doors for others, empowering and uplifting those around them.

    They exemplify a deep commitment to community, demonstrating respect and engagement with clients, colleagues, and the broader public. As founders, owners, leaders, or innovators, they develop and implement programs, partnerships, policies, or initiatives that significantly enhance the lives of women and gender-diverse people in our community.

    Click here to download the nomination form for the Business Innovation Award.

 

Only the information provided in the nomination form and supporting documents will be considered.

*New* for 2025: Each nominee can only be nominated for one out of the three categories (Community Champion, Business Innovation, or Emerging Leader).

Please download, fill out, and submit the nomination forms. Please submit your nomination to or in-person to the YWCA Banff office (102 Spray Ave) by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM (MST).

Additional Information:

 

  • Nominator Qualifications
    • The nominator can be any individual who is interested in nominating an eligible nominee
    • The nominator must fully complete the Nomination Form and submit it, along with the support material by 11:59 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025
    • Current members of the Bow Valley Change Makers Awards selection committee are not eligible to submit nominations
    • Multiple nominations from the same nominator are allowed
    • Each nominee can only be nominated for one out of the three categories (Community Champion, Business Innovation, or Emerging Leader)
  • Nominee Eligibility

    Nominee Must:

    • Be a role model, trail blazer or outstanding achiever residing in the Bow Valley – including the communities of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Exshaw, Deadman’s Flats, Kananaskis and Mini Thni
    • Be a woman (transgender or cisgender) or gender diverse person
    • Age restrictions: Emerging Leaders – Nominees must be 16-30 years old. Community Champion & Business Innovation – Nominees must be 18+ years old
    • Support the mission and values of YWCA Banff
    • Consent to nomination
    • Be available to, or have a representative, attend the awards presentation on Thursday, May 22, 2025

    In addition:

    • We welcome and encourage inclusive and diverse nominations with respect to nominees’ age, nationality, residency status in Canada, and career path
    • Previous nominees may be re-nominated
    • Previous award recipients; current YWCA Banff employees and Board members; and current Bow Valley Change Makers selection committee members are ineligible to be nominated
    • We cannot accept nominations for people who have passed away
  • Scoring Criteria

    To understand how your application will be evaluated, we recommend that you review the eligibility criteria below. Scoring for each criteria will be evaluated upon the following:

    • 0 Points – Not Met: Applicant has provided no evidence of activities that meet the eligibility criteria.
    • 1 Point – Partially Met: Applicant’s activities somewhat align with the eligibility criteria but show minimal engagement or impact.
    • 2 Points – Satisfactorily Met: Applicant’s current activities align with the eligibility criteria.
    • 3 Points – Good: Applicant has incorporated activities that actively promote the eligibility criteria with clear evidence of ongoing efforts.
    • 4 Points – Very Good: Applicant demonstrates strong commitment to the eligibility criteria with substantial activities and clear, measurable impacts.
    • 5 Points – Excellent: Applicant excels in activities that promote the eligibility criteria, showing exceptional initiative and leadership in furthering these goals with sustainable impacts.

    Eligibility Criteria is based on YWCA Banff’s core values: Gender Equity, Adaptability, Inclusivity, Autonomy, Collaboration, Integrity.

    For full details on each of the eligibility criteria, please refer to the nomination forms.

  • Selection Process

    The selection committee is comprised of YWCA Board members and employees, Change Makers alumnae, and community members. The committee will review all submissions against nomination criteria and guidelines. The committee may contact nominators to confirm information or ask follow-up questions.

    The award recipients will be selected and announced at the Change Makers award ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Important! If selected as a YWCA Change Maker, the recipient MUST agree to be part of all media promotions, including local media, promotional videos, and be acknowledged on the YWCA Banff website. Recipients will also be asked to deliver a short acceptance speech at the 2025 Change Makers Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

    Only the information provided in the nomination form and supporting documents will be considered.

  • Submission Instructions

    Step 1: Download the nomination package – see above.

    Step 2: Download and save this document on to your computer or print it out. This way you are able to fill out the form at your leisure.

    Step 3: Fill out all fillable fields and save your completed document, or save and complete at a later time.

    Step 4: Email the completed Nomination Package and any supporting documents (optional; see nomination package for more details) to  or deliver it in person to YWCA Banff by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM (MST).

    Please note:

    • Late submissions will not be considered
    • Incomplete submissions will not be considered
    • Once submitted, nomination packages cannot be edited or altered

Dr Priscilla Wilson - An Extraordinary Legacy

  • About Dr. Priscilla Wilson

    Dr. Priscilla Wilson left a unique legacy in Banff as the first female doctor in town and an inspirational mentor, role model and friend to so many people. Queen of the Rockies is a fitting title for a woman whose magnetic character and insatiable appetite for fun were a big part of why she is so loved. Priscilla possessed the distinct combination of being both compelling herself, while curious about and compassionate for all those around her.

    In 2016, Priscilla was a proud recipient of a YWCA Banff Change Makers Award (previously Women of Distinction Award), nominated by peers in recognition of her significant contributions to the fabric of the Bow Valley community. Be it Priscilla’s work as a dedicated family physician and as Chair of AIDS Bow Valley; her leadership role in advocating for a new underground water infrastructure for Banff as Medical Officer of Health during the “Beaver Fever” crisis; or her work advocating for women pursuing medicine, Priscilla’s legacy has set an outstanding example for other aspiring leaders in the Bow Valley.

    The Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Award was established in 2019 to further recognize Dr. Wilson’s influence within our community. This annual award recognizes a woman or gender-diverse person in the Bow Valley who is making or has made a meaningful difference in the community by setting an example for others, inspiring ideas, demonstrating leadership and taking meaningful action.

    In 2021 the Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Endowment Fund was established by the Wilson family to honour Dr. Wilson and advance leadership and gender equality in the Bow Valley.

  • Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Award

    Change Makers celebrates those who–like Priscilla–embrace change and challenge in order to contribute to a thriving, equitable society.

    The Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Award will recognize a woman or gender-diverse person from the Bow Valley who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation to make a meaningful difference in our community.

    This award is nominated by committee.

  • Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Endowment Fund

    In order to support the Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Award, the Wilson family has set up an endowment fund through the YWCA Banff, with a goal of raising $200,000 to ensure funding is available in perpetuity to remember Priscilla and promote positive change in the Bow Valley community. Funds will be used to cover expenses associated with the award including: advertising and administration; recognition of the recipient; speaker fees; and relevant event costs. Surplus funds will support core YWCA programming, at the discretion of the CEO.

    Gifts towards the fund will be donated through Banff Canmore Community Foundation, who will hold the funds in perpetuity through an external endowment fund.

    Donate to the Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Endowment Fund

Past Change Makers Award Winners

  • 2024
    • Cathy Geisler (she/her) | Community Champion
    • Makaylah Rogers (they/them) | Innovation
    • Kiara Reain (she/her) | Emerging Leader

     

  • 2023
    • Aurora Borin – Community Champion ⁠
    • Dr. Laurie Hiemstra – Innovation ⁠
    • Melika Holloway – Margaret Stephens Young Women’s Leadership
  • 2022
    • Amanda Carrington – Community Champion ⁠
    • Stephanie O’Brien – Innovation ⁠
    • Kaylee Ram – Margaret Stephens Young Women’s Leadership
  • 2021
    • Jane Park – Community Champion
    • Soulafa Al-Abbasi – Innovation
    • Meg Ohsada – Young Women’s Leadership
  • 2019
    • Pat Grayling
    • Nan Hughes Poole
    • Karen Hunter Sorensen
  • 2018
    • Elizabeth Hall-Findlay
    • Alanna Pettigrew
    • Lorraine Widmer-Carson
  • 2017
    • Mary Buckingham
    • Keri Martens
    • Janet Townsend
  • 2016
    • Carolin J. Crofts
    • Madeline Crilley
    • Priscilla Wilson
  • 2015
    • Carla Pauls
    • Corrie DiManno
    • Bev Carrick

Shaping a safe and inclusive Bow Valley that empowers women and their community for a better future.

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