1 week Ago By By Michele McDougall
Strong, resilient, creative and visionary were some of the words used to describe this year’s nominees for the 2025 Women of Distinction awards. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Strong, resilient, creative and visionary were some of the words used to describe this year’s nominees for the 2025 Women of Distinction awards. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Strong, resilient, creative and visionary were some of the words used to describe this year’s nominees for the 2025 Women of Distinction awards. The annual show, presented by YWCA Westman, was held at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Thursday evening.
This year, 41 women were nominated, and 10 won — for their work in breast cancer research, support for women in emergency response, mentorship for young people through agriculture and post-secondary education, hockey development camps for girls, and many other initiatives. Dr. Aimee Hatcher (second from left), winner of the 2025 Women of Distinction award for social action, stands for a photo after the ceremony held Thursday evening at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.
Also pictured are husband Kevin, their two daughters and a friend. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun) Social action was a new award category this year. It was won by Dr.
Aimee Hatcher, a Brandon chiropractor who turned her family’s worst imaginable tragedy into helping others. They lost their son, Luke, when he was just 12 years old. Hatcher speaks publicly about grief and the importance of organ donation.
“At that time, I was lifted up by a community of women who built a net around me and underneath me and held me up until I could see the light again,” Hatcher said in her acceptance speech. Later, speaking to the Sun, she said, “It was women who held me up when life was very dark, and I didn’t even realize how big my circle of women was until tragedy struck. I am consistently in awe of the women around me and I just hope that what I do is one-tenth of what they have given me in strength.
” Minnedosa’s Tamra Rapsky received the award for business leadership in the entrepreneur category for her experience that includes accounting instructor in the Peters School of Business and director in continuing studies at Assiniboine College. Currently, Rapsky is finance operations manager with Heritage Co-op. In between hugs of congratulations from her husband, son and members of her “work family,” Rapsky told the Sun, “My biggest joy is to mentor people.
” She added: “Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to giving ourselves credit. And this event really helps give women credit, power and recognition.” As Rapsky held up her engraved glass figurine, she beamed, “And this truly is a surprise.
” The Young Woman of Distinction award was given to 19-year-old Madi Bootsman, a Brandon University psychology student who is an academic tutor, secretary of the psychology club, and someone who has a “big, huge soft spot for animals.” She also founded a fundraiser for the Brandon Humane Society where she is a volunteer. “I am in shock, I did not expect to win,” Bootsman told the Sun.
“Janelle Price (her fellow nominee) sounds incredible. But I am very, very grateful for this award. Minnedosa’s Tamra Rapsky, finance operations manager with Heritage Co-op and winner of the 2025 Women of Distinction award for business leadership in the entrepreneur category, holds up her trophy during Thursday’s ceremony at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.
“I am dedicated to the Brandon Humane Society, that’s where I get my happy from. It’s where I’ve seen so many good things happen and it’s where I want to be. So, to be standing here with this award,” she paused, and then said, “I haven’t fully processed it yet.
” The Women of Distinction awards is the major fundraising event for YWCA Westman. This year was its 40th annual iteration, dating back to the first ceremony in 1985. YWCA Westman provides shelter and safety to those who are experiencing domestic, family or intimate partner violence, and has operated in the city for more than 100 years.
It operates the Westman Women’s Shelter, which is a 24-7, year-round crisis facility. There are additional programs for boys and girls between 11 and 13 years old that promote positive body image and self-esteem and bring awareness to the harmful effects of bullying. Lois Ruston, YWCA Westman’s executive director, said she was relieved not to be on the selection committee and pointed to the “absolutely amazing women” who were nominated for their contributions to their communities.
“We’re celebrating their achievements and recognizing some of them who are behind the scenes and maybe aren’t out in front, but are doing really fantastic work — groundbreaking work in some instances,” said Ruston. “Someone saw the gifts and talents of these women and wanted to make sure that they were recognized. And that’s the very best thing that we can do, is recognize each other and lift each other up,” she said.
Marci Quane, chief executive officer of Riverdale Municipality, was nominated in the community leadership category along with 11 other women. It was won by Sarah Peto, an acting lieutenant with Brandon Fire and Emergency Services. Mousumi Majumder, professor of cancer research at Brandon University (right), is the winner of the 2025 Women of Distinction award for science, technology and trade.
(Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun) “Being nominated is a huge, huge honour,” said Quane, adding, “I have some very good people supporting me, who made me realize this is something to celebrate. This whole evening is so empowering.” There were 10 categories for the 2025 Women of Distinction awards.
The 10 Women of Distinction recipients are: Stephanie Cruickshanks for agriculture; Richelle Treloar for arts, culture and design; Rapsky for business leadership, entrepreneur; Peto for community leadership; Amy Doerksen for healthy living, recreation and wellness; Cora Dupuis for education, mentorship; Mousumi Majumder for science, technology and trade; Hatcher for social action; Bootsman for Young Woman of Distinction (18 to 25); and Shelley Wray won the Lifetime Achievement award. » [email protected] » enviromichele.
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