Ontario’s Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards
Richmond Hill Honours 25 Exceptional Women and Girls Recipients Announced for Ontario’s Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards
Ontario is celebrating International Women’s Week by recognizing 24 women and one girl in Richmond Hill for their leadership in improving the lives of others in our community. In its 11th year, Ontario’s Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards have recognized more than 745 exceptional women and girls across the province who have demonstrated leadership and improved the lives of others through their work, activism or volunteer activities.
This year’s recipients from Richmond Hill are:
1. Jathusha Mahenthirarajan (Leading Girl)
2. Zahra Akhavian
3. Nika Baghaie
4. Josie Brunetto-Manella
5. Franca D’Abruzzo
6. Christina Doyle
7. Badri Ghahreman
8. Dr. Jian Guan
9. Shelagh M. Harris
10.Ferial Khabiri
11.Rain Liu
12.Ushpreet Mehta
13.Enid Mills
14.Sahar Mirshafie
15.Kathleen Mochnacki
16.Bertha Mohl
17.Karen Mortfield
18.Maryam Nazemi
19.Fatima Sajan
20.Mariam Labib Saleh
21.Mona Samadi
22.Mahnaz Shahbazi
23.Rhelda Stockall
24.Maggie Veltheer
25.Minnie Wang
Celebrating the achievements of women and girls is part of the government's four-part plan to build Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
QUOTES
“These extraordinary women and girls have demonstrated leadership in fostering positive changes within their communities. I thank each and every one of them for continuing to be an inspiration to us all.” — Reza Moridi, MPP, Richmond Hill
“International Women’s Week invites us to recognize and celebrate the important contributions women and girls make to their communities. The women and girls honoured this year are role models, mentors and shining examples of the real impact one person can make in creating a stronger and fairer Ontario for all.” — Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
March 8 has been recognized as International Women’s Day around the world since 1977. The annual celebration highlights women’s economic, political and social achievements.
The Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Recognition Program honours girls under the age of 18 and women 18 years and older.
Since its launch in 2006, more than 745 women and girls across Ontario have been recognized for their community leadership contributions.
Photo: Reza Moridi with all award recipients