In time for International Women's Day today (March 8), three women based out of the Tri-Cities are set to be honoured for their success and contributions to the region's well-being.
And that includes the fields of health, business, entrepreneurship and non-profit.
The YWCA Metro Vancouver's 2022 Women of Distinction Awards are around the corner, and a trio of local professionals has been shortlisted in three of 12 categories for the public vote.
The gala awards are scheduled for May 26 in Vancouver.
You can visit the YWCA Metro Vancouver's website for more information and to cast ballots between now and April 13.
Here's more on the Tri-Cities' nominees for the 39th annual night of recognition:
SALIMA MAWJI
Mawji is the vice president and chief development officer of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.
According to the YWCA, she started a new initiative within the Tri-Cities' South Asian community to fundraise for early detection and treatment of brain disorders.
Mawji also the leader of a capital campaign to bring in more than $100 million to redevelop the hospital, which, if successful, would be on of the largest in western Canada.
"Salima is the past chair, community relations for the Ismaili Council of BC whose mandate is to expand the good work done within the Ismaili community by reaching out and engaging the non-Ismaili community in community building and philanthropic efforts," a bio description of Mawji explains.
"Earlier in her career while at the BC Association for Community Living, Salima envisioned and successfully transitioned the organization through the process of an incorporated foundation."
Her Women of Distinction nomination is in the non-profit category.
DR. CAROLYN SHIAU
Dr. Shiau is also at Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) as an anatomic pathologist and regional consultant dermatopathologist.
The YWCA says she helped improve efficiency of the vaccine roll out during the recent stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and improved lab turn-around times at RCH.
"She recommended adding an online component, calculated the ideal number of immunizers to rest space available and developed protocols to pre-draw vaccines," her bio description reads.
"Her models and recommendations were adopted throughout the region and vaccination time was cut in half. [...] As one of the few dermatopathologists in the country, Carolyn is often asked to consult and testify nationally in litigation."
Dr. Shiau is also a singer and board member with Phoenix Chamber Choir in Vancouver.
Her Women of Distinction nomination is in the health and wellness category.
JILL SCHNARR
Schnarr is the chief social innovation and communications officer at TELUS.
During her time with the Canadian telecommunications giant, she launched the Connections women’s network, which has grown to more than 6,000 participants, and the CHLOE Awards to recognize female leaders in diversity, community, inclusion and excellence.
"She facilitated mentoring programs to inspire women to lead with confidence, and has personally mentored more than 100 women," Schnarr's bio description reads.
"She also led the launch of the TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, one of the world’s largest social impact funds, investing in start-ups that are dedicated to driving social innovation and building tech for good. Through storytelling and strategic communications, Jill has fundamentally changed the way people perceive TELUS as socially responsible, with a 25 per cent increased positive response over last year."
Her Women of Distinction nomination is in the business and professions category.
