A Port Moody resident is one of 105 nominees up for a YWCA Women of Distinction award.
Doreen MacFarlane is a finalist in the non-profit category for her work as director of Indigenous Early Years at the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society.
The group is recognized as the lead agency for Indigenous children and family services in Vancouver.
MacFarlane, who has been with the organization for more than 20 years, started as a Building Blocks worker before being promoted to a family support worker and team leader. Three years ago, she was appointed to the director’s position and is being credited for boosting community outreach with the Indigenous Early Years program.
Now in its 42nd year, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards honours achievements by women and aims to lift women up. Nearly 2,300 inspirational women have been nominated for an accolade over the years.
Also named in the 2025 non-profit category are:
- Bridgitte Anderson
- president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- Chantelle Krish
- CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
- Dalya Israel
- executive director of Salal Sexual Violence Centre
- Feezah Jaffer
- executive director of Sanford Housing Society
- Katie Maslechko
- CEO of Rental Protection Fund
- Kristy James
- president and CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation
- Loveena Chera-Tsaparas
- CEO of InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care
- Mita Naidu
- director of content strategy at BC Housing
- Sarah Helene Beley Conteh
- executive director of Working Gear Clothing Society
- Trina Plamondon
- executive director of Home Sharing Support Society BC
Awards will also be handed out in the following categories:
- arts, culture and design
- business and the professions
- community champion
- education, training and development
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- environmental sustainability
- health and wellness
- Reconciliation in action
- research, the sciences and technology
- young woman of distinction
- outstanding workplace
The award recipients will be announced at a gala at the Westin Bayshore on April 28, 2025. Tickets are on sale at ywcavan.org/wod.
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