Southwestern Ontario’s YMCA has launched its Woman of Excellence nominations for 2027.
Each year, the Y asks people to nominate women who make a difference in their communities every day.
Winners will be named in each of eight categories, which include “health, science & technology,” “social justice” and “young women of excellence.”
“The awards are to celebrate women who are making a meaningful difference in our community and make sure their contributions are seen and valued,” said Christina Harley the vice president of development marketing and communication at YMCA Southwestern Ontario.
The theme for 2027 is where women thrive communities bloom.
“When women thrive families, workplaces and communities are stronger,” Harley said
Cass Bayley (Credit: YMCA women of excellence page)
London’s Cass Bayley was the 2025 recipent in the “entrepreneur” category.
“It was very lovely and sort of salute to the work that we do,” Bayley said. “It’s a wonderful thing that the YMCA does for women in the London region, supporting women is really important to our community to recognize the great women and the work they’re doing in the London region.”
Bayley is the founder of the Bayley Group, a conference and event management company in London that works across Canada, USA and Europe.
“I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life, I come from a family of entrepreneurs. There have been so many incredible women who have been woman of excellence in London over the years,” Bayley said.
She said the best advice for young entrepreneurs is to think about your long term effect and your legacy. “Taking care of how you operate and the people that you work with is very important from the beginning,” Bayley said. “Maintain your reputation, quality of work and to build a community of like minded people around you.”
Harley stated the event is also the biggest fundraiser for the YMCA has to offer in Southwestern Ontario.
“All funds raised support sending children, families and seniors to YMCA programs and services who can’t afford it.”
She said you can purchase tickets or raffle tickets online in February.
The YMCA has held this event for over 40 years now, the event happens every two years.
ymcaswo.ca
Voting opened last week on Oct. 28, you can nominate any women you might know who deserves to be recognized for their work on the website. The deadline for submitting is Dec. 11 and announce the nominees in February. The awards gala will be hosted on May 13, 2027.
