Ahead of International Women’s Day, the YWCA is recognizing women in Lethbridge who are making a positive impact in their community. Amongst the recipients is Anna Campmans, a high school student who has been nominated for her dedication to volunteering and academic excellence. Campmans, the youngest recipient, has impressed her community with her passion for giving back and her strong work ethic. Her mother, Michelle, was moved to tears upon hearing the news of her daughter’s nomination. Campmans was nominated by Mallory Kristjanson, a school liaison officer who describes Campmans as a woman of promise with a vibrant personality.
Campmans’ busy schedule includes volunteering with organizations such as 4H, the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, and the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre. Despite her commitments, she maintains a strict schedule to ensure she can manage all her responsibilities. Campmans’ involvement in various community initiatives has given her a new perspective on the lives of others and a desire to make the world a better place. She plans to attend university with the goal of working in a field that contributes to positive change. Those who have worked with Campmans praise her thirst for knowledge and willingness to achieve more in all aspects of her life.
Another recipient, Bev Muendel-Atherstone, has been awarded the Lottie M. Austin Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of advocacy work. Turning 80 this year, Muendel-Atherstone has dedicated her life to helping the most vulnerable in her community. Despite her accomplishments, she believes that she is just one person among many who deserve recognition for their efforts to create positive change. She commends the YWCA for highlighting the work of women in a society that can be patriarchal. Despite being officially retired, Muendel-Atherstone continues her volunteer activism on a full-time basis and has no plans of slowing down.
The YWCA aims to recognize women who have made significant contributions to their communities and society as a whole. Alongside Campmans and Muendel-Atherstone, other recipients of the Women of Distinction award include Maral Kiani Tari, Carly Adams, and Dr. Sayeh Zielke. These women will be honored at an awards dinner on March 8th. The YWCA believes in the importance of celebrating the achievements of women and their valuable contributions to the betterment of society. The recipients are chosen based on their dedication, passion, and commitment to making a positive impact in their respective fields.
The recipients of the Women of Distinction awards are nominated by family members, friends, coworkers, and colleagues who have witnessed their dedication and passion firsthand. The YWCA recognizes the importance of acknowledging the valuable work of women who may often go unnoticed in society. By shining a light on the achievements of women like Campmans and Muendel-Atherstone, the YWCA hopes to inspire others to make a difference and create a more equitable and inclusive world for all. These women serve as role models for future generations and demonstrate the power of community activism and advocacy in effecting positive change.
