International Women Achievers Award 2024 celebrates success of exceptional and exemplary women

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been fourteen years since the International Women Achievers (IWAA) has been recognizing, noting and acknowledging the success of women from all over the world. On Saturday, June 29^th, 2024, they held their 14^th annual award ceremony in which 20 recipients received special awards at the Brampton City Hall. There was a great turnout of: family, friends, community representatives, civic leaders and international guests.

The IWAA was founded by Princess M. Boucher in 2010 with the mission to acknowledge and honour the accomplishments and contributions of women in world-wide community development. The purpose of IWAA is to empower young women so they can reach their goals. The award ceremony is significant, because it is a public symbolic recognition of these women.

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario writes, “I want to congratulate the remarkable women being honoured tonight. Know that your achievements inspire and empower young women to accomplish their goals and areas and help build a stronger province.”

Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton notes, “Congratulations to all the recipients tonight. Thank you for making a difference. The award ceremony underscores the important role played by women, appreciating the strengths, initiatives, power and perseverance in the multiple roles they play in society. These honourees are women who will have distinguished themselves as prominent citizens in various fields of endeavour. It is important that we celebrate the accomplishments and celebrations of women in our community. A future in which all women and girls around the world are allowed to rise and achieve their full potential.”

Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada states, “Let’s celebrate and applaud the recipients of the IWAA who played an important role in developing their respective communities. You are leaders who make a difference, help shape our society, and promote social responsibility by sharing your: time, talent, or funds, your generosity and dedication to helping others. You are true sources of inspiration to your fellow Canadians, actors for social change, for a better world, and for a better Canada.”

The award categories and names of recipients are:

• Zanana Akande (Lifetime Achievement Award): Suzie Pather McMillan
• Arts & Culture Award: Patricia Silver
• Volunteer Award: Denise Reid Brisdale
• Woman of Courage Award: Deputy Chief Lauren Rogue
• Youth Leadership Award: Celestine Saddler
• Diversity Award: Amardeep Johal
• Role Model Award: Shinade Allder
• Academic Award: Lorian Feves
• Philanthropist Award: Shanea Smith
• Woman of Distinction Award: Bernice Carnegie
• Positive Impact Award: Ms. Beverley Elson
• Public Service Award: Jackqueline Edwards
• Business Award: Joan Fletcher
• Social Media Influencer Award: Monalisa Stephen
• Posthumously Award: Dr. Beverley N. Salmon (CM, Ont)
• Community Development Award: Shanicka (a.k.a. “Shak” Edwards)
• Humanitarian Ambassador Award: Sheena Marie Jones
• Entertainment Award: Denyse Dawes
• Entrepreneurship Award: Shaunafi Anderson
• Changing Lives Award: Michelle Green Ford

I spoke to Princess Boucher at the end of the event, and she was obviously relaxed after a tiring day. She was pleased that the City of Brampton was supportive of the IWAA. Special shoutouts should be given to Gwyneth Chapman and the work she did to ensure the event went smoothly.