It's no surprise a woman who works extremely hard in Prince George has been recognized nationally.
Stephanie Mikalishen-Deol received the national Helene and George Coward Young Leader Award 2019 last night (May 24) in Toronto.
"Not only am I truly humbled and feeling overwhelmingly blessed as the recipient, but had a standing ovation to my acceptance speech from a room full of the best and brightest from YMCAs across the country," she wrote in a Facebook post. "I am so grateful for all my mentors near and far along the way, and all the incredible opportunity that the Y has given me."
The award is given to a young YMCA leader under 30 years of age, recognizing the outstanding contribution to building healthier, more inclusive communities, locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Any YMCA volunteer or staff can nominate a candidate. Mikalishen-Deol was then required to accept the nomination and describe how her leadership within the association to be awarded an international learning experience.
The international learning experience, which is valued up to $6,000 and determined in consultation with YMCA Canada can be an overseas YMCA placement or support for an internationally-focused education program through a recognized educational institution.
Nominations were reviewed by a selection panel chosen by YMCA Canada. The panel includes leaders from the YMCA and international partner organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to youth education and leadership.
The 2019 panel members were:
- Kat Dziedzic, Supervisor, Camp and Youth Engagement, YMCA of Oakville and 2017 Coward Award recipient (co-chair)
- Marilyn Kapitany, Member, World Relationships Committee, YMCA Canada (co-chair)
- Antonio Merino, Executive Secretary, Latin America and the Caribbean Alliance of YMCAs
- Heidi Sinclair, Acting Executive Director YMCA of Pictou County and graduate of the Young Ambassadors Program
The award is presented bi-annually by the YMCA Canada Board Chair and the President and Chief Executive Officer.
