University of Waterloo alumni, staff and students are among the winners of the 2025 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year awards.
For 50 years, the organization has recognized exceptional leaders for their contributions to the local community. The awards were given out at a ceremony on May 22, 2025, and several of the recipients have connections to the University.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM): Dr. Charmaine Dean (MMath '84, PhD '88)
Dr. Charmaine Dean is an acclaimed academic leader, statistician and advocate for equity with more than 35 years of impact. As vice-president, Research and International at the University of Waterloo, she has led nearly $1 billion in research funding and forged transformative partnerships. She chaired the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce, embedding systemic change through 88 strategic recommendations. Internationally recognized with honours like the SSC Gold Medal and France's Order of Academic Palms, Dean's legacy lies in bridging research excellence with bold, inclusive leadership. Her career exemplifies the highest standards of impact, service and lasting contribution to Canadian society and beyond.
Arts & Culture: Dr. Kathryn Ladano (BA '99)
Dr. Kathryn Ladano is a visionary Canadian bass clarinetist who has redefined the instrument through a blend of traditional and experimental techniques. With degrees from the University of Waterloo, University of Calgary and York University and mentorship from renowned musicians, Ladano has captivated audiences worldwide. A dedicated educator, she's served as artistic director for NUMUS, taught at Wilfrid Laurier University and currently instructs at the University of Waterloo. Her discography includes three solo albums and one duo release. After a traumatic brain injury in 2020, Ladano now uses her music to raise awareness about brain injuries and advocate for fellow survivors.
Community Service: Marjorie Knight (BSW '17)
Marjorie Knight has dedicated her time as an anti-poverty advocate and community outreach worker for more than 24 years. She has represented Cambridge three times as the MPP candidate. In addition to her work as a family outreach worker with the House of Friendship in Cambridge, she serves on the boards of The Cambridge Shelter Corp. and the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA). A collaborator at heart, Knight is also the founder of Rhythm and Blues, an organization that advocates for the Black community in Cambridge.
Lifetime Achievement: Joan Fisk
Joan Fisk is a longtime supporter of the University and a respected community leader and current chief executive officer of United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Her career includes executive roles at Gore Mutual, Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce and Tiger Brand Knitting Company Ltd. Fisk has served on numerous boards, including the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Lang School of Business and Economics Dean's Advisory Board, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her many honours include the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, YMCA Woman of Distinction and the 125th Confederation Medal. Fisk's lifelong dedication to public service, equity and community development makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Young Adult (14-23): Jessica Quinn
Jessica Quinn is a dedicated leader, advocate and community builder from the Waterloo Region. Through her work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly in the areas of sport development, inclusivity and youth empowerment. After experiencing the devastating loss of her father in 2023, Quinn went on to make the historic first Team Canada Woman's Box Lacrosse team. At the same time, she also managed to maintain exceptional grades in the Legal Studies program at the University of Waterloo. Quinn embodies compassion and resilience, leveraging her personal experiences to inspire and motivate those around her.
Group Achievement: Women in Communications & Technology (WCT) Mentoring Circles
Women in Communications & Technology (WCT) Mentoring Circles is a nine-month program that provides like-minded professionals in any industry the opportunity to form strategic partnerships in a supported group to achieve their personal and professional goals. Since the inception of Mentoring Circles in 2019, after the WCT volunteer team identified a mentorship gap for women in the Region, nearly 500 participants of all career stages have received support. The initiative was scaled nationally by WCT in March 2024 to foster mentoring relationships across Canada. Board members include Lauren Kwan (BA '22), Andrea McLean (BMath '96), Sherry Shannon-Vanstone and Alfie Scozzaro (BA '94).
More than 140 exceptional women were nominated for awards this year. The nominee list included many University of Waterloo alumni, students, staff, faculty and other women connected to campus. Here are some of those nominees:
- Rose Aydin, undergraduate student, Faculty of Health
- Jacqueline Beckford-Henriques, head coach, swimming
- Stephanie Boutari (BAS '11, MArch '14)
- Stefanie Bruinsma (BASc '15, MBET '21)
- Claudia Martin Calderon, PhD student, Faculty of Health
- Yessenia Guerrero (BA '16), associate director, response, Office of Equity, Diversity and Anti-racism
- Sarah Larochelle, undergraduate student, Faculty of Health
- Dr. Laura Mae Lindo, assistant professor, Department of Philosophy; director of programs in Black Studies
- Dr. Lili Liu, dean, Faculty of Health
- Camelia Nunes (BA '05, MBET '13), sessional lecturer, Department of Economics
- Isabella Stefanescu (BMath '81)
- Amy Tai, PhD student, Faculty of Engineering
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your accomplishments are a testament to the strength and talent of our University community.
