The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario will honour two members of the UWindsor community as Women of Excellence who embody the organization's commitment to the development of thriving communities.
Kinesiology professor Sarah Woodruff, associate dean of human kinetics for academic programs, will be recognized in the field of sport, fitness, and recreation. Law student Ghallia Hashem, president of the University of Windsor Students' Alliance, will be honoured as a Young Woman of Excellence.
UWindsor professor Sarah Woodruff and student Ghallia Hashem will be honoured by the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario at a gala May 15.
It's the third straight time a UWindsor human kinetics prof has secured the award in the sports category: Marge Holman won in 2021 and Vicky Paraschak in 2023. The two nominated Dr. Woodruff this time around, citing her research improving health and wellness, especially for girls and other marginalized communities, as well as her work with such innovative programs as Girls in Motion, Girls Organizing and Learning Sport (GOALS), and Physically Empowered and Active Kids (PEAK).
"Having really good mentors not only academically but personally has shaped my commitment to giving back to the community," says Woodruff.
She is especially pleased to receive recognition from the YMCA, an organization outside the academy: "I don't normally seek out accolades, but it is nice that the YMCA recognizes my community advocacy, mentorship, and leadership within the field."
Hashem won notice as an advocate for women's empowerment, mentoring women of color, and amplifying marginalized voices, work she intends to continue after her term in student government ends this spring.
"I keep thinking of ways that I can continue to support people behind the scenes," she says.
She was shocked to have been selected when the previous winner in the youth category was Olympic gold medal swimmer Maggie Mac Neil.
"It's very humbling," Hashem says. "I am very thankful for the wonderful opportunities I have enjoyed at the University of Windsor."
The two will be celebrated at an awards gala May 15 at RBC Place London along with fellow honorees:
- Saidat Abari, children's entertainer, speaker, author, and owner of Music Movement and Motivation;
- Cass Bayley, founder of the Bayley Group event organizers;
- Janet Collins, retired lawyer, professor, and past president of the London chapter of the Congress of Black Women of Canada;
- Lynne Livingstone, retired London city manager;
- Susan McNair, medical director of the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre at St. Joseph's Health Care London; and
- Treena Orchard, professor in the Western University School of Health Studies.
"These remarkable women, leaders in their respective fields, have driven progress and innovation," says YMCA Women of Excellence co-chair Kathleen Holland. "Their accomplishments serve as a true testament to excellence and a source of inspiration for others."
Tickets for the gala are $185 with a $100 tax receipt for each seat. Find more info and buy tickets through the program website.
