Recognized nationally as one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for women, the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards honours women whose outstanding achievements contribute to the well-being and future of the community.
There are ten categories in this nomination award-with over 100 submissions received. Maryknoll alumnae Wendy Au, Assistant City Manager of City of Vancouver, was nominated in the category of “Non-profit and Public Service.” Wendy completed Lower Form Six Arts in 1973 before she immigrated to Vancouver Canada to continue her studies. Wendy was very active in her high school years. She was the assistant guider of the 19th Kowloon Girl Guides, House Captain of Amethyst House, Captain of School Netball team as well as a member of both the school swimming team and track team.
An independent panel of seven judges from a diverse range of qualifications and expertise debated and chose the Award recipient in each category.
Wendy is the proud award recipient in the Non-profit & Public Service category. Judges com-
ments included “In her role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Vancouver, Wendy Au has transformed the way the City understands and supports vulnerable citizens and residents. With more than 30 years as a public servant and volunteer, Wendy’s vision has been one of collaboration, inno-vation and inclusivity. She has brought together communities and governments by identifying needs, creating partnerships and leveraging funding. She has earned the reputation as a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion. As a volunteer to a multiple of organizations, Wendy gives back to build and enhance her community.”
In addition to the ten original nomination categories, all nominees were also eligible for the Connecting the Community Award where they selected a YWCA program area that they are interested in and used social media such as Twitter and Facebook to promote votes. The nominee with the most votes receives the Connecting the Community Award and Scotiabank donated $10,000 to the YWCA program area of her choice.
Wendy was the nominee who received the most votes and therefore also won the “Connecting the Community Award” for her program of choice “Safe & Affordable Housing.”
After accepting the awards, Wendy commented... “This has been a very humbling experience. All the nominees have significant accomplishments and lots of energy and enthusiasm for making a difference. Congratulations to all nominees.”
Ms Edith Wong, Wendy’s former teacher at MCS, remembers her as an all rounded student, a recog-nized leader with good academic achievement. Wendy does Maryknoll proud, exemplifying the Maryknoll spirit in her work in Vancouver.