Women of Distinction

As Director of Corporate Services for Greater Sudbury Police Service, Sharon Baiden, has helped change the landscape of police management, holding a senior management position reporting directly to the Chief of Police.

Recognized by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police for her role as Chair of the annual conference in Sudbury in 2009, Sharon is past chair of the Ontario Police-Technology Information Cooperative. She now serves on the training committee for OACP and is the current Chair of the Finance Committee.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Sharon also volunteers for the Northern Cancer Research Foundation, having chaired the “Luncheon of Hope for three terms. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Sudbury Theatre Centre and Cambrian College Foundation.

In her commitment to women’s issues, Sharon is a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women and is actively involved with the Women of the Future organization. Sharon sits on the advisory council of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Association which identifies, mentors and promotes outstanding women in law enforcement.

A role model and example for all women and girls, Sharon is a true Woman of Distinction.

Crystal Larose, a special young woman determined to give back to her community and make a difference in the life of women and girls, attributes much of the person she has become to overcoming many life challenges. Despite being orphaned at a young age, Crystal persevered and completed a College program in graphic design and advertising. She is currently the art director for Sudbury
Living magazine.

She not only coaches a soccer team for young girls and participates in women’s roller derby team but Crystal involved both groups in fundraising for the Breast Cancer Coalition where she now serves as the Marketing and Fundraising Chair. Actively involved since 2006, Crystal played a leadership role in the Think Pink fundraiser and was instrumental in getting the Coalition involved in the Dragon Boat Races.

From her participation in the Women of the Future Conference in 2010, Crystal agreed to mentor a student at her work site, inspiring this young student to enter the graphic design field. Crystal exemplifies the spirit of the Young Women of Distinction Award and we applaud all her efforts and actions.

Marian has been a role model and inspiration to countless woman and girls for over 60 years and continues today at the age of 83 to demonstrate her commitment to social justice and active living.

As a former volunteer with the Elizabeth Fry Society, Marian worked with young women at risk, as a volunteer with the Ministry to Long Care Facilities, she advocated for the elderly and with “The Rising Stars” she presently helps educate other seniors on how to live an active, healthier life. As a former Sunday School teacher and leader in CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training), Marian has touched the lives of countless young people.

Practicing the Margret Morris Method of dance/exercise for over 30 years, Marian conducts classes for women of all ages, mostly on a volunteer basis. Just last summer at the age of 82, Marian reached the 11th and final level in MMM.

From her extensive church work to collecting signatures for petitions and volunteering at a local school, Marian has devoted countless hours to assisting others, promoting worthwhile causes, and strengthening her community. YWCA Sudbury salutes this remarkable Woman of Distinction.

An outstanding example of self empowerment and service to others, Vicky is living proof that one person and many small acts of selfless kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and our community.

During last year’s Xstrata layoff, in addition to picketing tenaciously for injured workers, Vicki established the Voices of Sisters of Laid Off Workers. This support group, bringing together women of laid off workers, provided the support, strength and comfort needed to get their families through a very difficult time and demonstrated to women that they have a voice.

Whether fundraising for a family with a sick baby or victims of a fire, providing Christmas gifts for a family of four, or bringing groceries and food from her own garden to financially struggling individuals and parishioners on fixed incomes, Vicky takes it upon herself to step up and help when people are in need. Overcoming her own life challenges, Vicky is active in her church ministry and has shown incredible tenacity and courage in her efforts to help others. Vicky personifies the best of community and social activism.

Sharon Murdock has a rich history as a leader, role model and activist in our community.

With an extensive background in teaching, politics and the law, Sharon is currently the executive director of the Sudbury & Manitoulin Workforce Planning Board. She is the driving force behind the Women of the Future Conference, an annual motivational conference allowing disengaged grade 9 and 10 girls to meet present day women and role models and explore a variety of potential careers.

Among her many political accomplishments, Sharon paved the way for the Pay Equity Amendment Act, Bill 102, clarifying and codifying pay equity for women’s occupations. This has had a profound effect on women over the years. She was also instrumental in getting funding for the building of a multiple unit housing complex here in Sudbury.

As a former educator and Brownie leader, Sharon now volunteers with the United Way’s Leadership Development Program and, as a breast cancer survivor, volunteers with the Breast Action Cancer Coalition.

Sharon’s strength, sense of humour, tenacity and community involvement is inspiring to all who know her – a true woman of distinction!

Well known for her leadership as a former trustee, Vicki Ridout Kett excels at bringing people together to pool resources and make a real difference in the lives of others.

Through her volunteer contributions and present work with Access AIDS Network, Vicki has raised community awareness and personally initiated a wide range of local and provincial programs dealing with substance abuse, youth at risk, and HIV/AIDS which has impacted the lives of many including women and girls both locally and internationally.

Despite personal risk and sacrifice, Vicki has journeyed numerous times to Haiti through Project Haiti, raising over $250 000 in cash donations, rebuilding a school and bringing medical and humanitarian aid to this impoverished nation where women and girls are contracting AIDS/HIV at alarming rates.

Devoting countless hours to local charities and Boards such as The Canadian Cancer Society, Vale Inco Hospice, Artists on Elgin and Sudbury Minga for Masaai, Vicki has received well deserved recognition for her exemplary community work.

Balancing family, work, community service, and a rich social life, Vicki is an inspiration to all women and a remarkable Woman of Distinction.

The Sudbury Community Midwives consisting of Buffy Fulton- Breathat, Debbie Younger, Meredith Crowder, Marie-Eve Lord, Lynne Sullivan, Leslee Larsen, Nicole Conway, Meghann Leonard and Joan Hutchinson are consummate professionals who provide an important health care option for pregnant women and their babies in our community.

Opening in November 1993, this practice was a pioneer in the midwifery movement in Ontario, making Sudbury one of the first communities in Ontario to offer midwifery services. Through extensive lobbying, education campaigns and exemplary practice, the Sudbury Community Midwives have worked hard to educate the public, build respect and collaborative relationships within the medical community and obtain hospital privileges to ensure a seamless experience for pregnant women wherever they may give birth. In addition to “catching” more than three hundred babies a year, Sudbury Community Midwives make regular home visits and monitor mothers and babies for six weeks after childbirth. Sudbury Community Midwives also play a key role in education of midwifery students through the Midwifery Education Program at Laurentian University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Sudbury Community Midwives is truly a Group of Women of Distinction