She is a role model through her inspirational leadership. She breaks barriers. She uplifts others to share in success. She has made her mark on her professional field. She contributes to the community. She is a woman of distinction.
The University of Guelph-Humber’s second-annual GH Women of Distinction event on March 6, 2025, celebrated female leaders who embody these characteristics in the spirit of International Women’s Day (March 8). Nominated by members of the Guelph-Humber community and then selected by a committee, these incredible female staff members and instructors, alumni, and students were selected for the honour because of the unique, positive, and meaningful contributions they’ve made.
Dr. Melanie Spence-Ariemma, Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer of the University of Guelph-Humber, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO of Humber Polytechnic, attended this vibrant and uplifting event and delivered remarks about the inspiring women in their lives, even the powerful male allies who helped shape them. Fourth-year Justice Studies student Naisha Suthaharan was selected as the moderator of the two panels at the ceremony, where the 2025 Women of Distinction shared what motivates them, advice they learned on their path to leadership, how they uplift others, and more.
“This year, International Women’s Day highlights the ‘importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. The campaign calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres,’” Dr. Spence-Ariemma said during her address.
2025 GH Women of Distinction Recipients:
- Ashnaa Narumathan (fourth-year Kinesiology student)
- Kelly Skinner, Staff Superintendent with the Toronto Police Service (Justice & Public Safety alum)
- Dr. Laelie Snook (Kinesiology instructor)
- Sandra Fazio (Alumni Advancement Coordinator)
- Susan Thomas (Department Head, Student Services)
- Paulina Sieczka (second-year Psychology student).
Each of these women are extraordinary in their own right and exemplify what it means to truly be a woman of distinction, leading with grace as trailblazers in their fields. We invite you to learn more about their journeys here.
Follow our Instagram account @guelphhumberuni as we acknowledge our GH Women of Distinction with posts throughout the month of March.
For more on last year’s ceremony, click here.