Several members of the University of Guelph community have been named as Women of Distinction by YMCA of Three Rivers in honour of their vision, initiative and outstanding contributions in the Guelph community.
This year, almost all 2024 Women of Distinction have connections to U of G, and the University congratulates them for their impact and resilience in Guelph and beyond.
The official celebration, to be held on May 15, will honour the recipients and highlight the power that women, girls and gender-diverse individuals have in shaping their community.
Women of Distinction
These honourees have shown innovative approaches to disrupting the barriers facing women and gender-diverse people, as well as strong leadership in their field.
Dr. Madhur Anand, School of Environmental Sciences
Dr. Madhur Anand is the director of the Guelph Institute for Environmental Research and a professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the Ontario Agricultural College. She is also an award-winning author and an active member of both the rare Charitable Research Reserve and Eden Mills Writers Festival boards. Anand is recognized for her contributions to environmental research and the arts, bridging interdisciplinary gaps.
Dr. Melissa Perreault, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Melissa Perreault is a neuroscientist in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Ontario Veterinary College known for many achievements and research contributions, especially in improving mental health diagnosis and treatment for women. Perreault was appointed recently as a U of G Research Leadership Chair. A proud Métis citizen, she is deeply involved in advocating for Indigenous communities.
Patricia Tersigni
Patricia Tersigni has dedicated more than 18 years to volunteering with the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin. In 2015-2016, Patricia co-chaired the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign which raised record-breaking amounts both years and over $1 million cumulatively. In 2021-2022, Patricia took on the United Way community campaign chair role during a particularly difficult time in our community. Her leadership helped the organization raise $5.3 million, which was put to work to address surging community needs. She is currently senior director, strategic academic initiatives and actively supports gender equity, diversity and inclusion. She is an alumnus of the College of Arts and holds a BA and MA in English and theatre studies from U of G.
Dionne Daley
Dionne Daley is a U of G alum who holds a bachelor of arts in psychology with a minor in family and child studies. Daley leads the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library as founder and president, and played a key role in organizing Guelph’s Black Lives Matter Solidarity March. As vice president of innovation at Ipsos and a board member for local nature-based initiatives, Daley is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and justice.
Shakiba Shayani
Shakiba Shayani is a U of G alum who holds a BA in criminal justice and public policy and has contributed to the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies as a sessional instructor. Shayani made history as the first female president & CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and has long supported the local non-profit and business sectors through her professional and volunteer work.
Lifetime Achievement
This award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to their community for many years as an advocate, mentor or volunteer, serving as an inspiration to those around them.
Marie Zimmerman
Once executive director of the Hillside Festival, Zimmerman helped start the Guelph Fab 5, a collection of five major Guelph festivals, and has worked as a community engagement officer for the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation at U of G. Her long-standing volunteer work and support for the arts have made a significant impact locally and provincially.