DIVAs of Distinction

Process for Nominating and Selecting a DIVA of Distinction

1. Nominations can be submitted by anyone via nominations@divafoundation.org using the nominations form.
2. Up to three DIVAs of Distinction will be recognised annually.
3. There are three periods of nomination:

4. Nominations will be shared with the Board of Directors within one week following the nomination deadline. Board members will provide any requests for additional information within one week of receiving nominations. Any additional information requested must be provided by the first of the month of the Board meeting for consideration during that nomination period.
5. At the Board meeting, Board members will vote to decide who will be recognised as a DIVA of Distinction. The candidate with the majority of the votes will be recognised. The President of The DIVA Foundation will break any ties. The Board can decide not to award a DIVA of Distinction at any nomination period if they do not feel the candidates are strong enough. If there are multiple strong candidates, those who are not selected will be encouraged to reapply at the next nomination period.
6. Candidates must meet ALL of the following criteria:
   • An outstanding role model for girls and women across Canada because of the healthy way they live their lives, overcome obstacles, and/or push their own boundaries to become better women.
   • They help or inspire other women to lead healthier lives through making lifestyle changes within at least one of the DIVA Foundation’s pillars of women’s health (physical, mental, social, financial)
   • Resident or citizen of Canada.
   • Contributions would not be better recognised by the DIVA Award, the DIVA Citation, or the DIVA Letter of Recognition.
7. DIVAs of Distinction may be women who:
   • Have significant achievements and inspire other women to strive for their own goals such as athletic, humanitarian, etc.
   • Have overcome a physical or mental disability to achieve remarkable feats
   • Influence and help others achieve healthy lifestyles and fulfil their dreams thereby creating a community of healthy women
   • Promote and encourage healthy lifestyles by their actions and contributions
   • Support other women by providing them with skills and tools to advance in the workplace or in society
   • Have overcome health issues and use their experiences to help others
   • Help immigrant women integrate into the local community to improve their overall health and well-being
   • Volunteer their services to create healthier communities of women
8. Other:
   • DIVAs of Distinction will represent the cultural diversity and dual linguistic make-up of Canada.
   • The language of the interview will be in the language of choice of the DIVA of Distinction.
   • The videos will go on the DIVA Foundation website in the language of the interview. The article will appear in French and English.