The DIVA Foundation is calling for nominations for the next DIVA of Distinction. A DIVA of Distinction is a Canadian woman who fulfills the following characteristics:

• She is a role model for girls and women across Canada because of the healthy way she lives her life, has overcome obstacles, and/or pushes her own boundaries to become a better woman
• She helps or inspires other women to lead healthier lives through making lifestyle changes within one of the pillars of women’s health: physical, mental, social, financial.

A DIVA of Distinction may also have:

• Made significant achievements and inspired other women to strive for their own goals such as athletic, humanitarian, etc.
• Overcome a physical or mental disability to achieve remarkable feats
• Influenced and helped others achieve healthy lifestyles and fulfil their dreams thereby creating a community of healthy women
• Promoted and encouraged healthy lifestyles by her actions and contributions
• Supported other women by providing them with skills and tools to advance in the workplace or in society
• Overcome health issues and use her experiences to help others
• Helped immigrant women integrate into the local community to improve their overall health and well-being
• Volunteered her services to create healthier communities of women

In 2009, the DIVA Foundation awarded their first DIVA of Distinction recognition to Meagan McGrath, a Canadian adventurer who, at the tender age of 33, has climbed the “Seven Summits”, run across the Sahara desert, and has skied unsupported to the South Pole.  You can read more about Meagan and what makes her a DIVA of Distinction here.

The deadline for nominations for the next DIVA of Distinction is January 1. The decision will be shared with candidates on March 1. For complete information about the nomination process and criteria for the DIVA of Distinction award, go to: http://www.divafoundation.org/Nomination.html

Nominations can be submitted by anyone via nominations@divafoundation.org using the nominations form.

She initially attempted the climb without oxygen, but discovered, after spending two days at an elevation of 7600 m, that the depleted oxygen at that altitude was incredibly fatiguing to the human body. On the advice of her Sherpa, she continued and completed the climb with supplemental oxygen. Meagan says “It was worth it — the view from the summit was magnificent, and looking at Mount Everest from across the way was extraordinary.”

Meagan is currently in Kathmandu busily assessing her next expeditions in the Himalayas: K2 and Broad Peak.

To hear more about Meagan’s climb of Lhotse, you can listen to her audio blogs. 

Support Meagan as she strives to reach her goals by becoming a Mountain Magic Trekking Sponsor with a $150 donation. For more information: http://www.meaganmcgrathadventurer.com/

Despite facing adversity early in the journey – Meagan fell into a crevasse on the second day of her expedition, but fortunately suffered only minor injuries – she remained steadfast in her objective and continued the adventure, ultimately skiing 1045 kilometres over the course of 40 days.

Meagan recorded regular voice-blogs throughout her journey to keep fans and followers up-to-date on her progress. Her voice and written blog entries are posted on the Science North website.

Since returning to Canada at the end of January, Meagan has been resting and gearing up for her next adventure, which she’s dubbed Mountain Magic. Through the spring and summer, she’ll be heading to the Himalayas to attempt to climb five of the world’s tallest mountains.

Meanwhile, Meagan is continuing to fundraise for her expeditions. Recently, friends hosted a fundraiser at Absolute Comedy in Ottawa, raising over $1,000 to help Meagan offset the costs of her adventures this year.

We’ll keep you updated on future fundraising events and news of Meagan’s Mountain Magic adventure as it unfolds. Information about Meagan’s adventures and sponsorship opportunities is available on her website.