Adwoa Badoe- 2009 HONOURARY CHAIR
Through her work as a storyteller, author and African dance instructor, Adwoa Badoe is an excellent role model for immigrant women, trying to find their place in a new environment. A children’s author with roots in the African storytelling tradition, Adwoa has published 14 books in Canada and Africa and continues to have her workstranslated into a variety of languages, attesting to her growing global reputation.
Her many contributions to the Arts in Canada include her groundbreaking work The Griot’s Journey, which combines storytelling, history and dance, dramatizes African culture from an ancient past through it’s concrete history and on into contemporary events and culture. As the founder and artistic director of Jiwani African Drum Ensemble, which has performed throughout the area, she encourages young girls to dance and perform on stage, giving them a sense of pride and often providing financial assistance for disadvantaged women and their families.
Acclaimed for her work, Adwoa was awarded the Ghanaian Woman of Courage Award in 2005 and the Ghanaian-Canadian Award for the Arts in 2006. A trained physician and mother of three, Adwoa also volunteers her talents and time with fundraising events for global issues, such as HIV/AIDS.
Each year, women from Guelph and Wellington County are nominated for and recognized in eight categories:
- Arts and Culture
- Business, Labor, the Professions and Entrepreneurs
- Education and Training
- Public Service
- Science, Technology and Research
- Voluntary Community Service
- Wellness and Health
- Young Women of Distinction (age 16-24 years)
Nominations for 2009 are now open.
This year’s Annual Women of Distinction Awards will be held Thursday, May 7th at the River Run Centre in Guelph. Proceeds from this fundraising event help fund the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph’s programs for women and their families.
Nomination for the 2009 awardshas passed.
Tickets will be on sale March 1, 2009.
For more information, please contact:
Patricia Crummey
Supervisor, Development and Communications
YMCA-YWCA of Guelph
519-824-5150 Ext. 255
patriciacrummey@guelphy.org