YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
Faculty member, Dr. Leah Ferguson, was recognized yesterday with a 2016 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Health and Wellness category. These awards are presented annually to members of our community who have enriched the lives of those around them. The Health and Wellness award "[r]ecognizes exceptional work in health and wellness, improving the physical, emotional, social, or spiritual health of individuals in our community."
An active researcher and dedicated instructor, Leah's research interests cover a range of topics including self-compassion among young women athletes, and identifying culturally-relevant strategies so Aboriginal women athletes can flourish and attain the many positive health benefits of sport. In addition, she is part of a research team that won a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Pathways Implementation Research Team Grant - a project that aims to implement the award-winning, relationship-based Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program (AYMP) in 12 communities across Canada. The AYMP is youth-driven and designed to deliver physical activity, healthy eating, and education for young elementary school students.
With these research interests, it is easy to see why the selection committee for the Women of Distinction awards chose to recognize Leah's dedication to supporting and encouraging people in our community as they find their own paths to leading healthy and active lives.
The College of Kinesiology congratulates Dr. Leah Ferguson for this community recognition!