Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership

The Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership was created in 2018 in memory of the late Deputy Mayor, who passed away in the fall of 2017. Throughout her career, Pam McConnell was a social justice advocate and worked tirelessly to increase women’s participation in municipal government. She was the Champion for the City of Toronto’s Protégée Program, a mentorship program matching young women with City Councillors and City staff intending to increase women’s representation in electoral politics.

In an effort to honour Pam McConnell’s legacy the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) has collaborated with the Youth Development Unit to present this annual award. The award is open to young Toronto women, between the ages of 16 and 29, who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to social justice and inspire other young women.

Applications for the 2025 Pam McConnell Award will open December 20, 2024. Before you begin, we encourage you to prepare your answers in another document. Please have the following information ready:

• Two letters of support from references who have direct knowledge of the nominees’ leadership skills and experience
• In 500 words or less, please describe the leadership the nominee demonstrates through her volunteer or paid work
• In 250 words or less, please describe the nominee’s commitment to social justice work through her creation of or leadership in community-based programs or services for vulnerable youth or residents in Toronto

Submit your application by Friday, January 17, 2025.

The Award is open to young women residing in the City of Toronto, between the ages of 16 and 29 upon the application deadline who:

• Have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through a proven track record of volunteer and/or paid work in the community-based sector
• Have shown a commitment to social justice work through creating or leading community-based programs or services for vulnerable youth or residents in Toronto
• Have inspired other young women through formal or informal mentorship

We would like to extend a very gracious thank you to Heather Ann for her support and honoring the legacy of her mother, Pam McConnell.

Thank you to the Selection Committee which was comprised of Heather Ann McConnell, community leaders, members from the Toronto Youth Cabinet and City staff.

Previous Award Recipients