DESCRIPTION

The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award (YWLA) recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills, commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. In order for more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers or seek leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations and further their education with these aims in view.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district, and international levels. The application process must start with a Zonta club. In our inaugural year offering this award, the Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville is proud to offer one (1) award of CA$500. The Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville intends to put our YWLA club recipient’s application forward for consideration at the district 2 level of the international Zonta programfor consideration. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000.

ELIGIBILITY

Women, aged 16-19 on 1st April each year, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply:

  • Active commitment to volunteerism.
  • Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
  • Volunteer leadership achievements.
  • Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
  • Support for Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.

HOW TO APPLY

More details on eligibility and how to apply are available in the following:

Applications should be sent to a Zonta club in the applicant’s district – please locate the Zonta club nearest you by using the Club Locator.
Qualifying applications should be sent by email as a pdf to:

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application for the Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville’s 2026 Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is now open!
*Deadline to apply is March 13th, 2026 – NOW MARCH 25TH, 2026 – the application deadline has been extended due to March Break!

REVIEW PROCESS

A Club Award Evaluating Committee will review applications and select one (1) recipient based on evidence of alignment with the eligibility requirements. The recipient’s application will be sent for consideration to the Zonta governor representative in District 2 by April 1st, 2026.

For transparency, the Club recipient’s name, biography and photo will be published on our club website and used in social media posts.