Two Waterloo students and two alumni were recognized for their exceptional work in our local community
Since 1975, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has recognized the achievements of hundreds of local women with the K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards. In 2023, multiple University of Waterloo alumni and students were nominated as exceptional women in our community. Two alumni and two current students were among the award recipients.
Entrepreneur Under 40: Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14)Rachel’s personal experience with cervical cancer inspired her to create Hyivy Health, a Waterloo venture that provides and advocates for patient-centred pelvic health care services. Today, she is a multi-venture founder, local tech leader and passionate women’s health advocate in the Waterloo Region. She is a powerhouse on the Waterloo Region entrepreneurship scene — a profoundly courageous leader making significant contributions.
Professional Over 40: Clarice Ward (BA in progress)Clarice s a 17-year veteran of the construction industry, with experience in various roles. Currently an independent contractor, she is an advocate for the extensive opportunities within the Canadian construction industry. She was the first woman to receive the prestigious Premier’s Award in 2019 for the Apprenticeship category, and was recently named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Skills Ontario, and is a current student in Waterloo’s Legal Studies program.
STEM: Dinah Davis (MMath ’04)Dinah found a passion for computer science and security while studying to be a math teacher. This led her to change course and pursue a career in technology 20 years ago. In that time, she’s become an advocate for women in technology. In 2015, she founded Codelikeagirl.io, an online publication changing perceptions of women in technology.
Young Adult: Rachel Almaw (BSc in progress)A first-generation Canadian, Rachel is a current student in Waterloo’s Health Studies program, minoring in gerontology. She is also a dedicated volunteer in her local and international communities. In those communities, she is known for creating a sense of belonging, advocating for equality and advancing health and wellness opportunities. In 2021, Rachel received the prestigious Okafor-Ogbujiagba Award at the University of Waterloo, recognizing her leadership and advocacy around African equity on and off campus. She is currently the Director of Advocacy and Education for the Racial Advocacy for Inclusion, Solidarity and Equity (RAISE) group at the University of Waterloo.
