Cathie Coward, the Hamilton Spectator

Winners of the 27th annual Women of the Year Awards announced last night at the Hamilton Convention Centre. From the left, back row: Mary Lou Weir, Eva Marsh, Dr. Marie Bountrogianni and Shelley Scott. From the left, front row: Carolann Fernandes, Elham Farah, and Renate Mantei. Absent: Laura Ludwin.

Eight women have been recognized for their work in the community and contributions to such areas as politics, the arts and the workplace.

The women, including Hamilton Mountain Liberal MPP Marie Bountrogianni and Flamborough Information and Community Services director Shelley Scott, were honoured last night at the 27th annual Women of the Year Awards.

More than 300 people attended the popular dinner at Hamilton Convention Centre to find out who would be recognized in eight categories from a field of 24.

Irene Sushko, chair of the Hamilton Status of Women Committee which stages the awards show, said the number of nominees was the largest field the committee has had in recent years. She said this meant "people are interested in supporting women in their endeavours."

In the audience, which was entertained by comedian Luba Goy of the Royal Canadian Air Farce, were mayoralty candidates Dave Christopherson, Fred Eisenberger and Larry Di Ianni.

The winners are:

Women in the Arts -- Mary Lou Weir, the former director of The Hamilton Seniors' Active Living Centre. She also founded the Golden Age of Variety Show in 1990.

Women in Public Affairs -- Laura Ludwin, who established a UNICEF office in Hamilton. She has also been active as a parent representative on curriculum development with the Hamilton school board and with the National Council of Jewish Women.

Women in Health, Sports and Fitness -- Eva Marsh, who has battled with multiple sclerosis since her 20s and has come out on top. She is the author of Black Patent Shoes, dancing with MS.

Women in the Workplace -- Shelley Scott, who has been the director of Flamborough Information and Community Services since 1995. She set up programs for seniors, youths and services to help needy women.

Women in Communications -- Elham Farah, who teaches special needs children and is the past-president of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs.

She was also a member of the school board's race relations committee.

Women in Community Service -- Carolann Fernandes, who has been a member of the Social Planning and Research Council, the Culture of Peace Network, the mundialization movement and the United Nations Association in Canada.

Women in Politics -- Marie Bountrogianni, Liberal MPP for Hamilton Mountain and critic for women's issues.

Women who Mentor -- Renate Mantei, executive director of the Women's Centre of Hamilton for the past 15 years. She developed it from a small, grassroots organization into a well-established centre and network for women.

dnolan@thespec.com or 905-526-3351.

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