The Be…a Woman Award doesn't gauge the success of a person by their job title, education, career accomplishments, or physical appearance but rather by the contributions made to the lives of those around them - one person at a time. This national tribute, inspired by the International Award Winning book Be...a Woman: expressions of life, in partnership with VIA RAIL and The Hillcrest Valenova Inn & Spa, celebrates the grace and beauty of the unsung heroes that mold us, share with us, believe in us, lift us up, and inspire us to make the world a better place.

We are united in our mission to empower and celebrate the true beauty and grace of the extraordinary-ordinary women with whom we share our lives. There are heroes among us who leave us awestruck and inspired by their pure intent, generosity of spirit, inspiration, and courage - asking for nothing in return. Arline and I were humbled while reading the nominations we received from all across the country. We thank every person who nominated an amazing woman! Each story will stay with us forever.

Winner: Liane Penny

Liane Penny, Kingston, Ontario
High School teacher at Queen Elizabeth Collegiate Vocational Institute (QECVI)
Nominated by Jan Swaren
Arline and I made a special surprise presentation on November 26, 2008, to honor the "Amazing Woman of the Year, " Liane Penny, a mother of two, wife, and High School teacher. Nestled in one of the highest per capita areas of poverty in all of Canada, Queen Elizabeth high school is home to teenagers living in some of the most tragic situations imaginable. Many come to school hungry, abused, pregnant, or scared. Although teachers work very hard to educate and inspire the youth under their care, Liane Penny leaves most of her fellow teachers shaking their heads. Kids hurry to get to her French and English classes. Her students communicate with climbers on Mount Everest, write books, and interview seniors. Liane also manages, year after year, to take the most unlikely candidates and turn them into active leaders of their students’ council. She produces and performs in the annual school play and spearheads the schools ‘community leading’ annual Christmas TOYS FOR TOTS drive. These kids are forever changed by the support and opportunities Liane gives them.

Arline and I drove for two-and-a-half hours in a snow blizzard to get to school - QECVI. We talked and caught up with each other all the way up - but on the way back - we were different people. We were changed by the experience of being at the school meeting Liane, Jan, the teaching staff, board members and over 100 glowing faces that represented some of Liane’s students.

Liane so beautifully demonstrates the generosity of spirit "An Amazing Woman" represents. After accepting the award she said a few words. The thing that stood out most was… "This is all just so silly - it is so silly that I should be awarded for doing what I LOVE to do everyday, at a place I love, with people I care for and consider family - nieces and nephews."

This experience has truly been a highlight in my life! Walking the halls of QECVI following the presentation, felt surreal. These are the people on the frontlines of life - of change - both staff and students. We could see friendship, camaraderie, growth, sharing and endless possibilities for lives well lived. For hardships overcome. Liane is a true leader! It is a reminder of how other lives can touch our own, of connectedness, and the realization that no meaningful word or gesture is ever too small to count as something that has the potential to transform lives in a big way.

Thank you Liane for being you! And thank you Jan for sharing this empowering story with us.

Winner: Daniela Cisterna DelPellaro

Daniela Cisterna DelPellaro, Woodbridge, Ontario
Mother of Matthew and Alexander, wife of Domenic DelPellaro
Nominated by sister Linda Montemarano, and friends Giovanna Rodrigues,
Silvia Rocca, and Stella Perri,

On Wednesday, December 3, at the Spoke Club in Toronto, Arline and I paid tribute to the recipient of the "In Memory of an Amazing Woman" award, Daniela Cisterna DelPellaro, along with some of Daniela’s friends and family. A loving and courageous spirit, Daniela was diagnosed with melanoma in her fifth month of pregnancy, she went against her doctors recommendation to terminate the pregnancy and slow down the growth of her cancer. Though she didn’t get the chance to attend her sons’ second birthday, she left, in her absence, a gift of life, love and laughter. Daniela’s life is a celebration of the spirit in which she lived - with love, generosity, courage, humor, joy and strength. This young woman lost her battle with cancer in 2004, at the age of 35. Just months before her passing, filled with pain, she undertook the physical challenge of participating in the Walk to End Breast Cancer to contribute in her way to the hope that a cure would soon be found. Her life, and her two children are a reminder that every day is a gift.

Daniela with her children Alexander and Matthew