Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
BMO Financial group Women of the Year
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Women of the Year awards ceremony was started in 1975 and has been an annual tradition in our community ever since.
The ceremony recognizes and pays tribute to outstanding women in the community in the following categories:
Arts & Culture; Community Service; Educator; Entrepreneur; Group Achievement; Health & Wellness; Lifetime Achievement; Professional; Vanguard; Skilled Trades; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM); and Young Adult.
Residents of the Region are encouraged to nominate their choice for Women of the Year and enjoy this evening with these distinguished women. Nominees can be someone who is involved in the community, an inspiration to others, a motivational person, someone who embraces change or demonstrates initiative, someone who recognizes and confirms success in others, or someone who touches people’s lives in a more quiet and compassionate way.
*Women of the Year are inclusive of all women, non-binary, transgender, two-spirited, women of all classes, races, sexualities, ableness, and identities. KWO Women of the Year is for all women.
New Title Sponsor Announced
Nominations are Open for the 51st Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest BMO Financial Group Women of the Year Awards
January 26, 2026 – KITCHENER, ON - Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (KWO) is thrilled to announce a new title sponsor and that nominations are now open for the 51st anniversary of the BMO Financial Group Women of the Year awards. The annual celebration will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 21st, 2026.
“Since 1975, K‑W Oktoberfest has proudly shone a spotlight on the incredible women who strengthen our community,” shares Tracy Van Kalsbeek, Executive Director. “This event continues to advance women’s accomplishments, champion equality and inspire the next generation of leaders. We are also delighted to announce BMO Financial Group as our new title sponsor.”
“BMO is proud to partner with K-W Oktoberfest’s Women of the Year Awards as the 2026 Title Sponsor,” says Jacqueline Hewson, Vice President and Market Leader for BMO Private Wealth & BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. “BMO is honored to help recognize and elevate the remarkable women who inspire progress across our community.”
Read the full media release here.
