A 麻豆社国产woman has been named one of 105 nominees for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Women of Distinction Awards.
Leigh Joseph, a member of the Sk瘫wx瘫wu虂7mesh U虂xwumixw (麻豆社国产Nation) was announced as one of the nominees for the Entrepreneurship & Innovation category on March 5.
Joseph is an ethnobotanist and founder of —a skincare product line that combines her Indigenous knowledge and sustainably sourced ingredients.
“The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions foster the well-being, strength and future of our community,” reads a press release from the organization.
“As a signature fundraising event, the Awards not only highlight the nominees’ achievements but also unite our diverse community in a shared mission to empower and uplift one another.”
It is not the first time Joseph has been nominated for an award. In 2020 she was awarded the BC Achievement Indigenous Entrepreneurship Award and her business, S岣祑álwen, won the 麻豆社国产Chamber of Commerce’s Indigenous Business of the Year award in 2023.
Joseph told The 麻豆社国产 in 2024 that S岣祑álwen is guided by ethical values, which prioritize sticking to traditional methods, even when there's pressure to do things a faster, more conventional way.
Initially, Joseph hand-harvested the plants used in her products—a process that required significant time and effort.
As the demand for her products grew, she began sourcing ingredients from suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices, ensuring that the integrity of her work remains intact, she said.
Joseph has also published two books: Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness and The Land Knows Me: A Nature Walk Exploring Indigenous Wisdom.
Award recipients will be announced at the Women of Distinction Awards Gala at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver on April 28, 2025.
Tickets are on sale at
