The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) awarded Trish Mandewo the 2025 prestigious Pam McConnell Award at their annual conference in Ottawa. This award for Gender Equality in International Development recognizes Trish’s exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equity both in Canada and around the world.
Named in memory of the late Pam McConnell, a tireless advocate for inclusive cities and global gender equity, the award honours Canadian municipal leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting gender equality through international development initiatives.
A press release notes that Mandewo, a Coquitlam City Councillor and President of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), is recognized for her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive communities and developing gender-responsive governance frameworks.
“Her recent work with municipalities in Cambodia focused on mainstreaming gender equality through policy-making, leadership training, and civic engagement initiatives,” according to the news release. “This impactful work is possible through a partnership of Global Affairs Canada, FCM and UBCM, and it plays a vital role in guiding women leaders in Cambodia toward a more effective participation in local government and public administration.”
In Zambia, Trish worked along with local partners to support the leadership capacity of women in rural and peri-urban regions, promoting sustainable community development rooted in gender equity. In Zambia, Trish works with FCM and Global Affairs Canada.
Through her leadership with Synergy Executive & Boards Consulting Group, she has also mentored hundreds of women and equity-deserving individuals, supporting their pathways to civic leadership and board governance roles. She has also facilitated local and national workshops aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and decolonizing leadership and governance frameworks, particularly for groups that have been denied equity.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Pam McConnell Award,” said Mandewo. “Pam was a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire many. This recognition affirms that equity-focused leadership, whether in a Canadian local government context or a village in Zambia, can transform lives, communities, and systems.”
Trish Mandewo was recently named as one of BC Business 2025 Business Woman of the Year.
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