Contributions made by women at Queen’s University and within the Kingston community were in the spotlight Friday evening as the 2017 Ban Righ Foundation Inspiring Women Awards were handed out during the gala held at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

Karla McGrath, Executive Director of Queen’s Law Clinics and Director of the Family Law Clinic, received the Ban Righ Foundation Mentorship Award while the Ban Righ Foundation Leadership Award was presented to Susan Belyea, PhD candidate and instructor in Kinesiology and Health Studies and founder of the local food reclamation charity Loving Spoonful

Inspiring talks and performances were provided throughout the evening, including from alumni Amma Bonsu and Sangeeta Shakrawar, Queen’s Dance Club, She Sings Choir, and Juno Award-winning singer Lynn Miles.

Founded in 1974, the Ban Righ Centre at 32 Bader Lane, is a welcoming, safe space and resource centre for mature women students, providing advice, financial assistance, daily soup, female faculty mentors, quiet study spaces, and community. Visit the Ban Righ Centre website for more information.

The Ban Righ Foundation, the centre’s volunteer Board of Directors, has established two special awards. The Ban Righ Foundation Mentorship Award recognizes a Queen’s faculty member who has inspired and supported women in achieving their goals; the Ban Righ Foundation Leadership Award honours a woman who has fostered opportunities for others, and made a positive contribution to the Kingston community.