One day before International Women’s Day on March 7, 2025, nearly 400 guests gathered at the JW Marriott in Edmonton for the inaugural Luminaries Luncheon—a new signature event presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative and hosted by the AWHF to spotlight the urgent need for research-driven change in women’s health and gather the changemakers to light the path forward.

Keynote speaker Joanna Griffiths, founder of Knix, delivered an inspiring address on entrepreneurship and impact, while emcee Lynda Steele guided an engaging program featuring five WCHRI researchers, and a panel discussion with three renowned experts: Dr. Jane Schulz, Dr. Colleen Norris, and Dr. Padma Kaul.

The event succeeded in raising more than $500,000, including a remarkable $300,000 gift announced by longtime supporter and Patron, Dale Sheard.

In a powerful show of provincial support, March was officially declared “Women’s Health Research Month” by the Government of Alberta just before the event, coinciding well with International Women’s Day and galvanizing our province’s spirit to continue making change.

In a year of many proud accomplishments, another ‘regal’ announcement stood out… the AWHF’s Cavarzan Chair in Women’s Health Research, Dr. Colleen Norris, was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

This distinguished honour was awarded to celebrate her tireless advocacy and pioneering leadership as the head of the Women’s Heart Health Research Collaborative (WHHRC), a multi-organization partnership that also includes the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and CK Hui Heart Centre, where she works to close the gender gap in cardiovascular care. Her mission: to ensure that women are accurately diagnosed, effectively treated, and finally prioritized in heart health research.