For immediate release

Kwantlen Student Nominated for Prestigious YWCA Women's Award

METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (May 9, 2011) – Kwantlen political science student Kassandra Linklater has been nominated for a YWCA Vancouver Women of Distinction Award. The award honours women who have made a substantial contribution to their community.

Linklater was nominated for her commitment to international volunteering and in particular for her involvement in international trade missions in Malaysia, Singapore, Ecuador and Panama. She is also extremely involved with the City of Surrey.

"Kassandra was a natural choice to be nominated for the Women of Distinction Award," says Mary Jane Stenberg, executive director of external relations at Kwantlen. "She has proven herself to be a leader and her passion for improving the lives of young women is truly inspiring."

The Women of Distinction Awards began in 1984 as a way to honour and recognize women making a difference in their communities. Since then YWCA Vancouver has honoured more than 200 women and workplaces.

"I am in awe of the other nominees, I am in amazing company," says Linklater. "I am just happy to be nominated."

In addition to being nominated in the Young Women of Distinction category, Linklater is also vying for the Connecting the Community Award. The Award winner will be announced at a Tuesday, May 31 at the Westin Bayshore.

Kassandra's goal is to reach 10,000 votes and by achieving her goal, Scotia Bank will donate $10,000 dollars to the YWCA Charity of her choice which is YWCA's youth programs - Welcome to my life and Boys 4 real, which helps youth transition into high school.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,000 students annually have a choice from over 135 programs including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Nicole Lotz
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
nicole.lotz@kwantlen.ca