For 15 years, the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA has been celebrating the contributions of remarkable women in the community. Among this year’s 42 nominees for the Women of Distinction Awards was Cheryl Picard, PhD/00, director of the Centre for Conflict Education and Research (CCER) based in the Department of Law.

Picard was celebrated in the category of education and training for enriching the community with her outstanding achievements and contributions as an educator; inspiring a passion for lifelong learning in those around her; and through practice, research or administration in a learning environment, motivating others to discover knowledge, set goals or seek opportunities.

Picard teaches conflict studies, founded the Mediation Centre in 1992, and was instrumental in establishing the Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and the Centre for Conflict Education and Research. Off-campus, she is active locally, nationally and internationally, promoting conflict resolution and mediation initiatives.

Read about her ongoing work in Cuba teaching conflict resolution, mediation, and mediation coaching skills to Cuban professionals and community leaders in Panorama Winter 2009.