Soul models

We asked you to nominate women who inspire you. Now, we've picked eight Soul models. Read their winning stories, find out their greatest life lessons and get expert tips for meeting challenges in your life.

Chronic pain sufferer Rebecca Parton fights back with fitness.

How a single mom took on city council—and made streets safer for kids.

The power of motherhood turned a troubled girl into a grounded woman.

Multiple sclerosis hasn't stopped this risk-taker from diving and climbing.

She started her life over while bridging the culture gap.

Her unfailing support gave at-risk students a reason to come to school.

While searching for her roots, she built a community.

Hitting rock-bottom showed one woman how to come out on top.

Soul supporters Congratulations to our eight Soul Models winners, and thank you to Dove Nutrium and Forevermark.com, the generous sponsors who are helping us honour these amazing women. Choosing the winners wasn't easy: we received more than 400 nominations from across the country. Enjoy reading the stories of eight women who are changing lives—and communities—around them. Here's how our sponsors helped: • Dove Nutrium provided each contest winner with $2,000 to fulfill a dream for herself or loved ones. In addition, Dove Nutrium donated $8,000 to the Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF) and gave 5,000 blankets to women's shelters across Canada. • Forevermark.com presented each of our Soul Models with a spectacular half-carat diamond solitaire necklace valued at $2,000. Forevermark.com also made a donation on behalf of the winners to the CWF in the amount of $7,500. Why did we choose CWF as our charitable partner? • The Canadian Women's Foundation is the only national public foundation for women and girls dedicated to ending violence against women and helping poor women gain economic independence. It's that unique commitment to women's lives that inspired Chatelaine to donate $8,000 to its work. If you want to make your own contribution or learn more about the 560 projects CWF has supported across Canada, please visit www.cdnwomen.org or call 1/866/293-4483.