The inaugural She Leads Award was presented on March 5th at The Chamber’s She Means Business event, presented by Elevated Health and Wellness. This year’s award honours Margaret Wallis Duffy, founder of Wallis for Wellness and Preventative Health Awareness Movement (PHAM), recognizing her exceptional leadership, influence, and national impact.

Margaret Wallis Duffy has transformed a single idea into a national movement that is reshaping preventative health in Canada. Her vision inspired the creation of the Preventative Health Awareness Movement, which now includes more than 85 healthcare practitioners, businesses, and community organizations who volunteer their time and expertise. Under her leadership, PHAM provides free, evidence-informed education and has earned recognition from Health Canada while gaining municipal support through official proclamations of Preventative Health Awareness Month. Through impactful events and cross-sector collaboration, Margaret continues to inspire leaders, spark community action, and champion a shared vision of healthier, more resilient communities.

"Margaret is a leader who turns vision into action and action into impact. Her courage, generosity, and relentless commitment to community wellness have created a national movement that is touching lives every single day. Honouring her with the inaugural She Leads Award celebrates not only her accomplishments but the many people and communities she continues to uplift."

Upon receiving the award, Margaret expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation for the Halton Hills business community. She encouraged other leaders to keep going, stay committed to the work, and trust that the right moment for impact will come.