A pair of outstanding community champions are being recognized for their enormous contributions to the well-being of our communities.
On Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12, 2025, we had the pleasure of presenting King Charles III Coronation Medals to Grandmother Irene Compton, the Co-Founder of Minwaashin Lodge, and to Karen Williams (posthumously), a past United Way East Ontario Board Chair and long-serving volunteer.
In May 2023, to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, former prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government’s intention to award 30,000 coronation medals. The purpose of these medals being to recognize individuals of all ages and from all walks of life who have made a significant difference in their communities, provinces, territories or who have attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
When United Way East Ontario staff were invited to nominate two candidates for this medal, Karen and Grandmother Irene were clear and natural choices for us.
We are deeply honoured to be able to recognize Karen and Grandmother Irene for their dedication to building stronger, healthier and safer communities for everyone, with this prestigious medal.
Grandmother Irene Compton
Grandmother Irene Compton is the Co-Founder of Minwaashin Lodge.
For more than 30 years, she has shown an unwavering dedication to empowering women affected by violence, while fostering healing and cultural connections in our communities.
Grandmother Irene continues to build resilience, strength and a strong community for women and people who need it. She also enriches an understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities – a true bridge builder.
We work together on the Indigenous Employment Leadership Advisory Table that is co-hosted by
the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, Kagita Mikam and United Way. Here, we bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and employers to help understand and reduce barriers to employment for Indigenous Peoples.
Grandmother Irene is a strong woman with profound impact within our organization and the throughout her community.
Karen Williams
Karen joined United Way in 2010 as a volunteer, and held various senior volunteer positions, including Board Chair, Head of the Governance Committee, member of the Community Services Cabinet, Executive Committee, and more.
Karen was a strong woman who had a clear vision for how she saw United Way making a difference in our communities. She oversaw a lot of change at United Way during her time as a volunteer and was instrumental in pushing the organization toward one that focuses on community impact over specific dollar amounts fundraised.
Through it all, Karen always kept a smile on her face. Her passion and desire to see United Way move
the needle on important issues in our communities never waned, no matter the circumstance. Many who volunteered alongside Karen at United Way say her leadership style left a great impression on them, and though she may not be a household name in our region, the impact Karen had on the wellbeing of our communities is still felt today.
Karen knew how critical the issues that United Way tackles are. But she would also remind other board members not to take themselves too seriously – because in the end we are helping to bring joy and strength to our community, and that is something worth smiling about.
