Last night, at the 2025 Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards, where 145 inspiring women were nominated across numerous categories, the final award of the evening was announced: the Lifetime Achievement Award. And the recipient? Our very own Joan Fisk, CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities.
She received a standing ovation from the room of 650 attendees – the only person in the room who seemed surprised was Joan herself. As humble as she is kind, strategic, and generous, it was a proud and emotional moment for all, and a powerful reminder of the incredible ripple effect one person can have on a community.
Joan Fisk is more than a name in the news. She is a pillar in Waterloo Region and well beyond our borders. A lifelong local resident, her roots run deep, and her impact stretches far beyond the organizations she has led.
Joan’s professional journey includes executive leadership at United Way, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and Tiger Brand Knitting Company. She has served on a remarkable range of boards, including Gore Mutual, the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, the Lang School of Business and Economics Dean’s Advisory Board, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
As CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, Joan has brought a blend of strategic acumen, empathy, and unshakeable vision. She is known not only for driving impact but also for making others believe they can.
Her accolades, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the 125th Confederation Medal, are reflections of a lifetime spent investing in people, partnerships, and possibilities.
What makes Joan’s legacy so profound isn’t just the positions she’s held or the awards she’s received; it is the countless individuals she has mentored, uplifted, and inspired. Some names are well-known; others are people whose paths crossed hers quietly, through a moment of encouragement, a thoughtful connection, or a door opened at just the right time.
Joan’s influence can be felt across boardrooms and classrooms, nonprofits and businesses, and within the fabric of community initiatives that make Waterloo Region stronger.
Like a stone dropped in water, her leadership continues to create ripples, shaping policies, building leaders, and deepening our collective commitment to equity and community.
To see Joan honoured with the 2025 Oktoberfest Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award is to witness a celebration of decades of tireless service, visionary leadership, and boundless generosity.
We at United Way are deeply proud to walk alongside her. Her passion fuels our mission. Her courage strengthens our voice. Her belief in the potential of every person reminds us why we do this work.
Congratulations, Joan. Your legacy is not only seen; it is felt. And it will continue to inspire long into the future.
Read about all the incredible nominees for the 2025 Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards