Celebrating Leadership Through Collaboration
The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) is proud to invite nominations for the Dr. Deb Tomlinson Award for Excellence in Collaboration.
Established in honour of Dr. Deb Tomlinson’s extraordinary leadership and lifelong commitment to collaboration, this annual award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the power of working together to prevent and address sexual violence and advance AASAS’ shared purpose of safe communities free from sexual violence.
The award celebrates individuals who bring people together, build meaningful relationships, foster trust, and inspire collaboration across organizations, communities, and sectors.
Who Should Be Nominated?
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in collaborative leadership and exemplify qualities such as:
Championing collaboration and bringing diverse people together
Building authentic, trusting relationships
Leading with respect, empathy, and shared purpose
Finding common ground across differing perspectives
Creating meaningful impact through collaboration
Inspiring others through collaborative leadership
Individuals do not need to work within the AASAS network to be eligible. Anyone whose collaborative leadership has contributed to preventing and addressing sexual violence and aligns with the spirit of this award may be nominated.
How to Nominate
Complete the Dr. Deb Tomlinson Award for Excellence in Collaboration Nomination Form and submit it by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on July 31, 2026.
The nomination form asks nominators to share information about the nominee’s collaborative leadership, including examples of collaboration, the impact of their work, and how they embody the spirit of this award.
Submission deadline: Noon, July 31, 2026
Submit nominations to: [email protected]
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the AASAS Board of Directors. The committee will assess nominations based on the award criteria and the information provided in the nomination package.
Only the successful recipient will be contacted. Unsuccessful nominees may be considered for future years.
The recipient will be recognized at the AASAS Annual General Meeting.
Download
Dr. Deb Tomlinson Award for Excellence in Collaboration – Call for Nominations (PDF)
Dr. Deb Tomlinson Award for Excellence in Collaboration – Nomination Form (Word)
The Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence Report highlights the need for systemic change and the essential role of specialized sexual assault services.
“Individuals who have experienced sexual violence deserve support that is comprehensive, trauma-informed, and accessible at every stage of their healing journey. Alberta’s sexual assault services provide this essential continuum of care – from immediate crisis intervention and advocacy, to counselling and specialized police and court support.
The recent Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence report highlights what we have long seen: survivors often face systemic barriers, re-traumatization, and gaps when accessing the justice system. This underscores the critical role of specialized sexual assault services that center survivor choice, control, and safety.
Through collaboration, expertise, and a survivor-centered approach, Alberta’s sexual assault services ensure that anyone impacted by sexual violence – no matter when it occurred, and whether or not they report to police – can access specialized, effective and compassionate services.
As we look ahead, this report reinforces the need for collective, sustained action. Strengthening the justice response to sexual violence will require ongoing collaboration, meaningful investment, and a commitment to survivor-centred practice across every level of the system.” ~AASAS
On behalf of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) Board of Directors, it’s with great appreciation for her amazing work that I let you know that after 15 years as Chief Executive Officer of AASAS, Deb Tomlinson will be retiring on September 30, 2023.
The sexual violence sector in Alberta would not be where it is today without Deb’s leadership.
Her extensive contributions are a humbling record of what is possible to achieve when one is guided by a vision such as Deb’s for an Alberta – and a Canada – free from sexual violence.
AASAS released the key findings of their Prevalence of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse survey.
These key findings provide insight into the prevalence and nature of Albertan’s experiences of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault throughout their lifetime.
“With an estimated 1.8 million individuals in Alberta experiencing sexual abuse in their lifetime, this research shows us that sexual abuse is a health and safety issue of epidemic proportions” said Debra Tomlinson, CEO of AASAS. “Albertans have a strong history of coming together to help each other in times of need. People who experience sexual abuse are our family members, our friends and our colleagues. And each and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring survivors get support.”
AASAS monthly E-News Flash keeps you informed on what AASAS and its member centres/services are doing to raise awareness of issues involving sexual violence, while striving to ensure that all Albertans have access to healing and recovery programs, services and supports.
Use the sign-up form in the footer to receive monthly updates, or browse our past issues.