JASON SETNYK
The 11th edition of the Soirée Saphir, presented by the Franco-Ontario Foundation, was held recently at Collège Boréal in Sudbury, celebrating the achievements of Franco-Ontarian women.
The annual event highlights excellence, leadership, and impact across a range of sectors, while reinforcing the vital role women play in the province’s Francophone community. Held under the theme “Towards New Horizons,” this year’s ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of the FFO.
The Soirée Saphir awards ceremony is as a platform for networking, mentorship, and recognition. Awards are presented in several categories, offering a stage to celebrate French accomplishments while fostering connections among professionals, organizations, and partners. Among this year’s honourees was a recipient with a local connection.
Sonia Behilil, Director of Policy and Government Relations at the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, was named Professional of the Year, an award presented in collaboration with OPAL. In a statement shared following the event, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the women who have shaped her journey.
“I am very honoured to have received the 2026 Professional of the Year award presented by the Franco-Ontario Foundation and OPAL,” Behilil said. “I have much respect for the remarkable women nominated this year, but also for those recognized over the years.”
She also acknowledged her colleagues and collaborators, adding, “Thank you for this recognition, and thank you to all the women who have marked my journey, trusted me and enable me today to take my place and continue to contribute to our beautiful community.”
The Soirée Saphir highlights the achievements of Franco-Ontarian women while encouraging future generations to pursue leadership and excellence, drawing on the symbolism of the sapphire, which represents wisdom, strength, and perseverance reflected in the recipients’ contributions to their communities.
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