A co-owner of The Bra Lounge in Red Deer is one of 11 finalists for EWomen Network’s Emerging Leader award.
Sheen Murphy, 28, who was nominated as the Emerging Leader of Northern Alberta, will attend EWomen Network’s conference in Dallas, from July 14 to 18, where the winner will be announced.
Last year, Maria Virtuos of Edmonton won.
Murphy said she was humbled to be one of the finalists from among the more than 200 nominees for the 2010 award.
EWomen Network, which started in 2000 in the United States, brings women in business together through online and face-to-face networking events.
The Red Deer chapter started about three years ago. Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge also have chapters.
“I’ve never felt more supported by a group of women who really understand what it’s like to be a mom and a business owner,” said Murphy.
Murphy and her sister Cortney went into business about three years ago and moved The Bra Lounge to No. 11, 4801 51st Ave. last year. Murphy also started Motherless Daughters of Central Alberta in 2007.
The sisters lost their mother Loretta Murphy in a vehicle collision in Northern Alberta when Murphy was 15, Cortney was 13, and their brother was nine.
Murphy, whose family is originally from Sundre, said she wants to give young girls and teens hope.
“I really want them to stay positive and stay healthy. There were certainly times when I could have gotten myself into a lot of trouble. But I didn’t and I’m grateful I stayed focused.”
For more information about EWomen Network, go to www.ewomennetwork.com.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com