Some of central Alberta’s most excellent women are getting recognized for all their hard work.
A record-breaking 56 nominees for the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards were announced at Festival Hall in Red Deer Thursday evening. Last year’s 51 nominees was the previous record.
The 12th annual awards gala, which takes place June 19 at the Sheraton Hotel in Red Deer, celebrates the innovation, leadership, achievement and talent of central Alberta women.
Kristine Bugayong, chief executive officer of the Red Deer and District Community Foundation, said this year’s nominees are outstanding.
“They try to better the lives of the people that surround them … by being good examples to people, by being role models, by being mentors,” she said. “The work that they do is quite significant to the lives of those around them.”
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For the first time, there will be an award recognizing women in the field of construction.
“We want to make sure women are aware that construction is an option as a career. We all know it’s still male-dominated – women have a place and have excelled in that field,” she said.
Bugayong said she hopes the awards gala continues to grow each year.
“This is a platform to share these women’s stories to the region.
“The more people who become aware of the program and the more people who want to share their stories, the better,” she said. “The whole goal is to inspire others to be better people.”
Tickets for the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards Gala can be purchased online at www.ticketsalberta.com.
List of categories and nominees:
Agriculture
Judy Andres, Shelley Brandshaw and Donna Trottier
Arts and Culture
Doreen Bergum, Erin Boake, Randi Boulton, Stephanie Grue, Lorna Johnson and Heidy Panameno
Athletics, Recreation and Fitness
Rachel Andres, Tammy Cunnington, Kari Elliott, Suzan King and Riana Luck
Business and the Professions
Suzanne Alexander-Smith, Ryan McDougall, Nancy Paish and Tammy Schlamp
Community Building
Shauna Bossert, Shelley Hanlan, Danielle Klooster, Teresa Kutynec, Theresa ‘Corky’ Larsen Jonasson, Christina Ray and Sherri Smith
Women of Excellence in Construction
Treena Dixon, Martine Francis and Sue Neufeld
Education and Training
Bev Manning
Entrepreneurship
Autumn Dyck, Denise Harty, Travis Mills, Diana Rude and Estie Vandervelden
Environment
Erin Findlay, Sarah Grass, Sharina Kennedy and Nancy McAteer
Health and Wellness
Velma Karpa, Vanessa Higgens-Nogareda and Nicole Schmitt
Human Services
Christine Harris, Karyn Kay, Amy Komarniski, Elsie Machell, Yvonne Peebles, Tabitha Phiri, Heather Reynolds, Dana Rondeau, Jessica Schurman, Gillian Wallis, Linda Yargeau, Alvina Zaidi and Crystal Zens
Young Woman of Excellence
Tatyanna Stoesz and Ola Zein Alabdin
A lifetime achievement award will also be presented to an exemplary woman, who for many years of her life, has been a role model for the community.