There are many women doing extraordinary things in central Alberta.
The Red Deer and District Community Foundation will unveil a record number of nominees Thursday in Red Deer for the 2019 Women of Excellence Awards slated in June.
The number of nominees for the 2018 Women of Excellence Awards was 51 – a record breaking year says CEO Kristine Bugayong. This year that number is higher still.
“We have a diverse group and it’s something that amazes me every year,” she said. “The more and more stories you gather of more diverse women, the better it is, because you can say to yourself ‘the program really hits the mark.’”
Bugayong credits the program for reaching more people, and hence generating more nominations. She also believes there’s a heightened sense of awareness of women’s achievements around the globe, with #MeToo movements and women’s marches, which also has an impact locally.
“Women are vocalizing their experiences, be it in their workplaces or personal lives, and it’s a different type of openness about awareness and what that may mean to every woman.
“It doesn’t distract from what we’re doing, it doesn’t negate what we’re doing, it helps. It adds, so that has something to do with it.”
Women have been nominated in several areas, including lifetime achievement, and a new category: construction.
The new award is intended to raise awareness about the field for women, as historically, it has been a male-dominated industry.
“The hope is that women can think about it as a career choice for them,” Bugayong said.
Like every year, organizers hope the 12th annual Women of Excellence Awards inspire people and celebrate central Alberta women and their accomplishments to build a stronger community.
The awards gala is scheduled June 19 at Sheraton Red Deer.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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