It is an honour for a local woman.
DonnaLyn Thorsteinson, the executive director for the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC), is one of 34 women nominated for a YWCA of Saskatoon's Women of Distinction award.
"I was nominated in the leadership and management category," said Thorsteinson. "It was overwhelming to get the nomination. It was very exciting that one of our members came forward and recognized the work that the chamber had done and recognized my leadership as executive director of the Chamber."
The YWCA Women of Distinction awards are recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious awards for women for the last 32 years. They celebrate the best in women's achievements and honour hundreds of women.
Thorsteinson explained her nomination was focused on the work the HDCC has done on doctor recruitment and retention, and the regional and other planning she has worked on through HDCC.
"I guess being a leader in the community was part of the reason the nomination went forward," said Thorsteinson. "I am very honoured."
Nominations for these awards are open to anyone within the Saskatoon Health Region.
"We love to see that there are rural nominations coming in," said Thorsteinson. "I think that is pretty cool. I was completely shocked when I got the nomination."
While shock was her first reaction, it was not her last.
"I was humbled and honoured to get it because I know I am going to be nominated along with a bunch of other women that are just doing fantastic things, too," said Thorsteinson. "I really appreciate this and that the membership recognized the work we have done and the hard work I have put in over the last year."
A banquet for the nominees will be held at the end of April, followed by the awards banquet on May 23 at TCU Place in Saskatoon sponsored by PotashCorp.
"It will be cool to just sit there and be inspired by all the women and all their leadership they have included," smiled Thorsteinson.
