ESTEVAN — The grand celebration of outstanding women living, working, volunteering and shaping the southeast corner of the province took place at a May 2 luncheon at the Wylie-Mitchell Hall.
Twenty-six extraordinary women were nominated in five categories this year, and the Women for Women (W4W) event organizing committee underlined that each and every one of them is a role model and was being celebrated through the festive community event.
An independent committee located outside the southeast decided on the recipients.
Young Sasha Mantei was recognized with the Young Visionary Award, presented by Impact Creative Digital Services. This award is for individuals under the age of 20 who are an example for others through their exemplary achievement in academics, athletics, volunteerism or community building. Also competing for the title were Aivry Culy, Teigha Lesy, Izzy Semenuik, Andri Groenveld, Keira Lindsay Zepeda and Tayla Gervais.
Vi Day of Carnduff was the winner of the Innovative Leadership Award, presented by SaskTel. This award recognizes women who have created or implemented innovative programs, practices, partnerships or other opportunities that significantly improve the lives of women in their community. Other nominees were Daralee Kittelson, Chandra Marchuk, Sara East, Trina Battersby, Kylie Jo McGregor and Brooke Wilson.
Michelle Beaulieu claimed the Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award, presented by TS&M Supply. This award is for women with exemplary achievements beyond the scope of their paid work that improve workplaces. Other nominees were Jennifer Henderson and Jackie Wall.
Pam Gunnlaugson won the Equity & Inclusion Award, presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, finishing ahead of Aimee Haralson. The award recognizes women for leadership, resilience and activism to further advance efforts in improving the community or the culture for the next generation.
The winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, presented by Steam Est. Industries, was Daniyale Woolsey of Bienfait. The award recognizes influential community builders whose contributions and leadership have helped to create a community where everyone can thrive. Also nominated were Verdeen Matthewson, Lynn Trobert, Misty Pennington, Nancy Samoluk, Jeri-Lee Jones and Kasey McIntyre.
The event also saw inspiring and insightful speeches by Stacey Wempe and Michelle Gilchrist, as well as touching addresses from the event committee members and sponsors.
The late Gertie Lev (1921-2018) of Estevan became the latest inductee to the Trailblazer Memorial Walk, presented by Woodley Well Service Inc, joining Shirley Orsted, Melodye Pierson, Ida Petterson and Shirley Carson, who were recognized last year as women who were the first to do something and/or to go somewhere, and who gave other women the opportunity to follow up and the knowledge that was needed to make it possible for them to do so.
Lev's story was shared with the guests. Among them was her daughter Charna Shoob, who resides in Arizona and came to Estevan for the event.
Come back to SaskToday.ca to learn more about the latest Trailblazer and to learn more about the 2024 Southeast Women of Distinction Awards. The next edition of the Mercury will have a full recap of the event.
