Last night, in front of a packed house in Bingeman’s Ballroom, Women’s Crisis Services was honoured by Rogers Oktoberfest Women of the Year as the winner in the Group Achievement Category.
This award encompasses achievements by a group of women that impact and/or improve our community or our society. Other nominees in this category include 100 Women Who Care Waterloo Region, Gina’s Closet, Mom2Mom Africa, and Wesley Apple Corps.
2015 Rogers Oktoberfest Women of the Year award winners.
Accepting on behalf of our staff and clients, Carolyn Albrecht recognized the hard work of the staff and managers and the courage shown by our clients every day. It is only because of the dedication of our staff and their role in moving beyond violence that we are able to change and save lives. This is truly a GROUP achievement and we are all very proud to be honoured in this way.
Thank you to our supporters, nominators and to Oktoberfest for including a ceremony to celebrate the Women in our Region, their accomplishments today and their dreams for tomorrow.
Below is a press release from the event with details of the ceremony, award categories and winners, and when you can see it broadcast on Rogers TV
|
K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year
Awards Recognizes Outstanding Achievements
in Waterloo Region
(Waterloo Region, ON – October 9, 2015) – K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year took time last night to recognize and pay tribute to some outstanding women in the community.
“We are proud of our partnership with the K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year. It recognizes the amazing work and many contributions of the women of our community,” said Mike Collins, General Manager of the Rogers Kitchener Radio Group.
At an awards ceremony at Bingemans Ballroom, with the assistance of our Masters of Ceremonies, Susan Cook-Scheerer, host of daytime on Rogers TV, and Adele, Mornings CHYM 96.7 and guest speaker Jane Klugman, Co-Founder and CEO of JNK Solutions Inc., the following women were recognized for their outstanding contributions to this community:
Arts & Culture (sponsored by CHYM 96.7/570 News/Country 106.7) recognizes women for enriching the culture of our community through creation or promotion of the arts on a volunteer or professional basis.
Janice Jo Lee (Kitchener)
Janice is a folk artist; a born storyteller. She is a spoken word poet, musician, arts educator and community organizer. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science and uses this influence to create art that inspires positive social change. Janice builds our community through sharing art that sparks conversation and inspires action.
Community Service (sponsored by Rogers TV) recognizes women for generously volunteering time to programs and services that make our community a better place.
Idrisa Pandit (Waterloo)
Idrisa exemplifies what it means to be truly engaged in one’s community as a tireless educator, organizer and social justice worker. She brings communities together to discuss issues of social justice and helps people to overcome prejudices. Idrisa has a strong commitment to empowering marginalized women in our local community. She has organized panel discussions and workshops on faith, diversity, environmental sustainability, mental and physical health, trauma, and creating safer families.
Entrepreneur (sponsored by RE/MAX Solid Gold Realty Ltd. Ken Cameron) recognizes women for initiating and/or administering an enterprise or business.
Shauna Lynn Simon (Kitchener)
Shauna Lynn is the embodiment of an intelligent, hardworking, and accomplished entrepreneur in Waterloo Region. She started Beyond the Stage Homes in 2008 and it has grown to be the largest home staging business in the Region. She works tirelessly as a volunteer for the K-W MS Walk. Not only is she driven to succeed as an entrepreneur, but she also enthusiastically mentors others on their path to success and is an excellent role model.
Group Achievement (sponsored by TD Bank Group.) recognizes achievements by a group of women that impact and/or improve our community or society.
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
In partnership with our community, Women’s Crisis Services empowers and supports women and children to move beyond violence and abuse through the provision of safe shelter, education and outreach services. WCS is a long standing not-for-profit charitable organization. Both Haven House and Anselma House date back to 1978.
Health & Wellness (sponsored by the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce) recognizes women for promoting and helping others achieve and promote mental, physical or spiritual well-being in her career or community involvement.
Debby Riepert (Baden)
Debby is COO at Trinity Village, a supportive and caring retirement and long term care community in KW. She has dedicated her career to the health and wellness of seniors in the Region. Her firsthand knowledge, experience and people skills set her apart from others. She specializes in the care of seniors and individuals living with dementia. Debby is seen as a leader offering a dynamic, holistic lifestyle for her residents, through best practices, innovation, technology and research.
Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Michael Harris, MPP) recognizes women for being active in their community by sharing their heart, their time and their life experience.
Ann O’Donnell-Beckwith (Cambridge)
Ann O’Donnell-Beckwith is an incredible woman with a passion and devotion to advocate for families and youth in the community. She seeks out volunteer opportunities to facilitate change and gives selflessly with young people in the community. Ann has volunteered for over 40 years, ranging from Boy Scout leader, to establishing a successful fundraising committee, to planning conferences and sitting on several boards, committees and community organizations.
Professional (sponsored by CHYM 96.7/570 News/Country 106.7) recognizes women for dedicating themselves to the pursuit of excellence in her chosen career.
Pat Singleton (Cambridge)
Pat Singleton is best known for her work as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank. Pat has spent her career dedicated to improving the lives of those who experience poverty and is a passionate advocate for those who face barriers within our community. Pat lives authentically and her commitment to helping others on their journey goes beyond working hours, but extends to all she does in her life.
Sports & Recreation (sponsored by Rogers TV) recognizes women for actively participating, coaching or volunteering in sports or recreation.
Adrienne O’Donnell (Kitchener)
A mother, volunteer, and mentor, Adrienne juggles work and pleasure with finding time to commit countless hours towards the duties of being president of Supreme Athletics. As a promoter and advocate for physical activity through her children and club, Adrienne has opened the door for individuals of all physical, mental, and financial abilities to enjoy the sport of track and field in the region.
Young Adult (14 to 25) (sponsored by Kitchener Fire Department) recognizes young women for leading by example and being a role model to her peers.
Karley George (Waterloo)
Karley founded the “Be a Buddy Club” at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, to promote healthy equal relationships with children who have special needs. Last year she also wrote and directed the play “Fools Paradise.” For this project she applied for and received various grants, encouraged young women to take on leadership roles and develop their own projects. Karley is an excellent student involved with Student Council. She previously held the position of Co-President.
Residents of the Region were encouraged to nominate their choice for Women of the Year and were invited to enjoy this evening with these distinguished women.
Watch for the feature presentation of the 2015 K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards ONLY on Rogers. The awards gala will be televised on Saturday, October 10 at 12:30pm, Sunday, October 11 at 12pm and Tuesday, October 13 at 7pm on Rogers TV, Cable 20. Details at www.rogerstv.com.
|