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Awards celebrate women in the qathet region

The Influential Women in Business Awards celebrate the success and achievements of women across Powell River’s diverse business community.

The Influential Women in Business Awards celebrate the success and achievements of women across Powell River’s diverse business community. These awards celebrate women who have truly excelled, not only in their professional lives but also as leaders and role models in our community. While many of these women come from different industries and walks of life, they share several traits – a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and the extraordinary accomplishments to show for it. Their commitment, vision and talents make them true leaders in their chosen fields.

There were 57 women nominated in four different categories this year:

Category A - Business Woman of the Year

Holly Barnes, Afterglow Hair Lounge

Nancy Bouchard, Nancy’s Bakery

Jean Brack, Paperworks Gift Gallery

Jenna Brownlee, Studio Curious

Fiona Butula, Marine Denture Clinic

Vanessa Coray, The VK Wellness Centre

Angela Desilets Murray, New Beginnings Laster Centre

Melissa Dow, Elements Yoga

Susanna East, Robbins & Co. / Westview U-Vin U-Brew Ltd.

Nicole Fraser, Westerly Studio

Amanda Hasler, The Knitter’s Nest

Heidi Jackson, That Chicken Place

Margot Jantz, 32 Lakes Coffee Roasters

Yun Kim, Genki Sushi

Jennifer Konopelski, The Nutcracker Market

Sunny Dawn Kostelnik, 2% Realty Sunshine Coast Inc.

Kajal Kromm, Kajal Kromm Eyebrow Threading and Shaping

Colleen McClean, Hearth & Grain

Sarah McClean, Point Group Hospitality

Diana Rodriguez, Iguanas Mexican Grill

Nicole Rumley, Kelly’s Health Shop

Sarah Schindel, Luxe Salon

Rachael Sherstad, Paradise Valley Produce

Isabelle Southcott, qathet Living Magazine / Southcott Communications

 

Category B - Home-Based Business Woman of the Year

Hannah Adams, Below the Brow Esthetics

Amy Byles, Assured Asbestos

Robyn Harris, Free Spirit Health and Wellness

Rowwie McKeown, CrossedPromise

Chesney Martinig, Earl and Friends Dog Hikes

Jo-Al Meilleur, Rosemary Charcutarie

Gitta May Neilson, The Raven’s Nest Beauty Shed

Kathleen O’Malley, Kathleen O’Malley Quilter

Maureen Parsons, Paradise Puppies Daycare

Laura Passek, Crystal Clear Engravers / Epicure

Nicole Quigley, Ever Red Fresh Design

Kelsey Roosenmaallen, Gingerbrute Bakery

Brittany Service, Service Vocal Training

Sarah Van’t Ship, Evenstar Esthetics

 

Category C - Volunteer of the Year

Kim Barrows,SD47 / Minor Hockey / Minor Baseball / PAC

Elizabeth Exter, Blue Sky Consignment / The Nutcracker Market

Kathy Grantham, PR Women in Business

Carol Hamilton, Cranberry Seniors Centre

Merrilee Prior, PROWLS (Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society)

Carol Regnier, Patricia Theatre / The Source Club / Townsite Heritage Society

 

Category D - Employee of the Year

Lola Amundsen, Miklat Recovery Society

Lisa Beaulieu, Inclusion Powell River Association

Ramona Behan, The Laughing Oyster Restaurant

Janet Cook, Starbucks

Eden Emery-Bradley, Genki Sushi

Melissa Furlotte, Powell River Recreational Complex

Chloe Garvey, Panago

Alicia Newman, The Peak

Stacey Plisson, Rexall Drugs

Sasha Randolph, Bank of Montreal


Every nominee should be recognized for all they do for businesses and our community.

Winners:

Robyn Harris, Free Spirit Health and Wellness 
Outstanding Home-Based Owner of the Year


Vanessa Coray, VK Wellness
Outstanding Business Owner of the Year


Carol Hamilton, Cranberry Seniors Centre
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year


Lola Amundsen, Miklat Recovery Society
Outstanding Employee of the Year 

Runners-up:

Jo-Al Meilleur, Rosemary Charcutarie
Outstanding Home-Based Owner of the Year runner-up


Rachael Sherstad, Paradise Valley Produce
Outstanding Business Owner of the Year runner-up
 

Kim Barrows, SD47 / PR Minor Hockey / Basball / PAC
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year runner-up
 

Sasha Randolph, BMO
Outstanding Employee of the Year runner-up