You probably know a woman who is an unsung hero in her workplace, profession or community — she seems to get more done than anyone else and is often a change-maker but gets little public credit for her efforts.
That is about to change thanks to a new series of awards started by a Tri-City-based women’s leadership group.
The first Women Influencers Awards will honour women in the fields of health, education, environment, food services and technology as well as family, social media and entrepreneurship. The founders of the Women’s Collaborative Hub (WCH) hope the awards will shine a light on the accomplishments of women in the Tri-Cities, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.
“These are women who don’t usually get recognized yet they are pillars of the community,” said Sandra Horton, WCH co-founder and co-CEO.
Nominations are being accepted now for nine awards, three in each category of:
• Health and Sustainability;
• Kids and Families;
• and Community Builders and Connectors.
The goal of the Women’s Collaborative Hub — which was founded by Horton, Trish Mandewo and Dana Harvey — is to provide communication, collaboration and connection for local women in business and leadership.
The women say the awards idea came out of world cafés organized by the group. “The women said they wanted this,” explained Mandewo.
Nominations are being accepted now and self-nominations are not only welcome, they are encouraged, the women say, noting an independent group of judges will be vetting nominations and making final selections.
The awards ceremony on Nov. 9 at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club will feature food and drinks as well as an opportunity to take part in a group activity that will culminate in a mosaic that will be framed and hung in a public space.
As well, a charm bracelet designed to commemorate the event is being created by artist Joanna Lovette and will be sold, with partial proceeds to the Soroptimist International of the Tri-Cities.
• To find out more about the Women Influencers Awards, submit a nomination or pre-order a bracelet, visit wchwomeninfluencersawards.ca. To find out more about WCH, visit womenscollaborativehub.com.
