The Lakeland is filled with inspirational women, and this year’s Women of Influence (WOI) Awards put a spotlight on them all.
On Friday, March 9, the WOI Awards highlighted some of the area’s most impactful females.
Audrey McFarlane, WOI Cold Lake committee member, said it’s important to take a moment and recognize women for a number of reasons.
“I think women have a long ways to go in society before we’ve reached equal status. There is still quite a significant pay difference, there’s gender differences in the work force for sure, but as well as in society,” she expressed. “There are differences in how women are accepted, and are often disenfranchised. It’s really important we acknowledge women’s successes, because it builds local role models so young girls and women who are disenfranchised don’t have to rely on celebrities as their role models, they can see women right here in their community doing really great things.”
The awards were given out throughout the night at the Cold Lake Agricultural Society, with nearly 50 women nominated for one of the seven categories, not including the Overall Woman of Influence Award.
“That’s 50 women who are doing amazing things, and it’s so inspirational when the awards are given to hear a little bit about the things these women are doing for their community, their families, themselves, and for their profession,” said McFarlane.
Women were recognized for their local contributions in arts and culture, business and professional, community and volunteerism, health and wellness, science and technology, young woman, and older woman.
Only one walks away with the award for Overall Woman of Influence, and this year, it was Jennifer Dusyk-Johnson.
“It really is an honour. I wasn’t expecting it, but I am very grateful,” Dusyk-Johnson described. “I think it’s important for people to support women and men in our community, and to recognize people serving the community in whatever capacity they are able to, whether it’s through the arts, science, or volunteering. I think this is just a great event.”
WOI Awards committee member Stephanie Oleksyn said it was the Cold Lake science teacher’s overall contributions that made her stand out as a nominee.
“It’s because of the many ways she contributes to Cold Lake, both as a teacher and through her additional volunteer-extracurricular activities. She is helping shape our future leaders through her involvement with the leadership club, and really seems to have gone the extra mile in promoting leadership. She provides an excellent example for her students and for all of us.”
Keeping with the theme of inspirational women, the committee invited Cold Lake-native Bonnie McFarlane as the guest speaker.
Using her comedy to inspire the room filled with females of all ages, McFarlane reminded everyone what the night was all about, recognizing women for their endless efforts.
The WOI Awards was started six years ago as a way of honouring International Women’s Day.
McFarlane said, “We thought there were so many amazing women doing so many amazing things, that we really should find a way to recognize that.”
