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2024 Women in Business Awards
November 21 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join us in celebrating all the incredible women business professionals at the 2024 Women in Business Awards Ceremony.
Finalists
Community Impact Award
Presented by Anchor Niagara
- Jess Boulay
- Sandra D’Alessandro
- Lori Gill
- Maj-Britt Kannegieter
- Bonnie Watts
Corporate Leadership Award
Presented by Hatch
- Karen Consigli
- Sarah Draper
- Jennifer Grossi
- Vanessa Ingraham
- Jessie MacDonald
- Marrianne Wilson
Cultural Arts Award
Presented by CAA Niagara
- Sonia Aimy
- Isabel Brandt
- Catherine Toews
- Barbara Worthy
Emerging Business Award
Presented by Niagara Economic Development
- Alka
- Harlee Barfknecht-Zuber
- Devon Elcomb-Anzit
- Stephanie Lakeit-Hall
- Kimberly Legros
- Alicea North
Entrepreneurship Award
Presented by Fedcap Canada
- Melissa Achal
- Andréa Jones
- Stephanie Lakeit-Hall
- Jessica Lutomski
- Sharon Green
- Katie Sawicki-Carbone
Equity Entrepreneur Award
Presented by Niagara College
- Hawklene Lawton
- Lilian Lum Mbah
- Treasa Pappachan
Excellence in Environmental Leadership
Presented by Walker
- Bobbie Armstrong
- Morgan MacLean
- Annette Smith
Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism
Presented by DDL & Co.
- Melissa Achal
- Danielle Rynberk
- Deidre Miller
- Leigh Roszell-Hoag
Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector
Presented by Niagara Pen Centre
- Alicia Dimitrov Lawrence
- Lori Gill
- Sarah Hart
- Jane LaVacca
- Susan Morin
Excellence in the Public Sector
- Britnie Bazylewski
- Susanna Campbell
- Lina DeChellis
- Jolene Kostick
- Shanthi Rajaratnam
Excellence in Trades
Presented by Kraun Electric
- Lisa Caruso
- Sabrina Frechette
- Anna Stoddart
Health Care Hero
- Alka
- Elora Gartley
- Leah Jeffery
- Dr. Ibtisam Kelada-Sedra
- Rebecca Rodgers
- Kristen Thompson
- Jeannine Weddell
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Award
Presented by MNP
- Janet Bradley
- Nattaly Gerena Romero
Young Professional Award
Presented by Ridley College
- Alka
- Isabel Brandt
- Monika Chase
- Brittany Davy
- Myda Khatcherian
- Adriann Knight
- Chelsea Ridolfi
- Venessa Sweet
- Haley Thomson
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates women who have excelled in their business and community over the course of their career.
2024 Recipient: Michele O’Keefe
Michele O’Keefe is the Director of Athletics and Student Engagement at Niagara College and a highly respected figure in the world of sports. Formerly the CEO and president of Canada Basketball, she joined Niagara College in 2018, the same year she received the prestigious Leadership in Sport Award at the Canadian Sport Awards. Michele’s leadership and dedication to empowering athletes, particularly women, have garnered her several accolades, including the CICan Leadership Excellence Award in 2024. She is known for her role in fostering inclusive, empowering environments for students and staff alike. A visionary leader, Michele has also served on the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) boards and chaired the Ontario Sport Network. Her achievements extend to community initiatives like the Girls Sport Day in Welland, which inspires young girls to engage in sports. Michele’s contributions continue to shape sports policy locally and internationally, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and empowerment.
Ruth Unrau Legacy Award
The Ruth Unrau Legacy Award is given in the name of Women in Niagara founder Ruth Unrau to a woman who shares her spirit and dedication to advocacy for women in business. The recipient will have a reputation as an advocate and champion for women in commerce and leadership roles, and may be a campaigner, a mentor, or one who undertakes other significant work that advances the cause and the interests of female entrepreneurship.
2024 Recipient: Stephanie Thompson
As an Engineering Manager, Stephanie puts her heart into the technical world of engineering, empowering women and students to break down technology barriers and explore new possibilities. As a Professional Engineer of Ontario, she excels in Project Management for and Manufacturing Engineering, committed to guiding others on their path to success and innovation.
Agenda
11:00am – 11:30am Registration & Reception
12:00pm – 12:20pm Welcome Messages
12:20pm – 01:00pm Lunch
01:00pm – 03:00pm Awards Presentation
Awards presentations will include a keynote from Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Michelle O’Keefe and RULA award recipient Stephanie Thompson.
Additional Information
Accessibility
We are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for all attendees. If you have any accessibility requirements or specific accommodations that would enhance your participation in the event, please let us know. Our team will do their best to ensure your needs are met.
Photography
GNCC reserves the right to photograph its events, and from time to time we use these photos in our publications. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and used, per GNCC discretion.
Meal Included in Event
A hot lunch is served at this event. When registering, please indicate any food allergies.