The group gathered for a photo after the event. PHOTO: Julien Cooper
The 39th annual Women of Distinction Awards were held recently in Winnipeg.
Dr. Anna Stokke, Community Activism and Social Enterprise Award. PHOTO: Julien Cooper
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to cover this event several times for CKUW 95.9 FM, and it never ceases to amaze me how creative and accomplished are the women who are awarded this distinction. This year was no exception.
Since it started back in 1977 in Winnipeg, the awards have extended across Canada and around the world.
So many distinguished Manitobans have been recognized with this honour over the past four decades. Just to name a few: Gerrie Hammond in 1990 for the Public Affairs Award; Mary Scott in 2012 who received the Eira ‘BABS’ Friesen Lifetime Achievement Award and who was also recognized with an Award in 1998; and Juliette Cooper in 2013 who was acknowledged with a Science, Technology and the Environment Award.
The following is an audio report on what turned out to be a very special evening for several local women and for the community as a whole.
This year’s nominees and recipients:
Dr.Chander Gupta – The Eira “Babs” Friesen Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharice Molgat– The Gerrie Hammond Memorial Award of Promise
Lauren Wiebe– The Prairie Award of Promise
Brenda Gorlick– Arts, Culture & Heritage
Rosie Jacuzzi– Business, Professions & Trades
Dr. Anna Stokke– Community Activism & Social Enterprise
Patricia (Trish) Ward– Education, Training & Mentorship
Regyn Guinto– Health, Wellness & Fitness
Chris Albi– Public Awareness & Communications
Dr. Samar Safi-Harb– Science, Technology & Research
Carly Scramstad– Volunteerism
Rachel Ashley Byrka– Young Woman of Distinction
