ESTEVAN - The organizers of this year's Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Women of Distinction Awards are busy planning for the event.
A luncheon was held April 2 at the Â鶹ÊÓƵeast College's Estevan campus. Nominees and nominators were introduced, and details on this year's awards luncheon were announced. The awards, organized by the Women for Women committee, will be handed out May 2 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
Event chairwoman Becky Cassidy said a good leader is someone who will have the hard conversation they don't want, and the consistency to do the right thing when nobody is watching.
"The best leaders that I've had have been leaders who have looked at someone and believed in their potential, even before they believed in themselves."
The room where the nominee luncheon took place was filled with these female leaders.
"Leadership is dynamic, personal and powerful, and today we get to recognize the many women who lead with heart, courage and purpose, in ways that truly matter," said Cassidy.
She also noted that event sponsor Stacey Wempe Support You Life Coaching and Consulting helped make the event possible, and Cassidy said Wempe is an example of leadership in the community.
The luncheon was also an opportunity to announce the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, St. Joseph's Hospital of Estevan, is this year's inductee into the Trailblazers Memorial Walk, presented by SaskTel. The sisters join 2023 charter members Shirley Carson, Melodye Pierson, Shirley Orsted and Ida Petterson, and last year's honouree, Gertie Lev.
"Let's honour the memory and contributions of our past inductees," said Cassidy, who called this year's honourees "inspiring".
Cassidy noted they will have more information on the impact of the Sisters of St. Joseph's at the awards luncheon in May, and people will be able to learn more about all of the members of the Trailblazer Walk.
Funds raised through the Women of Distinction Awards will be directed to a scholarship fund, with $2,000 going to the young visionary award recipient and money also going to the nominee.
