Influential women in Nanaimo braved the elements and packed the hall for the second annual Women of Influence Nanaimo awards.
Despite the slippery roads on Feb. 5, this year's event packed the Vancouver Island Conference Centre with 700 people and 136 nominees, surpassing last year's inaugural event of 620 people and 100 nominees. The awards recognize contributions by women, non-binary and two-spirit role models in the community and raise money for Footprints Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Support Society.
"The fact that people braved the storm and filled the room to honour our nominees and stand with Footprints speaks volumes about the strength of this community,” said Blaise Hunter, the event's founder, in a press release. “This event isn’t just about recognition – it’s about solidarity, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of lifting each other up. It’s proof that when we come together with a shared purpose, we don’t just influence – we ignite a movement."
The Business Impact award went to Gauri Harrison, for her work on advocating for gender equality in the workplace and opportunities for marginalized voices.
The Fan the Flame award went to Leah Vaisanen, an Indigenous students representative and policy lead with the Native Women's Association of Canada.
The Health and Wellness award went to Dr. Jacqueline Presslauer, a family physician who started Lumina MD Aesthetics.
The Breathe Fire award went to Holly Wylie, a dragonboat paddler who competed in four world championships and represented Team Canada at the 2023 worlds in Pattaya, Thailand, scoring four gold medals.
The Trades award went to Karen Fry, who began a fire services career as a dispatcher with Nanaimo Fire Rescue, before moving her way up to fire chief, then in 2020 became the first woman fire chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.
The Creative Innovator award went to Sandy Gerber, a professional speaker, communication coach and author.
The Youth Resiliency award went to Sydney Hunt, an organ donation activist.
The STEM award went to Janna Wale, Indigenous research and partnerships lead at the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
The Matriarch 55-plus award went to Connie Paul, a nurse manager with Snuneymuxw First Nation for her work with First Nations advocacy and community development.
The Community and Social Responsibility award went to Dawn Lynne Clark, a team lead for family services at NARSF Inc.
The Arts and Culture award went to Sukhi Sangha, a dance teacher and founder of Vancouver Island Bhangra.
