Nominations are now being accepted for the inaugural Women of Influence Nanaimo awards that will take place Feb. 7 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
The event is geared to support and celebrate the power of being influential. Women, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people in mid Island are influencing the world in positive and revolutionary ways, noted a press release, and the awards salute the unique achievements and impact of diverse people representing various spheres, careers, and initiatives that help the advancement of women and the fabric of communities.
The Women of Influence Nanaimo awards are envisioned as a yearly event that recognizes exceptional people who live in the Regional District of Nanaimo as well as Ladysmith.
“This event is an opportunity to connect and celebrate our own who have shattered glass ceilings, paved the way for others, and demonstrated resiliency and inspiration,” said WIN awards chairperson, Blaise Hunter, in the release. “Something incredible happens when an invitation is issued for solidarity and community. The response from everyone has been outstanding and we are in awe of the business community stepping up and championing this initiative.”
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The awards will be held in February at the start of Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week. Proceeds from the event will go toward sustaining a local non-profit program that helps families going through infertility and loss. The Nanaimo-based Footprints Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Support Society provides free resource tools and mental health support bags for parents to help them navigate through these issues.
There are 11 award categories: business impact, creative innovator, breathe fire, arts and culture, health and wellness, community and social responsibility, trades, STEM, matriarch and youth resiliency, and ‘fan the flame.’ The youth award is open to everyone age 16-25 – young women and men, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people, the release noted, and the ‘fan the flame’ award is open to everyone.
The nomination deadline is Nov. 15. People can nominate friends, family, and even themselves. The WIN committee encourages self-nominations because it is safe to celebrate one’s own triumphs, noted the release.
For more information, visit www.woinanaimo.ca/nominations.
