2009 Women of Excellence Recipients and Sponsors

2009 Women of Excellence Awards
Recipients and Sponsors
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Agriculture and Environment
BDO Dunwoody, LLP
Chartered Accountants and Advisors
2009 Recipients
Judy Boyd, Dianne Finstad & Sandra MacDougall
Judy Boyd
Judy came to Red Deer upon completion of her teaching degree,
where she majored in High School Education. After three years
teaching at that level, a career change to ECS allowed her interest in
nature to develop, which led to her work over the years with the
Kerry Wood Nature Centre and the Medicine River Wildlife Centre.
Judy has volunteered with many environmental organizations
throughout the region, such as Red Deer River Naturalists, and the
Federation of Alberta naturalists, focusing on programs such as the
Nature Nursery, Young naturalist Club, Red Deer River Clean-UP
among many others. She is currently writing a bi-weekly article
about birds for the Central Alberta Life Newspaper.
Agriculture and Environment
BDO Dunwoody, LLP Chartered Accountants and Advisors
Dianne Finstad
Dianne began her radio career in 1981 at a small radio station in Taber,
Alberta. Along with regular newscasts and reporting, Dianne was called on
from time to time to do agricultural reports. After 4 short months, Dianne
moved to Red Deer to become the agricultural reporter for CKRD and its two
affiliated radio stations. Over a 25 year period, Dianne saw her assignment
grow from weekly to daily, being broadcast on a number of stations. She also
hosted a successful rodeo program. Dianne’s expertise and interest in
agricultural sector was not an accident– her family farm south of Medicine
Hat marked its 100th anniversary in 2009. Dianne is currently working for
KG Country, continuing to provide broadcast opportunities to agricultural
and rodeo regionally.
Sandra MacDougall
In addition to her work at as an instructor at RDC, Sandra has done
significant innovative research and has developed environmentally focused
courses that are being offered internationally. Receiving a recent Special
Projects grant allowed her to further develop expertise in road ecology as she
undertook an underpass monitoring study along the QEII. A busy mother of
three, Sandra balances her family demands with significant research and
college contributions. While working at RDC, she completed her Masters
Degree in Environmental Design at the University of Calgary. Sandra has
provided her students with unique opportunities, allowing them to develop
an interest in a career of ecology by learning how to analyze and process
data, and present materials of a complex nature in a clear and fluent
manner. She fearlessly takes on new challenges and works hard to make all
projects successful.
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Sunworks
2009 Recipients
Glynis Wilson Boultbee & Sadie Braun
Glynis Wilson Boultbee
Glynis has worked and volunteered for a variety of community arts
organizations. As Project Coordinator of Arts a la Carte, and the first organizer
of Artsparks, she has been committed to taking the arts out to individuals who
may, for a variety of reasons, not normally have access. She also teaches
numerous courses on creativity and wellness, and creativity in the workplace.
Glynis enjoys arts activities herself and has at various times been involved in
writing, directing, drumming, storytelling and the visual arts. She has
collaborated with visual artists to create exhibits that incorporated her poetry,
and has also had a solo show of her altered photographs. Glynis believes strongly
in the power of the arts to contribute to the wellness of individuals and the
community as a whole.
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Sunworks
Sadie Braun
Since arriving in Red Deer in 1971, Sadie has exemplified excellence
in the performing arts. Her energy and enthusiasm have been
inspiring as she served as choir mistress and organist of the
Sunnybrook United Church and director of the Red Deer Chamber
Singers for over many years. Her volunteer spirit has led her to
start a music scholarship fund that supports RDC music students.
She served on the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra Board and was
involved with the local group of the Association of Registered
Music Teachers of Alberta. She inspired countless piano students to
excellence and many pursued music careers. All of this was
achieved while juggling her role as a nurse and along with her
husband, raising three children.
Athletics, Recreation and Fitness
Red Deer & District Community Foundation
2009 Recipients
Colleen Manning Baumbach & Margaret Phelan
Colleen Manning Baumbach
Fitness and wellness are Colleen’s passion that she shares, encourages
and promotes with her family, friends, clinets and community. Despite
undergoing open-heart surgery at age eight, Colleen has never shied
away from athletics and has always strived to realize her potential. In
addition to working as a fitness and Pilates instructor, she has
maximized her Bachelor of Physical Education degree by teaching and
coaching young women in our community towards an active, fit
lifestyle. She has also designed many fitness, wellness and healthy living
seminars, each targeted at a diverse array of people such as school
children of all ages, seniors, office workers, golfers, other fitness
instructors and amateur competitive athletes.
Athletics, Recreation and Fitness
Red Deer & District Community Foundation
Margaret Phelan
Born and raised in Red Deer, Marg has devoted her life to the economic
development of the region– as well as ensuring recreational activities and
opportunities exist for community members of all ages! She has volunteered
for a diverse group of organizations such as Alberta Sports hall of Fame &
Museum; Chambers of Commerce throughout the region; 4-H; Alberta
Centennial Awards; Swim Alberta; Sylvan Lake Sailing Club; Red Deer
Tourism as well as Big Red Deer, 2006 Alberta Summer Games, and the 1998
Alberta Winter Games. In addition to downhill and cross country skiing,
running and sailing, Marg currently owns a pottery studio, and actively
participates in art shows and theatre events– her mission is to build
community throughout the sectors.
Business and the Professions
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
2009 Recipients
Andrea Thain Liptak & Barbara Jane Sheppard
Andrea Thain Liptak
Andrea is a proven healthcare leader currently in the role as the Director of
Primary Care and Chronic Disease Management for Alberta Health Services.
She has a record of strong, effective leadership in program planning and
operations, and has experience as an inter-sectoral collaborator. Andrea leads
her professional and personal life with a commitment to excellence, excelling at
any project she undertakes. She is a committed community member volunteering
with the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, the Red Deer School Lunch Program,
the Rotary Club of Red Deer, and she spends countless hours ensuring the success
of the Rotary International District Youth Exchange Program. Andrea
presented her Masters thesis at an International health Conference in Oxford,
England, and received the David Thompson Health Regional Excellence in
Leadership award in 2007.
Business and the Professions
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Barbara Jane Sheppard
Barb has over 20 years of experience in the delivery of career development
services and has been the Director of Career Assistance Network since its
inception in 1996. She has a diploma in Rehabilitation Counseling ad extensive
experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and
cultures. While some clients have employment barriers (social limitations,
psychological, physical or developmental impairments), her business specializes
in providing a range of short-term employment and educational supports to
mainstream Albertans. Anyone is eligible to receive work search training,
interview practice and resume and portfolio development services. Safety
Training and Career Planning Workshops are also available to people who are
exploring and expanding their employment or educational options.
Community Building
Heidi Dandurand, Mortgage Architects
2009 Recipients
May Johnson & Wendy Klassen
May Johnson
May moved to Red Deer 22 years ago, married husband Carl at Gaetz United
Church and together have successfully blended their wonderful family. Volunteering and learning whatever she can has always been May’s motto. Many
opportunities have come May’s way and she has enthusiastically reached out
and grabbed them. Whether May is working at a museum, writing newspaper
articles, managing a business, or doing whatever work her job entails, May has
always found time to volunteer in a variety of community organizations. She
mentors people– she is always there! May takes all of her positions to heart,
examples being winning Business of the Year Award for Sentinel Self-Storage
as well as receiving the “Silent Angel” award for her many years of volunteer
efforts.
Community Building
Heidi Dandurand, Mortgage Architects
Wendy Klassen
Wendy was born in Red Deer and raised on a farm west of the city. Educated
in social work, Wendy has worked in a variety of capacities within the community work environment for the past 35 years. She has worked in front line,
management, as a volunteer and as a consultant. Her work has involved all
age groups, and a wide range of sectors– education, health, social services,
mental health, non-profit organizations, municipalities, public system departments and authorities. Wendy single parented her son for a number of years
and is now enjoying a blended family with her husband. She spends personal
time reading and gardening, but spends most of her spare time with her
“collection” of family and friends!
Education and Training
Pamela Schwartz Photography
2009 Recipients
Paulette Hanna & Jane Proudlove
Paulette Hanna
Paulette exemplifies excellence in education with a career long in its dedication
to the promotion of learning, leadership, and achievement. For 38 years Paulette’s
career has taken her from shaping the minds of young learners in a rural
elementary school setting to that of an influential community leader and CEO of
the Red Deer Catholic Regional Division. Paulette’s interest in lifelong learning
and leadership extends into the community with her position as a member of Red
Deer College Board of Governors; membership with the College of Alberta School
Superintendents Provincial Executive; and Education Partner with the
Education Research and development Corporation. She is currently completing a
Doctor of Education at the University of Calgary.
Education and Training
Pamela Schwartz Photography
Jane Proudlove
Jane’s experience and passion for working with children and families facing
special challenges has resulted in her volunteering with many Red Deer
agencies, such as the Youth and Volunteer Center, Central Alberta Special
Equestrians, Wood’s Homes, the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, the
Mayor’s Task to End Homelessness, The Leadership Centre, Red Deer College
Board of Governors, Parkland Youth Homes and the Red Deer & District
Community Foundation. She has also made several international trips to a variety of destinations to offer rehabilitation consulting services to schools and
orphanages caring for children with physical disabilities. Jane’s most treasured
moments are the weekends she spends providing respite care for children with
special needs– something she has done since 1989.
Entrepreneurship
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
2009 Recipients
Kim Berube & Sonia Sawyer Schaab
Kim Berube
Kim is a leader and blossoming visionary who is continually inspired by
women’s stories. In January 2007, Kim decided to publish a magazine, real
Women on the Run. New to entrepreneurship, with no experience in
journalism, publishing or sales, Kim embarked on an adventure in magazine
publishing. Publishing is one of the most difficult business models to ensure
success, but guided by her passion to show women positive role modeling– Kim
has realized her goal and offered much to others along the way. Kim is a
member of the accapella group– JazzCASUAL, she is a Community Liaison for
the Lacombe Arts Endowment Foundation, she is active with both the Lacombe
and Red Deer Chambers of Commerce and is a member of the Independent
Achievers– Red Deer
Entrepreneurship
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Sonia Sawyer Schaab
Sonia Sawyer Schaab
Sonia is the co-owner and sales manager of L.A. Radio Group Inc.– the only
woman in Canada to co-own and operate two radio stations in a market the size
of Central Alberta. The current broadcasting landscape in Canada is extremely
corporate, with few independent radio stations still in existence. Sonia has
played an enormous part in re-shaping Red Deer and Central Alberta radio by
creating new and fresh ideas for both her clients as well as the industry– her single biggest achievement being the creator of L.A Radio Group, Inc., operating
Sunny 94 and KRAZE 101.3. L.A. radio group currently employs 35 staff.
Married, with two busy children, Sonia has volunteered her time to the Lacombe
and the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, the Lacombe Figure Skating Club and
Lacombe Minor Hockey.
Health and Wellness
Red Deer & District Community Foundation
2009 Recipients
Jennifer Vanderschaeghe & Brenda Watts
Jennifer Vanderschaeghe
Jennifer arrived in Red Deer in 1999, continuing her long standing commitment
to people living with HIV. Currently the Executive Director of the Central
Alberta AIDS Network Society, Jennifer’s work as an advocate for consumersand agencies providing supports to the marginalized people in our communitieshas found her providing leadership to agencies like the Red Deer Housing
Committee, Safe Harbour Society, Central Alberta rainbow Youth, the United
Way of Central Alberta, and most recently chairing the Red Deer Native
Friendship Centre Board and the EveryOne’s Home Advisory Committee of the
Red Deer & District Community Foundation as Red Deer pursues its goals to end
homelessness by 2018. jennifer has worked provincially, nationally and
internationally, learning and teaching other volunteers from diverse
backgrounds about the importance of wellness and health in all aspects of our
community.
Health and Wellness
Red Deer & District Community Foundation
Brenda Watts
Brenda was raised in Rimbey, Alberta, the youngest of three. After marrying
a farm boy and moving about the province, she “came home” to settle in
Central Alberta in 1983. Brenda obtained a Business Administration
certificate and worked with her husband in administration and finance
capacities in family businesses. After raising her own family of three, she
completed her Psychology Degree. Experiencing the deaths of both parents by
the time she was thirty-two opened her eyes and heart to the world of grief
and loss. Brenda “knew” that she needed to work in the field of death and
dying. As Executive Director of the Red Deer Hospice Society, Brenda is
dedicated to assisting clients and their families as they navigate end-of-life.
Human Services
Hon. Mary Anne Jablonski and Cal Dallas, MLA
2009 Recipients
Halima Ali & Raye St. Denys
Halima Ali
Halima was born in Somalia where, prior to emigrating, she earned her Bachelor
of Arts in Education and helped set up educational programs for rural and
refugee women. When she immigrated to Canada in the 1990’s with her husband
and son, she worked for COSTI, an immigrant settlement organization in Toronto.
Halima now champions immigrants in Red Deer as Executive Director of the
Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA). Because of Halima’s
vision, her commitment to hard work, and the ability to work with and inspire
her staff, CAIWA now offers programs in computer skills, health and wellness,
civic participation, home instruction for parents of preschool children, and
family violence and bullying. Halima is a graduate of The Leadership Centre,
speaks three languages and volunteers on three boards.
Human Services
Hon. Mary Anne Jablonski and Cal Dallas, MLA
Raye St. Denys
Since arriving in Red Deer in 1996, Raye’s work as the Executive Director of
Shining Mountains Living Community Services has provided training for nonAboriginal service providers as well as heightened level of community based
services for marginalized members of the community. Developing the first
module outreach and harm reduction program in Red Deer, Raye donated her
own personal RV to ensure that adequate food and blankets were available for
people experiencing homelessness or struggling to feed themselves and their
families. Raye initiated the purchase of the first apartment block in Red Deer
to be owned and operated by an Aboriginal agency, providing second stage
affordable housing for women who have experienced violence and/or addictions.
Working provincially and nationally, Raye has elevated awareness of
aboriginal communities living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C .
Young Woman of Excellence
Servus Credit Union
2009 Recipient
Erin Konsmo
Erin is a dynamic and talented leader who has achieved more at her young
age than many do in a lifetime. Erin’s commitment to her community and to
the many organizations she is a part of sets such a positive example for young
women and constantly strives to create awareness and involve others. She is a
former member of the Red Deer College Board of Governors, won the RDC
Outstanding Student Award in 2008, is a Past Board Chair of the Central
Alberta AIDS Network and of the RDC Sociology Society, and was honored
nationally by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges with their
Student Leadership Award in 2009. More important than her many awards
and accolades is that this young woman is always willing to volunteer her time
and talent to support organizations, events and even individuals in need.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Red Deer College
2009 Recipient
Evelyn Johannson
Evelyn is a retired school teacher who has lived most of her 87 years in Central
Alberta! Teaching for over 30 years, she provided great learning experiences and
instilled confidence and self-esteem in her students as well as colleagues. Evelyn’s
remarkable qualities of enthusiasm, energy, and commitment along with her
organizational skills and high standards, have made her an extraordinary community builder. She loves life and people and thus her community has been enriched with
her generous sharing of time, talents and treasures. Evelyn is seldom in the limelight,
choosing instead to work quietly and effectively behind the scenes. Her tireless
dedication to the betterment of her community has resulted in an enviable role for
family, friends and community at large.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Red Deer College
2009 Recipient
Hazel Flewwelling
Hazel has a lifelong commitment to learning, literacy and community building.
She taught within the Red Deer Public Schools Division for years, helping mold
young individual’s minds. She is in the forefront of numerous fundraising events
for the Red Deer Public Library, Alberta M.S. Society, the Gaetz United Church
and Central Alberta United Way. She served on several Boards including the
Red Deer Chapter, M.S. Society of Alberta; Swiss Canadian Club and the Red Deer
Public Library. She assisted her husband in the founding of the Red Deer &
District Community Foundation and in establishing dedicated funds within the
Foundation ,is a Leadership Donor to the United Way and a donor of art works
to the RDC Permanent Art Collection and the University of Lethbridge. She has
been awarded Red Deer Citizen of the Year in 1992; Woman of the Year by the
Red Deer Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi in 1994; Canada 125 Medal for Volunteer Leadership in 1992 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003 for Community
Service and Volunteer Leadership. She is married to Mayor Morris Flewwelling
and a mother of two sons.
Special Thanks !
Lyn Radford, 2009Women of Excellence Chair
Heidi Dandurand, 2009 Women of Excellence Gala Chair
Women of Excellence Committee Members:
Cheryl Adams
May Johnson
Connie Casovan
Erin Konsmo
Leslee Burton
Judy Mason
Celine Lendvay
Kristine Bugayong
Red Deer Kinettes
GALA SPONSORS:
ATB Financial-Red Deer Hub
Retire First Ltd.
TD Canada Trust
Heywood Holmes & Partners LLP
World of Women
Central Alberta Imaging Services Ltd.
Dr. Maureen McCall, MD, MPH
GIFT IN KIND GALA SPONSORS
Only Women’s Fitness
Elegant Expressions
Aurora Medical Laser & Vein Centre
Printing Place Print & Design Inc.
Kraze 101.3
KG Country 95.5
Dale Christian