Some tough decisions have been made by the Vernon Woman of the Year judges.
The initial 12 nominees have now been reduced down to eight finalists.
“I know we have to make a judgment for the one woman of the year, but I personally wouldn’t know where to start. These are all phenomenal women,” said Carla Dahlen, with Vernon Women In Business.
The eight finalists are:
Elise Allan
Raised in Lavington, Allan earned a bachelor of arts from the University of B.C. in 2003. She achieved her LLB in 2006, and was then called to the B.C. Bar in 2007. Besides offering pro bono legal services in special cases, she provides contributions to the community through her volunteer efforts. She’s the president of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and spends countless hours organizing fundraising events and volunteering for various charitable organizations. Allan is also the recipient of several awards, including KPMG’s Top 20 Under 40 and the Interior Health Volunteer Service Award.
Emily Hladych
Hladych, a mother of three, has spent hours, days, weeks, and years pioneering the Waldorf-inspired Cedar Bridge School on her family’s farm land. She has devoted the better part of the last decade integrating academics, land stewardship, health awareness, and developmental principals into her outstanding curriculum. Throughout this time, she has also served as a student, a teacher, a mentor, and a principal in the hopes of providing the children of our community a place to grow, learn, and be inspired. Emily’s passion for creating a stimulating environment for children is evident in each student that walks away healthy, well-rounded, capable, and educated.
Kim Nasipayko
As the owner of Caufield’s Engraving, Nasipayko has been an active business owner in our community for the last nine years. With a passion for helping others, including pets and animals, Nasipayko donates her time and efforts to countless organizations that benefit our community as a whole. If she’s not overcoming challenges at work to benefit her customers, she’s serving on the board of the Kalamalka Rotary and the United Way’s community donations board, or sponsoring a sports tournament. If all that isn’t enough, Kim is also a devoted mentor in the Community Futures North Okanagan Enterprise Challenge, and has been filling that role since its inception.
Mary Jo O’Keefe
With deep-rooted community values, entrepreneur and founder of MJO Tours, Mary Jo O’Keefe strives to make Vernon a great place to live and visit. Her participation in the Downtown Vernon Association, Vernon city council, Arts Council of the North Okanagan, and many other organizations demonstrate her passion and commitment to our community. By creating new initiatives, O’Keefe plays a vital role in moving many different committees forward to achieve their visions and goals. Her mentorship and support, both in her profession and community involvement, has inspired more volunteers to step forward in an effort to make our community stronger than it’s ever been.
Pamela Owen
With a radiant smile and a positive attitude, Pamela Owen has become an important member of the North Okanagan community. Whether she’s helping clients find a way to afford their dream home or donating her time and energy to non-profit organizations and fundraising events, Owen is devoted to helping those in need. She’s donated her time to the Vernon Rotary Club, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, the Transition House, the Canadian Mental Health fundraising team, and Vernon Women in Business. Owen’s affordable housing advocacy efforts, strength, and determination have propelled her into a position of trust and admiration among colleagues and friends.
Sareena Nickoli
Sareena Nickoli has inspired so many individuals in the community through her dance classes. After offering classes at various studios throughout the city, Nickoli finally opened her own studio: Soul Studio. When she’s not spreading her passion for health and wellbeing through dance, Nickoli plays a big part at City Furniture, her family’s furniture company. Through these two outlets, Nickoli is able to donate much-appreciated funds to Upper Room Mission, the Transition House, Teen Junction, the food bank, and many others. She’s also donated her time and studio to countless fundraising events and functions.
Sue Beaudry
Sue Beaudry uses her compassion, strength, and determination to entertain and help community members. Through Kalamalka Caring Klowns, she dons a clown outfit and wig to lift the spirits and wellbeing of community members in need. Her bright spirit and caring attitude are instrumental in her mentorship endeavours. As director of development for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, Beaudry made it her mission to provide leadership in many fundraising campaigns. Using her time, knowledge, and creativity to give back to the community, Beaudry has played a big role on the Vernon Restholm board, in Vernon Women in Business, the Canadian Cancer Society and many other organizations.
Suzanne Robert
The mastermind behind Vernon’s largest dancing light show, Suzanne Robert continues to give back to her community in fun and interesting ways. Donations accepted for the annual light show on Pleasant Valley Road are given to the Vernon Women’s Transition House. When Robert isn’t setting up and tearing down her Christmas light display, she’s volunteering her hairstyling skills and her time to a variety of worthwhile causes throughout the area. From providing underprivileged teens with stunning updos through the Cinderella Project to providing hair and wig services to cancer patients, Robert has brought joy and smiles to so many faces.
At the May 11 Woman of the Year Gala dinner, the finalists will be honoured. Once all of the finalists have been presented, the judges will announce their final decision for the 2017 Woman of the Year.
The event takes place at the Prestige Hotel from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.ticketseller.ca or call 250-549 7469
For more information, go to www.vwib.com.