Celebrating the Achievements of Women in Cold Lake

The Cold Lake Women of Influence Awards are open for nominations. If you know an outstanding woman, who excels at her field, nominate her today by Women of Influence online.

“For a number of years, we’ve been talking, through the social agencies, throughout Cold  Lake, on doing something to highlight International Day of Women, on March 8th.” Spokesperson for the Women of Influence committee, Audrey McFarlane says the awards ceremonies serve to celebrate and inspire local women, “we wanted to do something that would inspire women to take on leadership roles or to be as productive, as possible in their communities.” The awards also bring to light local role models for young women.

There are four categories that you can nominate a woman under; Arts & Culture, Business & Professional, Community & Volunteerism, Health & Wellness. A full description of each category and qualifications for nomination, can be found at womenofinfluencecoldlake.org. From the nominations received in those categories, the Women of Influence Awards committee chooses one Overall Woman of Influence. Last year that woman was Patrica Coulter.

“She was such a hit, last year, we invited her back this year to be our guest speaker,” McFarlane says it’ll be a real treat to have a local woman as the keynote speaker at the awards.  “Patrica Coulter is a wonderful person and a fabulous artist. She has really started to make a difference on the national and international level.”

The awards will shake it up a little bit this year and provide entertainment after the ceremony, “we have some surprises in store,” laugh McFarlane, who promises they will not disappoint. “There’s some performers that’ll be there.”

The event is open to all genders and many men attend to support and celebrate the women in their lives, “everyone can celebrate the accomplishments of women. We still have a long way, to go in society, to be on par with men. But, certainly, there’s a lot of men that want to celebrate the accomplishments of women.”

Another great way to celebrate the accomplishments of women is to become an awards sponsor. The committee is looking for a few sponsors, which would include your company name on promotional items, as well as the opportunity to present the award and speak on the award and what it means to you. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Audrey McFarlane at 780-594-9905.

The ceremonies are March 10th at the Cold Lake Agriplex, tickets are $25/person and on sale now through Todd & Drake LLP, Crew Hause Barbers & Stylists and the Lakeland Centre for FASD in Cold Lake. Nominations are open online at womenofinfluencecoldlake.org or you can find and print off a copy on LCN.