Cold Lake Women of Influence recognize trailblazers

Val Hanson wins the overall Woman of Influence award, left, and Lynda Minoose wins the Arts and Culture award, right, Image credit: Images Studios. 

Women were recognized for their good work in the community at the eighth Cold Lake Women of Influence Awards on Friday.

Roughly 300 people celebrated the achievements of women in the Lakeland in the lead up to International Women’s Day.

Candice Sutterfield, committee member, said the nominees were selected by community members and then a panel decides who takes home the award in each category.

“Cold Lake is a fortunate community to have such trailblazers, hardworking and intelligent women. We had over 50 women nominated that speaks volumes to the women who are strong influences and leaders in our community,” she said.

The winners are:

• Business & Professional – Viola McNeil
• Health & Wellness – Elaine Wall
• Overall – Val Hanson
• Community & Volunteerism – Melanie Smith
• Arts & Culture – Lynda Minoose
• Science and Tech – Chelsea Clarke
• Older – Mary-Anne Penner

Hanson won the overall Woman of Influence Award as Holy Cross Elementary School’s vice-principal.

Lynn Dargis, owner of app Farmbucks, was the keynote speaker for the event sharing her story of taking over the family farm at 20 years old after tragedy struck.

Lynda Minoose is presented the Arts and Culture Award from Reeve Greg Sawchuk. Image credit: Images Studios.

Mary-Anne Penner, right, accepts the Older Woman of Influence Award. Image credit: Images Studios.

Val Hanson accepts the Overall Woman of Influence award. Image credit: Images Studios.

Health and Wellness award winner Elaine Wall, middle. Image credit: Images Studios.

Melanie Smith accepts the Community & Volunteerism award. Image credit: Images Studios.