As the holiday season approaches, Cold Lake is turning its attention to something far more meaningful than the usual stocking stuffers — inspiration. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Cold Lake Women of Influence Awards, and tickets are officially on sale for an evening that has become one of the community’s most powerful annual celebrations.

Set for March 6, 2026, at the Cold Lake Ag Building, the event brings together families, colleagues, leaders, and neighbours to honour women whose impact reaches into every corner of the Lakeland. At $40 per ticket, the evening offers an affordable and heartfelt gift option for those who want to celebrate women who lead with strength, service, creativity, and heart.

Nominate a Woman Who Makes a Difference

The call for nominations is open to anyone who knows a woman whose work deserves recognition — in business, arts, volunteering, health care, education, or community service. Nominees don’t need to live in Cold Lake, but their influence should be felt here.

The process is simple: visit the Nominate page on the Cold Lake Women of Influence website and share the story of someone who has made a meaningful impact. Whether you’re acknowledging a mentor, coworker, friend, or family member, the gesture can be incredibly powerful.

Tickets themselves have become a thoughtful gift idea — a way to say, “I see your strength,” or, “I believe in celebrating women who lift others.” Many attendees pick up extras during the holidays to tuck into stockings or gift bags for the women who inspire them.

Introducing the 2026 Keynote Speaker: Nichole Neubauer

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Nichole Neubauer, an agricultural educator and advocate whose work has left a remarkable imprint across rural Alberta. As co-owner of Neubauer Farms and co-founder of the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre, Nichole has helped more than 23,000 students discover the world of agriculture.

Her message bridges generations — celebrating the roots of rural living while encouraging young people to explore innovation, community building, and stewardship. Nichole’s perspective aligns perfectly with the heart of the Women of Influence Awards: leadership that strengthens communities and connects us to the land and each other.

Celebrating the Women Who Shape the Lakeland

Each year, the Awards shine a spotlight on women whose contributions help define Cold Lake’s character. The stories of past recipients offer a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication that flourish in this region.

• Audrey Poitras, the 2025 Overall Woman of Influence, has spent decades advocating for Métis rights and helping shape services such as the Lakeland Centre for FASD.

• Aimee Alger, honoured in Arts & Culture, has transformed drama education at Cold Lake Junior High and inspired countless young performers.

• Jessie Heisler, the 2025 Community & Volunteerism recipient, leads youth conversations around consent culture and has supported numerous local initiatives.

• Marla Slavik, celebrated for Science & Technology, is recognized for advancing cybersecurity and fostering innovation at Imperial’s Cold Lake operations.

These women represent the incredible range of leadership that exists here — leadership grounded in service, courage, creativity, and community.

Why Attend — And Why Nominate

The Women of Influence Awards are more than an evening event. They’re a chance to amplify the voices of local women who quietly shape lives, organizations, and futures. They remind attendees that leadership is not limited to boardrooms or titles; it shows up in classrooms, on farms, in volunteer halls, on stage, and in the everyday acts that strengthen community.

Whether you choose to nominate someone or simply attend the event, your involvement helps ensure these stories are heard. And for the woman being nominated, the recognition can be life-changing — an affirmation that her work truly matters.