As the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time to think beyond socks and gift cards — why not give the gift of inspiration? Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Cold Lake Women of Influence Awards, and tickets are now on sale for what promises to be a memorable celebration of strength, service, and community spirit.

 

• Date: March 6, 2026
• Location: Cold Lake Ag Building, Cold Lake, AB
• Ticket Price: $40 per perso

 

How to Nominate: Visit the “Nominate” page on the Cold Lake Women of Influence website to honour a woman in your life whose work deserves note — whether in business, arts, volunteering, health, or beyond.

 

 

Tickets make a meaningful and thoughtful gift — perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or as a special stocking stuffer for friends, family, or colleagues who believe in uplifting women.

 

Meet This Year’s Keynote Speaker

 

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s keynote speaker is Nichole Neubauer — a renowned agricultural educator, advocate, and farm innovator. As co-owner of Neubauer Farms and co-founder of the Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre, Nichole has introduced over 23,000 students to agriculture and fostered stronger connections between rural living and the next generation. Her work bridges education, community, and stewardship — and embodies the spirit the Women of Influence Awards aim to honour.

 

Nichole’s address promises to be inspiring, reminding us of the power of leadership, community, and connection to the land.

 

Celebrating Local Heroes — A Look Back at Past Winners

 

The Cold Lake Women of Influence Awards honours women from all walks of life — from business leaders and volunteers to artists, educators, and community advocates. Some recent honourees include:

 

Audrey Poitras — 2025 Overall Woman of Influence, celebrated for her decades of leadership advocating for Métis rights, founding of the Lakeland Centre for FASD, and national-level impact through CanFASD.

 

Aimee Alger — 2025 Arts & Culture Woman of Influence, recognized for her transformative work in drama education at Cold Lake Junior High and her role as a performer and mentor in the community.

 

Jessie Heisler — 2025 Community & Volunteerism Woman of Influence, honoured for raising awareness about consent culture, leading regional youth workshops, and supporting local community initiatives.

 

Marla Slavik — 2025 Science & Technology Woman of Influence, applauded for her leadership in cybersecurity at Imperial’s Cold Lake operations and for promoting innovation and safety in STEM fields.

 

 

These stories — and many others — show the breadth and depth of talent, passion, and service that make Cold Lake’s community strong.

 

 Why You Should Nominate, Buy Tickets, or Plan to Attend

 

Amplify voices that deserve recognition. The nomination process is open and inclusive — you don’t even need the nominee to live in Cold Lake, just to have made a meaningful impact on our community.

 

Celebrate women across all fields. From arts and culture to health, community service to science and tech — the Awards recognize that leadership comes in many forms.

 

Give a truly meaningful gift this season. A ticket to the Awards — or nominating an inspiring woman — is more than a present. It’s a way to invest in community, empowerment, and recognition.

 

Join a night of connection, inspiration, and celebration. With a keynote speech by a respected community leader, a night of camaraderie and recognition, this event brings people together to honour real local impact.

 

 

 

This holiday season, think beyond the usual — nominate a deserving woman, or grab a ticket to share the evening with friends, family, or colleagues. Let’s come together to celebrate the women who shape, uplift, and inspire our Cold Lake community.