IT TAKES A VILLAGE2018

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THE GUELPH Y PRESENTS:

Melissa GreloCo-Host of CTV’s, THE SOCIAL & YOUR MORNING

Smart, sassy, and informed, Melissa Grelo (@melissagrelo) added Co-Host of THE SOCIAL to her expanding resumé in 2013, and also acts as the show’s moderator. Melissa was the long-time co-host of the most-watched morning news program, CP24 BREAKFAST in the Greater Toronto Area, and anchored and reported on the biggest stories in Canada’s largest news market.

As Canada watched from the edge of their couches, Melissa gave the front-row perspective when she co-hosted CTV’s OLYMPIC MORNING program from Vancouver 2010 in Whistler, B.C. And no stranger to glitz and glamour, Melissa has covered the Toronto International Film Festival® red carpets since 2009, and was in Los Angeles in 2013 reporting for CP24 and CTV from the prestigious ACADEMY AWARDS®. She’s also co-hosted the Santa Claus Parade on CTV since 2010, contributed to the Grey Cup Weekend on TSN in 2012, and DAILY PLANET on Discovery in 2013. In recent years, Melissa has combined her passions for horses and fashion by contributing to TSN’s coverage of the Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest continuously-run thoroughbred race, and the accompanying wildly popular and glamorous Hats and Horseshoes Party.

When away from the office, Melissa enjoys horseback riding, fitness training, reading, and travelling. As a former teacher, education and giving back to the community are very important to her. She has worked with charities like Artbound and Free The Children which have built schools in Kenya, India, and other developing nations. She also dedicates time to raising funds for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the Community Association for Riding for the Disabled (CARD) with horseback riding demonstrations. She speaks at many fundraising events, specifically with the GTA’s youth, whom she encourages to become involved in charitable work and contribute to their communities.

With Pat McCrawCo-Founder of Guelph Y’s Women of Distinction™

Over 50 years ago, Pat McCraw made a commitment to dedicating her time to volunteering in her community for a variety of national and international organizations. Between her volunteer roles and watching her boys grow up at the Guelph Y with swimming lessons and camp, Pat never envisioned herself as being one of the founders of Guelph Y’s Women of Distinction™ fundraiser.

Pat took interest in volunteering her time as one of Guelph Y’s Board of Directors. While serving on the Board, Pat and her colleagues had the opportunity to visit Toronto’s YWCA and saw first-hand the positive impact that a Women of Distinction™ event could have on a community. Once the Guelph Y learned about the work being done, it became clear that this was something that the Guelph Y had to take on. Once presented to the Board – the team agreed almost immediately that this was an initiative they had to do, as it was a perfect fit for the Guelph community.

Guelph Y’s Women of Distinction™ fundraiser is now embarking on its 23rd year. Through these years, the fundraiser has seen a tremendous amount of growth. From a celebratory banquet dinner to a large-scale community fundraiser held at the River Run Centre, it is evident that much has evolved since its first year in 1994. Despite the evolution of Women of Distinction™, one thing has remained – it has always taken a village to make the fundraiser possible. From a tremendous amount of support and work from volunteers, sponsors, boards, and committees – many individuals and organizations in this community have come together to celebrate and empower the women who make our village a better place to work, live, and grow.

A conversation about community and the commitment to celebrating women

Introducing your host

Honorary ChairMarissa Teeter Active philanthropist, community champion, Women of Distinction™ alumna, Senior-Vice President of Financial Services for Investors Group

Emcee & Keynote SpeakerMelissa Grelo Co-host of CTV’s THE SOCIAL and YOUR MORNING

Speakers

Robert E. Serra Regional Director of Investors Group, Platinum Sponsor

Geoff Vogt Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph

Jay Whitelaw Givesome Founder and Executive Director

Special AwardsLifetime Achievement Award Presented by University of Guelph

Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by McNeil Consumer Healthcare Inc.

Turning Point AwardPresented by the Guelph Y Teenage Parents Program

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PROGRAMCelebrating and empowering local women.

In support of Guelph Y programs for girls and women at all stages of life.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

6:30 pm – 7:30 pmCelebration Reception (Canada Company Hall)

Thank you to:• Lemon Grass Thai Food• Sweet Temptations• Taste of Craft• Laza Food & Beverages• Zehrs Markets• Platters Catering & Events• Oryan Catering • Kirtida Kitchen• Just Juice

7:30 pm – 9:30 pmPresentation Ceremony (Main Stage)

SPONSORST hank You to our

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Donated Ticket Sponsors

Get Noticed. Get Found.

VOLUNTEERST hank You to our

Giving Sponsor

A special thank you to the Steering Committee who played a pivotal role in shaping Women of Distinction™ in 2018:

Marissa Teeter • Kristel ManesStewart McDonoughPatricia Kopec • Claire AlexanderRosemary Fernandes-WalkerBarbara Fera • Anita AcaiHelen Keen • Anu SaxenaTracey McGrath • Jessica St.PeterLynne Barker • Pat McCraw

Thank you to the following volunteers who have assisted in making the Women of Distinction™ season possible:

Hilary Parkin • Melissa HaynesJenn Bucci • Shaun ScottMarion Kasha • Shakiba ShayaniTania Framst • Jenn ScottRobert Cliff • Joanne ShuttleworthBecky Breau • Gabriela FerrariSarah Thomas

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A warm welcomeGeoff Vogt

Chief Executive Officer,YMCA-YWCA of Guelph

n behalf of the Guelph Y, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 23rd Annual Women of Distinction™ celebration. The Guelph

Y team of 300 staff and 115 volunteers is extremely proud to host this signature event which brings our community together to celebrate 20 remarkable women. As we get to know these women tonight, we will hear stories of resiliency, leadership, community building and trailblazing. I know we will be inspired by these women and it is our hope that our inspiration will transpire into action. As one of only five Y’s across Canada that represent both the YMCA and YWCA, the Guelph Y has a dedicated mandate to support girls and women in our community. Events like tonight are important fundraisers that support key Guelph Y programs, such as our Teenage Parents Program, Encore (an after breast cancer support program) and the Power of Being a Girl Conference, which is a one day event for grade 7 and 8 girls. Thank you for being a part of the village that supports these initiatives.

Tonight’s theme, It Takes a Village, aligns with the founding principles of the Y: together we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community. The Guelph Y is a village itself – when you walk through our doors, you will see support, collaboration and friendship everywhere you look. From the 10:30 am coffee gathering in the lobby after an Aquafit class, to the University of Guelph student who is delivering customized programming for someone recovering from a stroke, the Guelph Y is a village that champions health and wellness for everyone. I want to thank tonight’s sponsors for your generous support of this evening and the Guelph Y. Thank you to you, our guests, for joining us this evening. It is our pleasure to have you here and we are grateful for your partnership and support in our effort to build community.

Please celebrate with us loudly and make tonight memorable for our 20 remarkable honourees.

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A word from our Honorary Chair

Marissa TeeterActive philanthropist, community champion,

Women of Distinction™ alumna, Senior-Vice President of Financial Services, Investors Group

t is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 23rd Annual Women of Distinction™ Fundraising Event, an inclusive and impactful evening of celebration and inspiration for everyone. Tonight’s efforts extend far

beyond this gala as these women, you and our entire community have come together to create a lasting impact as one village. Being here tonight, shows your commitment to this community and to women who are working hard every day to make this world a better place and for that we are grateful for your support.

This year’s theme of “It takes a village” is one that is close to my heart. As an active philanthropist in our community and working mom of two beautiful children, I understand that my ability to pursue all of my dreams all at once – is the direct result of the support, love and understanding I get from my village every single day. Your village can be anyone - family, friends, co-workers - it is those around you who allow you to be

the best version of yourself and push you forward when obstacles or challenges make it seem impossible to thrive.

This year’s 20 Women of Distinction™ honourees are remarkable women who have built up incredible villages around them and who have been supported and lifted up by villages of their own. These women are the very definition of strength, perseverance, generosity, selflessness, acceptance, inspiration and love.

I am thrilled to call these women my friends and inspirations and hope you will join me in celebrating them this evening and every day thereafter as we work together to build a better city, country and world for women, for everyone.

Thank you for your support, tonight you are truly changing lives.

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BOLATITO ALAWODE

BOLATITO ALAWODE

I am simply a girl next door with a strong drive to add value to my community and make an impact.

— Bolatito AlawodeAdvocate, mentor and entrepreneur

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olatito Alawode’s most recent venture – an online Nigerian grocery store that delivers to your door – is the reason she has been recognized in the

Women of Distinction™ Entrepreneurship & Innovation category. It is Bolatito’s admirable approach to leadership that sees her in the Education, Training & Mentorship category. As an undergrad student in Nigeria, Bolatito started an NGO called Her-Rise, an enterprise that organized empowerment workshops and events for young women in the community and also published a free local magazine. Through Her-Rise, thousands of young women learned skills that could lead to employment.

She came to Canada as an international student and moved to Guelph in 2016. She had a hard time sourcing food to cook some of her native dishes and realized this hole in the supply chain was in fact an opportunity.

She founded mychopchop.ca last year and now caters to folks across Canada and the U.S. seeking a wide range of ethnic products.

By day Bolatito also works in the financial services industry where she has a positive impact on women in the workplace.

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B O N N I E M A L L A R DDR.

B O N N I E M A L L A R D

Innovation takes a little imagination, lots of inspiration and loads of collaboration. Together we are stronger to shape our world.

— Dr. Bonnie MallardProfessor of Immunogenetics,

Department of Pathology, University of Guelph

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onnie Mallard has spent more than 25 years researching disease resistance in livestock and her impact on the Canadian dairy industry has

been enormous. She is one of the most influential scientists in her field and has mentored dozens of graduate and post-graduate students, who have gone on to successful careers in government, industry or academia. This is why Bonnie has been nominated in the Education, Training and Mentorship and STEM categories. Bonnie invented the technology that allows dairy farmers and livestock producers to test their cattle and identify those with naturally strong immune systems and resistance to disease. Her invention is heralded as a game-changer as strong herds can reduce antibiotic use, resulting in a healthy and sustainable food chain.

She received the World Dairy Expo Innovation Award in 2013 for her High Immune Response technology, the University of Guelph Research Innovation of the Year Award in 2017 in recognition of the positive impact on the lives of people, the environment and the community, and the prestigious Governor General`s Innovation Award in 2017 recognizing the HIR technology and Bonnie as an entrepreneurial risk-taker.

Bonnie is also active in her church, loves to ride her two dressage horses and was involved in founding the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre.

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B R E N D A G I B S O N

B R E N D A G I B S O N

I believe that everything happens for a reason and whatever I am facing, it will help me grow as a person.

— Brenda GibsonAdvocate and activist in bringing

children and the arts together

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renda Gibson’s commitment to exposing youth to the artists and musicians in our community continues annually and it is for this that Brenda

has been nominated in the Arts & Culture category.

Brenda was at the helm of the Guelph Youth Music Centre for many years and oversaw the successful growth of the programs there. She was a champion of the arts and brought musical education, appreciation and opportunities to hundreds of children. Her passion in supporting children and the arts continued in her role with Corus Entertainment, locally 1460 CJOY and Magic 106.1FM, and remains strong today as she heads up Kema Coatings Limited, a family-run business.

In 2013 she founded a new community fundraiser – Inspiration Guelph – an event to help support children in the arts and to bring youth and professional musicians and artists together. These interactions can spark a passion for music and art that can change their lives. Inspiration Guelph has held five annual concerts and has raised over $120,000 to increase access to music and arts programs for children living in poverty. Funds are channelled through the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Free to Play program. Brenda’s nominators call her a motivator who brings out the best in the people around her. She not only founded Inspiration, she is one, they say.

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C L A I R E M A R T I NDR.

C L A I R E M A R T I N

The obstacles in our lives often cloud our vision. Opportunities are all around us. Find the resolve to use them.

— Dr. Claire MartinKidney researcher, mentor and living proof that a

career in science can also include having a family

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laire Martin received her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Guelph just last year. Since then, she

has already been identified as a star in her field of research – kidney disease – and as an inspiring superhero among friends, colleagues and students as she manages to juggle her career with raising three children and maintaining an active volunteer life. For these reasons and more, Claire has been nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship, STEM categories and as a Community Champion.

Claire was recently recognized as the top graduate student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology department at University of Guelph and has received several prestigious research grants throughout her academic career. She was also named a `Kidney STAR` by the American Society of Nephrology in 2015.

She began volunteering at what is now known as the ARCH HIV clinic in Guelph as a university student and later joined the board of the Rainbow Daycamp.

Her accomplishments are all the more impressive then, since she achieved most of it as a young single mother of two. In fact, Claire was a participant in the Guelph Y’s Teenage Parents Program (TAPPs) with her first child.

Now with three kids, Claire is both a mentor and living example that it is possible to have a family and a career in the sciences.

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C R Y S T A L G O N G

C R Y S T A L G O N G

I’ve learned that stories are powerful and everyone has one. I encourage everyone to listen and learn from your communities by volunteering in any capacity.

— Crystal GongBiomedical science student and active volunteer

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rystal Gong is a fourth-year biomedical student at the University of Guelph where she is active in campus life and demonstrates academic

excellence. She is also so involved in the broader community as a volunteer; it’s a wonder that she can manage it all. For this she has been nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship category, the Health, Wellness & Fitness category as well as Young Women of Distinction™. Her academic interests lie with Indigenous populations, specifically food security and nutritional health.

Crystal is an associate science-engineering editor for the student research journal SURG. Crystal is also a writer and photographer with the Ontarian and the Vice-President for Circle-K Guelph.

Always a volunteer in her home community, Crystal threw herself into it once coming to Guelph. She is a volunteer co-ordinator for the Heart Healthy Kids program with the Heart and Stroke Foundation where she trains volunteers who make presentations to school-aged children about healthy eating and lifestyles.

She is also an in-school mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph where she has not only bonded with her mentee but also helped that child to reach out and broaden her social circle.

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DOMINIQUE O’ROURKE

DOMINIQUE O’ROURKE

I’m happiest when I’m building relationships and contributing to the community. With every project, I love this amazing city even more.

— Dominique O’RourkeCommunications and PR expert

and community champion

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ominique O’Rourke not only shines, she thrives through her work and volunteer efforts, which often the two go hand-in-hand. It’s for

these efforts that Dominique is being recognized in the Education, Training & Mentorship category and as a Community Champion.

After more than a decade in the private sector, Dominique founded Accolade Communications. She’s worked with the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, Community Foundations of Canada, Special Olympics Ontario, Community Justice Initiatives, The Co-operators Impact! Youth Sustainability Program, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis and others to develop strategic plans and communications. She’s also passionate about helping organizations build trust.

Dominique served on the board of the Guelph Community Foundation for ten years. She’s contributed as chair, gala co-chair, co-founder of Guelph’s Random Acts of Kindness Day and recently wrote Guelph’s Vital Signs in collaboration with Toward Common Ground.

Fière Franco-Ontarienne, Dominique led the school council at école élémentaire Saint René Goupil for four years and volunteered for many more. In 2017, she launched Réseau-Franco Guelph to gather the local francophone community and to create opportunities for Guelph francophones and francophiles.

She’s a born leader, public speaker, mentor, teacher, writer and mom who believes in Random Acts of Kindness every day of the year.

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H A Y L E Y K E L L E T T

H A Y L E Y K E L L E T T

When we come together in the spirit of play we leave more open, happy and connected people.

— Hayley KellettCo-owner of The Making-Box,

an improv education centre

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ayley Kellett believes laughter is a shared experience that creates strong bonds and it has earned her nominations in

the Arts & Culture and Entrepreneurship & Innovation categories.

Hayley has over 10 years of experience helping individuals and teams across North America become more open, happy and productive by harnessing the tools of improvisation. In the spirit of building community through comedy, Hayley has been able to bring her workshops to women’s prisons, retirement communities, engineers, marketing professionals, elementary schools, secondary schools, university classrooms and beyond. She has also been able to educate and empower young women through programs like Rhyze on the Road and the Guelph Y’s Power of Being a Girl Conference.

Hayley has a long history with the world-renowned Second City as a youth and adult instructor and Tour Co. alumnus.

She has inspired hundreds of budding comedians to try stand-up for their first time and delighted thousands more at one-of-a-kind live comedy events hosted by The Making-Box, which launched Guelph’s first storefront comedy theatre and improv training centre in 2017. As the co-owner of The Making-Box since 2015, she couldn’t be more proud of her business’ awards and accolades including being nominated for Innovation Guelph’s Start-Up Of The Year (2016) and The Guelph Chamber of Commerce: Community Spirit Award (2016).

Personally, Hayley is a recipient of Guelph, Ontario’s Top 40 Under 40 award (2017) and Canadian Comedy Award Nominee (2015).

Other career highlights include stage-kissing Whose Line Is It Anyway? star Colin Mochrie on the mouth – twice!

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J A C K I E M O R R I S

J A C K I E M O R R I S

Know the paths to your goals are not meant to be straight and that the journey is part of your successes.

— Jackie MorrisWelder, educator and mentor

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ackie Morris has overcome many challenges in becoming a welding technician, not the least of which is breaking new ground in a male-dominated profession.

Along the way she has been a role model and a source of inspiration. Jackie is nominated in the Trades and Labour category. Jackie struggled throughout her school age years. She was streamed into special education, which undermined her self-confidence and led to a belief that post-secondary was not an option. She felt as if her career options were limited because at the time her self-worth was low. Becoming a single mother at 18 changed her perspective. She graduated from Seneca College with honors despite overcoming a serious case of Crohn’s disease at 22. She used continuing education welding classes to help her through her medical nightmare. This led to her passion for welding.

Since, she has graduated with distinction from Conestoga College as a welding technician. Jackie is now the soul weld tech for Conestoga College’s Guelph campus welding shop. She spends her days facilitating classes and volunteering her time to spread awareness of the opportunities that welding has to offer. Jackie shares her knowledge of welding at various events such as, Jill of All Trades Day, Day with a Difference, and Skills Ontario youth summer camps. Jackie hopes that her choices will help encourage her children and many others to find their own self-worth. Jackie strives to inspire others to know you can do anything you work hard for, regardless of the ever-changing path that is put in front of you.

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J A G O D A P I K E

J A G O D A P I K E

If our résumés say we were the ‘first woman’ to do anything, we have a duty to help all women shine.

— Jagoda PikePioneer, leader and mentor in law, publishing,

health care, sport and community

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agoda Pike’s impressive resume includes four different career paths, which is why she’s been nominated in four categories -- Education, Training & Mentorship,

Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Health, Wellness & Fitness,as well as Community Champion.

And it’s quite a career she’s had. She attended University of Toronto-Economics and Osgood Hall Law School. Jagoda started a career in corporate law with Torstar Corporation. She became publisher of The Hamilton Spectator and later of The Toronto Star.

She is a former board member of: Hamilton Health Sciences, Brock University, The YMCA of Hamilton-Burlington,The American Press Institute. She is the only woman to-date to chair McMaster University’s Board of Governors. She headed Toronto’s successful bid to host the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

She was also the first board chair of the newly formed Trillium Health Partners – the organization created by the amalgamation of Credit Valley Hospital and Trillium Hospital.

In 2012, she became President and CEO of Homewood Health Centre in Guelph and quickly became a nationally recognized champion of Homewood’s mandate to develop evidence-based practice and expand knowledge related to addiction and mental health treatment.

In 2007, she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, and in 2009 the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport named her one of the most influential women in sport.

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J A Y A J A M E S

J A Y A J A M E S

We fully become ourselves when we are part of a compassionate, strong, and empowering community.

— Jaya JamesFounder of the Refugee Sponsorship Forum and

Executive Director of Lakeside HOPE House

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aya James has always been a volunteer with a strong sense of justice. In 2015 she organized a public meeting and facilitated connections between groups

and individuals in Guelph who were planning to sponsor Syrian refugees. Within weeks, Jaya found herself coordinating and training 800 volunteers and organizing numerous organizations. It is for her efforts as a founding member of the Refugee Sponsorship Forum that she has been nominated as a Community Champion.

To put her full-time effort into this volunteer position, Jaya took a leave of absence from her job as a policy advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. The effort was a great success and over 80 refugee families were sponsored in Guelph.

Jaya has since become Executive Director of Lakeside HOPE House, an organization in downtown Guelph that offers services and programs for people living in poverty.

Jaya has managed to break down barriers between faith groups and has drawn people together with a common goal in mind of building a compassionate, encouraging and empowering community. She’s a collaborative leader, a resourceful coordinator and a tireless Community Champion.

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LEE -ANN PR ICKETT

LEE -ANN PR ICKETT

Always remember to keep your priorities in order. No regrets - one thing you cannot do, is go back in time.

— Lee-Ann PrickettCo-owner of Experior Financial Group,

dedicated fundraiser for dialysis machines

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ee-Ann Prickett owns a thriving business, is growing an awesome family, and contributes her time and efforts to improving dialysis

treatment for children in this region. For this Lee-Ann has been nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship and Entrepreneurship & Innovation categories. Lee-Ann is President Co-owner of Experior Financial Group, a national insurance brokerage headquartered in Guelph. While only four years old, the company is making waves in the industry.

At age 10 her son Addison suffered kidney failure and required regular dialysis treatment in Hamilton. Last year he finally had a kidney transplant but his health continues to be fragile.

Despite that, and because of it, Lee-Ann and her son have started a fundraising campaign to purchase pediatric dialysis machines for McMaster Children’s Hospital. So far they have raised $40,000.

She would say she is not a super-hero but her nominators believe Lee-Ann wears a Wonder Woman cape under her clothes.

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L I S A B R O W N I N G

L I S A B R O W N I N G

I firmly believe that telling our stories and speaking our truth is the most effective and efficient path to empowerment.

— Lisa BrowningAuthor, editor, publisher, coach and mentor

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isa Browning tapped into her 15-year career in publishing when she started a part-time business called One Thousand Trees. The business offers

editing, publishing and mentoring services. Because of this initiative Lisa has been nominated in the Arts & Culture, Education, Training & Mentorship, Health, Wellness & Fitness, as well as the Community Champion category. One Thousand Trees has blossomed into a full-time endeavour for Lisa, with the publication of a monthly online magazine, a children’s branch called Saplings, Forget-Me-Not for seniors, and Roots & Wings, catering to mental health awareness and empowerment through creativity.

She has also published six anthologies that feature local writers who tell their stories of overcoming challenges,

accepting who they are, and being OK with that. The stories are empowering for readers and give voice to writers. Lisa coaches and guides them through the writing process and then provides the platform for their stories to be read.

Lisa also holds regular gatherings with guest speakers who initiate discussion on topics like health and wellness, creativity, and the importance of community.

Currently, Lisa is writing a book called Metamorphosis in which she tells her own story of abuse, PTSD and her healing experience. She often gives proceeds from the publications to a variety of charitable organizations that provide services related to health, wellness and empowerment.

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N I A D E N N I S

N I A D E N N I S

Life is a challenge, falling is expected, but as long as you keep going success will be waiting.

— Nia DennisMother, student, volunteer, and role model

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ia Dennis is a 20 year old mother-of-one who has been nominated as a Young Women of Distinction™. Nia moved

to Canada from Jamaica when she was 15 years old, and has become an engaged member of the Guelph community. Nia is working to finish her required high school credits while also upgrading certain credits for college applications. In addition to school, she makes time every week to volunteer at St. Josephs Health Center; all while taking care of her active and outgoing 2-year-old son, Orlando.

Nothing will slow Nia down; she has been coming to Guelph Y’s Teenage Parent’s Program (TAPPs) since June of 2017, and has been dedicated to coming out every week since. Nia underwent heart surgery in the summer, and was back at TAPPs the week after she left the Hospital.

Nia is hardworking and extremely motivated; she dreams of becoming an E.R. nurse and is planning on heading to school in 2019 to begin her journey towards reaching this goal.

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R O S A L I N D S L AT E R

R O S A L I N D S L AT E R

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we plan it. Joy comes from accepting the inevitable and living each day to the full.

— Rosalind SlaterLife-long learner, theatre-lover,

dedicated to community

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osalind Slater has a long and dedicated history with the Guelph Little Theatre and has been nominated in the Arts & Culture category and as a

Community Champion.

For over 50 years, Rosalind has been involved in Harcourt Memorial United Church, where she led the Brownie pack, was superintendent of the Sunday school, and sat on the governing board of the church.

She received a B.A. degree in English as an older than average student then went on to receive an M.A. demonstrating her passion for life-long learning. Most significantly, she and her late husband Keith became involved in Guelph Little Theatre.

Rosalind served on GLT’s board for 10 years in many capacities culminating in that of President and Chair of Fundraising.

Following the devastating fire, which destroyed the Dublin/Paisley Theatre, the fundraising position was vital in securing a new building.

Over 35 years, Rosalind has acted in 20 plays, directed four and produced five shows. She was also involved behind the scenes making costumes, selecting plays and painting sets. In 2003 she received the Theatre Ontario Drama Award for her contributions.

When her husband was diagnosed with ALS, Rosalind took a crash course in respiratory therapy and dedicated herself completely to his care. In 2014 she was awarded the Caregiver Hero in the Home award from the CCAC.

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S A L LY H U M P H R I E SDR.

S A L LY H U M P H R I E S

Drawing inspiration and energy to bring about change – both in Canada and overseas – through community-engaged collaboration.

— Dr. Sally HumphriesFormer Director of the International Development

Studies program at the University of Guelph,Co-Founder of a participatory research program in Honduras

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ally Humphries is trained as an agricultural and development sociologist and has been a member of a participatory research project in Honduras for

25 years. Sally was also the Director of the International Development Studies Program at the University of Guelph for over 11 years. It’s for her vision and her dedication that Sally is recognized in the Education, Training and Mentorship category.

Sally helped to establish the Foundation for Participatory Research with Honduran Farmers – a non-governmental organization that trains marginalized farmers to become researchers. Farmers, organized in community-led research teams, are part of the plant breeding process and through this become empowered to make their own decisions.

The project has led to improved diet, better income and more local people, particularly women, taking on leadership roles.

Sally used the same collaborative, participatory approach while building University of Guelph’s International Development Studies Program, creating links with the Ontario Agricultural College and Ontario Veterinary College to strengthen the program and afford more opportunities for students. Her action-oriented approach has become a central part of the University’s strategic plan and has led the way for researchers to conduct meaningful research that engages with communities to improve their wellbeing.

Sally also lives by the lessons she teaches others – commit to long-term partnerships, invest in relationships, patiently build trust, cultivate integrity and humility, and promote dignity.

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S A R A H S P R Y

S A R A H S P R Y

Life keeps leading us on journeys we would never go on if it were up to us. Don’t be afraid. Have faith. Find the lessons. Trust the journey.

— Sarah SpryManager of the Drone Training program at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre

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arah Spry really came into her own after becoming the Business Manager of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC)’s Unmanned Aerial

Vehicle Systems (UAS) drone program, while also serving as Office Manager & Accountant. For her accomplishments she has been nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and STEM categories.

After Sarah returned from her second maternity leave, she was looking for a way to challenge herself and to grow in her career. The flight centre was just beginning to offer UAS pilot training, so Sarah decided to go for it. She took courses, researched, and attended conferences, networked and practised as much as possible to become the expert.

She now manages monthly weekend courses, as well as customs courses for public and private sectors including several school boards and colleges. Three short years later, WWFC’s UAS training is among the most sought-after programs in the province and a popular program at the Flight Centre. Sarah has also been a keynote speaker at several UAS conferences in Canada and the US. To continue her growth and expertise, Sarah is currently working on getting her private pilot’s license.

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SHOSHANAH JACOBSD R .

SHOSHANAH JACOBS

We are resilient only when we celebrate all aspects of our diversity; in thought, in experience, and in our mentorship.

— Dr. Shoshanah JacobsAssociate Professor of integrative biology,

University of Guelph

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hoshanah Jacobs is an award-winning associate professor at the University of Guelph and a co-creator of the Ideas Congress Transdisciplinary

Classroom—an interdisciplinary program that brings students from different degree programs to work together to develop solutions for global problems like food security and energy conservation. Her work as a leader, a teacher and a mentor has her nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship and Entrepreneurship & Innovation categories.

As a teacher, Shoshanah is engaging and makes sure every student understands the course material. She teaches a broad range of introductory undergrad courses in both large and small classes and manages to reach every student. Even with a room of 900 students, critical thinking and experiential learning are the basis of her classes. She also mentors graduate students.

As well as biology and ecology, Shoshanah has an interest in the science behind teaching, learning and is both familiar with education literature and involved in her own research. Shoshanah uses data to inform her work in the classroom and in program design.

The Ideas Congress comes from the knowledge that solutions to complicated problems require a multi-disciplinary approach. Exposing students to other disciplines not only broadens their learning experience, but also paves the way for collaboration in their future careers.

If that’s not impressive enough, Shoshanah has also led expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.

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T A M I M A R T I N OD R .

T A M I M A R T I N O

Find like-minded people who do what you love and pursue excellence together. It’s the only secret I know!

— Dr. Tami MartinoAssociate Professor, Biomedical Sciences

and Director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations, University of Guelph

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ami Martino is an internationally recognized Canadian Scientist in the cutting edge research area of circadian biology and its impacts on human health,

especially heart health. As a pioneer in the study of this emerging field, she established and leads a team of researchers at the University of Guelph driving a multi-faceted research program aimed at identifying and applying a wide range of insights derived from the detailed study of body clock timing mechanisms – to benefit animal and human health and longevity.

In her capacity as a Senior Research Scientist and Principal Investigator, Tami has been recognized for her outstanding leadership in the field through multiple grants of support from major funding agencies; the Government of Canada’s Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

As founder and first Director of the University’s Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations, Tami created a space that breaks down institutional barriers, regularly bringing together hundreds of researchers and students from across the University of Guelph and beyond, networking people, ideas, resources, and creating excellence.

As a woman who has made a very successful career of her own in STEM, Tami has long appreciated the importance of promoting roles for the next generation and is very proud of the many fine young women she has mentored as students through her program on their way to their own successful and exciting careers as the leaders of tomorrow in STEM.

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T A N Y A O L S E N

T A N Y A O L S E N

There is ALWAYS hope!

— Tanya OlsenOwner; Royal City Nursery,

Educator, Women’s Health Advocate,

Community Supporter

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anya Olsen’s grandfather started Royal City Nursery in 1962 and by the age of nine, Tanya knew she would run the family business. One might think

succeeding a business from generation to generation follows a straight line, however, nothing has been easy while she followed her dreams. Tanya has been nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Health, Wellness & Fitness, and Trades & Labour categories and as a Community Champion.

With a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, like her grandfather and father, Tanya believes teaching is most effective when you work alongside someone. As a teacher at Humber College Tanya naturally has a passion for helping all things grow. Not only is growth important in the classroom, growth is fundamental to Royal City Nursery. As Tanya says, “We are all educators here. When customers

succeed, we succeed”.Never one to back down from a challenge, when Royal City Nursery was forced to relocate in 2014, both Tanya and her husband Dave built a new expanded facility with room to grow in the future.

Tanya was diagnosed and received treatment for breast cancer around the same time as “the move”. She courageously blogged about her experience and decision to decline reconstructive surgery when both breasts were removed. Tanya continues to share her message, speaking about women’s health options across Ontario.

Believing in partnerships between business and community, Royal City Nursery annually supports community fundraising initiatives. To honour her father, Tanya also started the Peter Olsen Memorial Scholarship, which supports budding horticulturalists.

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TERESA MCKEEMAN

TERESA MCKEEMAN

I am grateful to live in a community such as Guelph where, in addition to having a vibrant economy, the citizens care about the social and physical environment.

— Teresa McKeemanFormer Director of Childcare Services for

Wellington County and continued advocate for vulnerable persons

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eresa McKeeman started her career as an early childhood educator at Willowdale Child Care Centre and eventually became Director of Childcare

Services for Wellington County. She was also a founding member of the Better Beginnings Better Futures program in the Shelldale/Onward Willow neighbourhood and she continues to advocate for vulnerable people in her retirement. Teresa is nominated in the Education, Training & Mentorship category and as a Community Champion. Anyone who wants to help children understands that also means helping families, creating safe and supportive neighbourhoods, and collaborating with the agencies that provide that support.

Under Teresa’s leadership, there is now a quality assurance program and more training and support for child care centres in the region and policies that are fair and respectful to families. Teresa also served as Vice President, President and past President of the Guelph Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women and was instrumental in connecting the CFUW with other initiatives in the city such as International Women’s Day, Take Back the Night, Sisters in Spirit, and the Dec. 6 National Day of Remembrance. Teresa is also involved in anti-poverty initiatives and advocates for women in leadership, particularly those in politics.

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INSPIRING FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE IN CANADIANS

From our village to yours, we are thrilled to recognize these remarkable women. At Investors Group, we are a proud Canadian company empowering and empowered by truly amazing women.