2023 Nutrien Women of Distinction Awards Finalists

Category: Action and Advocacy

Saskatchewan Winter Games Host Council

Saskatchewan Winter Games Host Council

The 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games Host Organizing Committee was comprised of sixteen women volunteers, creating a legacy of woman leadership in sport and events in Regina. The initial vision was set forth by Val Sluth and Dawn Kobayashi, to create an all-woman Committee to organize the 50th Saskatchewan Games. Val and Dawn intentionally recruited a diverse group of current and up-and-coming leaders to provide opportunities for women to take leadership roles and build leadership capacity within the community.

Together, these women organized a highly successful event generating opportunities for over 1400 participants, building community volunteer and leadership capacity for the future, and generating an estimated over $7M in economic impact. The group demonstrated values of inclusion and diversity throughout the organizing and delivery of the event through visible inclusion of First Nations, Metis, 2SLGBTQIA+, and multiple ethnic groups.

Muna De Ciman

Muna De Ciman

Originally from Sierra Leone, Muna and her family settled in Regina in the early 1990s. She immediately began taking courses and volunteering on many, many boards and initiatives while securing a Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from the University of Regina. Known to many as Aunty Muna, she is a matriarch of the Black community and beyond. In her employment she supports youth who have come into contact with the justice system. She helped found and remains an advisor to Black in Sask, a youth-led organization dedicated to serving the Black community in Saskatchewan.

Muna serves on the board of directors for the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum and the Regina Multicultural Council, and is the union representative for BIPOC persons within the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour. Muna is known as a friend and supporter for newcomers, helping secure employment opportunities, housing, and education. She works selflessly to support marginalized groups throughout Saskatchewan with a focus on empowering youth and women. If there is an opportunity to help, Muna does not hesitate. Her spirit of service is contagious. In her desire to incite change, Muna is intentional in bringing others along and supports collaboration.

Warm Meal Planning Team, Treaty 4 Mutual Aid

Warm Meal Planning Team, Treaty 4 Mutual Aid

The Warm Meal Planning Team, Treaty 4 Mutual Aid is made up of seven women who were all individually volunteering throughout the communities of Regina for numerous years. They came together during the fall of 2021 while volunteering at the tent encampment, Camp Hope. They volunteered side-by-side on the streets of Regina meeting the needs of individuals where they were at that day.

A kinship was formed based on mutual aid, social justice, and reconciliation; since then, this group has actively volunteered together individually and also through various groups such as Warriors of Hope, Regina Harm Reduction Coalition, Rally Against Homelessness, and End Poverty Regina. This past fall, Treaty 4 Mutual Aid was formed by these women along with the subcommittee of the Warm Meal Planning Team to address the immediate food needs of those living in Heritage and North Central Regina. These women are taking their passion for social justice and their compassion towards individuals to actively make the world a better place, particularly for the residents of Regina.

RaiseHer Community

RaiseHer Community

RaiseHER Community is a local, inclusive, for-impact, intergenerational movement created by two Regina- based mother-daughter duos, Talitha McCloskey and Marlene Smadu, and Skylar Gerard and Gwen Keith. Today we honour Skylar and Talitha.

Through their leadership, programming, events, and curated educational resources, they have provided the community with increased opportunities for collaboration, insightful conversation and leadership skill development. RaiseHER has further empowered women to tap into their leadership potential, progress past barriers, and experience the collective impact of what raising others up does for a community.

They launched a vision to build communities rich in female leadership that empower future generations to do the same. Talitha and Skylar have made this vision a reality by donating, collaborating, and advocating for over 35 charitable organizations that support the advancement of women and girls in Saskatchewan.

What started as two mother-daughter duos in the pursuit of ensuring all women have leadership opportunities has quickly morphed into a broadened social movement.

Kelsey Dumont

Kelsey Dumont

Kelsey has been a pharmacist in Regina for the Saskatchewan Health Authority for the past 14 years. Her most recent experience is in outpatient infectious disease, HIV, and addictions services.

Kelsey is known for her boots on the ground approach and is committed to building strong communities through reconciliation, compassion, and advocacy. Her organized volunteering began in 2016 and continues today through donation drives, events to provide dental and medical care to community, providing free safe sex and drug supplies to individuals on the streets, and advocates for harm reduction, housing & food security to individuals. Kelsey also mentors individuals facing substance use and addictions.

Kelsey is also a Board Member for Carmichael Outreach and a Council Member for the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals. She is honored to be a part of this community and spends her life advocating for, and with, others.

Megan Johnston

Megan Johnston

Megan Johnston grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan. She graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychiatric Nursing in 2014 and has spent almost a decade providing care to those who enter our province’s mental health system.

Megan wanted to challenge the anti-choice messaging that’s seen along many highways and roads across Saskatchewan. She, along with many supporters, are tired of the shame and stigma tied to abortion.

Megan started Abortion is Healthcare Signs in August 2022 as an incorporated nonprofit aimed at reducing stigma and shame related to abortions and increasing access to abortion services through social media, billboards, radio, news, and print.

The nonprofit also engages in political action, provides reproductive healthcare education, and supports other abortion-focused nonprofits in our community. Abortion is Healthcare Signs has expanded to several provinces and made national news. Megan has brought together a community of people nationwide to support abortion rights in less than one year.

Category: Innovator

Linell Gruditzki

Linell Gruditzki

Linell Grudnitzki is the proud owner and operator of a construction company, with powerline, consulting and mining services divisions, called The Grudnitzki Group of Companies, and she is a true champion for woman entrepreneurs. Throughout Linell’s life, she has honed her skills as a business owner, team leader, and disrupter of the status quo. Linell works to advance the roles and successes of women in the construction trades through her business, advocacy and her involvement with Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan.

Linell has a commitment to holding organizations accountable for the charters and commitments they have signed in support of women in business and the trades. She has been able to support various organizations to change the male dominated arenas to acknowledge and support women. Linell also started a platform for women in trades to come together and talk about problems or issues in a safe space. Linell Is a trailblazer for future female leaders, she is fearless in whatever she tackles, proving that gender should never stop women from going after their dreams.In all she does, Linell believes everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed and thrive in any career they choose.

Lana Siman

Lana Siman

Lana is both co-owner of Siman Auto Sales as well as Operations Manager of Fafard Sculptures, Inc. She has also participated in a live French radio-broadcast panel, where she commentated on the Riders & CFL football; and in all of these undertakings in the business world, Lana consistently strives for excellence. She leads and promotes successful corporate initiatives, liaises with diplomats and government leaders and manages multi-million dollar financial portfolios while focusing on growth and improvement. Lana also empowers people with disabilities and women in non-traditional roles, facilitating change as well as fostering teamwork and inclusivity in a healthy workplace.

Amid a demanding career, Lana has found time to give back to her Francophone, sporting, musical & faith-based communities, volunteering on Boards and as Head Coach of Senior and Junior Boys and Girls Basketball. She is trusted, admired and always a pleasure to deal with. She is a bright light that inspires so many in the business, sport and French linguistic and cultural communities while leading positive action and modeling love, generosity and inclusivity through example. She makes a longstanding difference for the community as a whole to be a better place to live.

Bernice Richard

Bernice Richard

Bernice Richard is a Nigerian-Canadian author and business professional. She has a BSc in Biochemistry and an Associate Degree in Marketing Research. She is currently the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Custom Agricultural Intelligence Inc. She works alongside farmers to deliver a product that will add nutrients to their fields and build bushels.

At CAI, Bernice is a hands-on director and oversees all aspects of the organization. She ensures she has a deep and meaningful relationship with each of her employees. The extremely diverse workspace enables her to better understand that everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, is constantly searching for a place of growth and a company can fulfill it.

Bernice is the mother of two young boys. She is deeply involved in their lives and two of her novels have been inspired by them.

With a passion for charity work, Bernice is actively involved in several projects in communities in Saskatchewan. In 2022, she was awarded as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch.

Bernice hopes to inspire and make a difference in the society using her business platform as a means to give back to the community

Megan Dolo

Megan Dolo

Megan completed her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Law from the University of Saskatchewan. Megan joined Farm Credit Canada many years ago where she now serves as Vice-President of Law and Corporate Secretary. Megan was one of the pivotal leaders in launching the Flexible Work Policy at FCC.

Megan completed the Banff Leadership Excellence Program. Megan is a board member for Regina Education and Action on Child Hunger Inc and has served in various roles with the Canadian Bar Association since 2013. Megan was appointed King Counsel in October 2022 and a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in January 2023.

Megan’s unique approach to leadership brings authenticity, grace, and a thoughtful listening ear. Megan seeks out and listens to her employees’ input on their needs, desires and aspirations with a dedication to respond with impact to help those around her succeed.

Megan vocalizes and encourages tenacity to try new ways, explore opportunities to serve better, and hey, if that doesn’t work, try something else. This approach truly engrains the trust of her employees and she leads major innovative change with ease, as ones who walks the talk.

Category: Igniting Equity

Nofa Slaeman

Nofa Slaeman

Nofa was born in Iraq and grew up in a refugee camp in Syria before coming to Canada. She has worked with marginalized populations in the community for over 10 years, including children in residential and group homes, older youth, and women and children fleeing violence. This experience has given Nofa a passion for ensuring oppressed populations have a voice, and for challenging systems that oppress others. Nofa is a strong voice for igniting change and promoting equity in all areas of life. She has worked for a variety of community-based organizations and currently works as the Program Manager at SOFIA House.

She is passionate about igniting change in her community, equity for marginalized populations, and uplifting and empowering those groups to ensure their voices are heard. Nofa is a strong leader and a supportive coworker.

Shyanne Lavallee

Shyanne Lavallee

Shyanne is the perfect example of how hard work, determination, and having healthy mentors can help anyone in any situation better themselves and their future family. Shyanne is an Indigenous woman who grew up in poverty and foster care in north central Regina. At a young age, she sought out community and mentors and found the North Central Family Centre where she has now worked for 15 years. She helps other Indigenous people become employed, and holds a higher than 75% success rate, helping people who others have written off at first glance. Shyanne smiles knowing the cycle ended with her. She is on the way up, always working, always growing. She has MC’d several events, and has been interviewed for several news channels and documentaries because she is the epitome of a real-life success story.

People come through the door of North Central Family Centre asking for her by name because they have heard of her accomplishments. They see themselves in her and want to see her in themselves. Shyanne is a passionate, caring, loving human. She is understanding and empathetic to the youth and adults of north central Regina. Shyanne has a very bright future. Her smile is a great window into her amazing spirit.

Cat Haines

Cat Haines

Cat’s work focuses on the needs of queer and trans youth and creating more accessible trans-affirming healthcare in Saskatchewan. She works tirelessly towards this cause and has remained resilient throughout all of the bigotry and hatred that exists in our province. We need folks like Cat to advocate for equity for people of all genders, especially when navigating the healthcare and legal system.

Cat has been actively organizing queer and trans events and interventions in Regina for over five years, and her activism has included street level organizing, community event planning, mutual aid, and non-profit work at both the board, and staff level. Cat created Resilience, a trans talking group in Regina, and organized Saskatchewan’s first Trans Pride event in 2018. Most recently, Cat founded Into the Streets, an intergenerational, paid peer mentorship program for Two Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming people who were assigned male at birth or are otherwise affected by transmisogyny.

Cat is the Executive Director of JusticeTrans, an organization that provides justice and legal Information for Two Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non- Conforming Communities Across Canada.

Tanna Young

Tanna Young

Tanna Young is the Director of Operations (South) for John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. The greatest achievement and highlight of her career has been the creation and implementation of Lulu’s Lodge, a home for 2SLBGTQIA+ youth facing homelessness.

In 2017, Tanna sought funding for this project but was denied. Knowing the need for such a resource, she and her colleague approached the 2SLGBTQIA+ community directly for support. By fundraising alone, they were able to temporarily open the doors to Lulu’s Lodge November 2018 and in July 2020 they purchased a home with the help of Saskatchewan Housing Authority.

Lulu’s Lodge still continues to operate solely on the efforts of fundraising. With the exception of Saskatchewan Housing Corporation who provided partial funding to purchase a home, Lulu’s Lodge does not have any core operational funding. Since opening in 2018 they have provided housing to 34 youth and operate at a 92% occupancy rate. This is not just a house for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth facing homelessness, it is a pillar in the community, it is a family.

Reverend Carla Blakley

Reverend Carla Blakley

As well as being a wife, mother and pastor, Reverend Carla Blakley or Pastor Carla as many know her, is a teacher, leader, ally, change-maker, and influencer. She was one of the first women pastors in the Lutheran Church in Canada.
Reverend Carla was the pastor leader when Bread of Life Lutheran Church became a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation declaring itself welcoming to ALL people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. She strives to deconstruct past theologies that upheld homophobia, transphobia and white privilege.

Reverend Carla is a trusted ally of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She was the first non- 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Reverend Parade Marshall in Regina. Reverend Carla has been invited to present at board of education meetings, where she has coached others on acceptable language and fair treatment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in schools.

Reverend Carla has created a variety of programs to support young mothers, young girls, parents of trans children, and grieving community members.

Category: Indigenous Resurgence

Brenda Dubois

Brenda Dubois

Brenda Dubois is a Kokum, Matriarch and community activist. She has provided exemplary leadership in re-establishing cultural practices, including language revitalization, traditional ceremonies, advocating on Treaty and Inherent rights recognition, and reconciling community partnerships. As a residential school survivor, Brenda launched the grassroots Peyakowak 1985 inquiry into family reunification and has contributed to many community-building initiatives, including Northern Survival Gathering, Family Support Centre, and the Randall Kinship Centre.

Brenda is a tireless advocate for education and vulnerable communities, and has had an enormous impact on our community through her roles with Indigenous and community based organizations, including Members of the Legislative Assembly. She is a respected member of the ta-tawâw Student Centre at the University of Regina, providing cultural teachings and ceremonies for students. She is a trusted voice and advocate in social justice circles, and has worked extensively in Child Welfare, attending a vast number of emergency consultations regarding Saskatchewan’s Child and Family Services Act. Brenda takes the time to ensure everyone is included in the conversation and provides thoughtful and inclusive decisions. She takes up initiatives with empathy, determination and honesty, and she is a natural leader

Maddie Sanderson

Maddie Sanderson

Maddie is from Treaty 4 territory and has been working in the community for over 20 years, focusing on cultural programming, reconciliation, and relationship building. She has spent the majority of her career working with men, women and children who have been impacted by violence, designing and delivering programs incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and healing. This includes the “Healing from Within” Program, which focuses on providing Indigenous based ways of healing for women who have experienced violence.

Maddie shows reconciliation in action by working with and teaching both Indigenous and non Indigenous people in the community about the importance of reinstating cultural practices. Maddie has sat on many federal, provincial and municipal committees ensuring Indigenous voices are heard on issues such as Gender Based Violence, mental health, addictions, and homelessness. Maddie is currently the Indigenous Relations Manager at SOFIA House.

Jodi Robson

Jodi Robson

Jodi Robson is a proud member of the Okanese First Nation and is of Cree and Nakoda heritage. She lives in Regina with her partner and two children. Thanks to her successful run as a finalist on season 3 of the Great Canadian Baking Show – and most recently, her return for the Holiday Special in season 5 – Jodi has grown a loyal following as an Instagram influencer. She loves to share her passion for food, family, the outdoors, and her Indigenous culture.

Always keeping busy, Jody spends much of her time presenting virtually and in-person to a wide variety of organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Regina, Reconciliation Regina and more on everything from baking cupcakes to preparing traditional and modern methods of First Nations food. Jodi’s Kohkom was a chef in one of Canada’s last residential schools, and Jodi shares many of her Kohkom’s teachings in her own work. Jody also hosts a web series called Big Heart | Small Town where she meets with Indigenous people who share their own teachings and traditional foods systems across Saskatchewan.

Elizabeth Pratt

Elizabeth Pratt

Elizabeth is a grandmother from the Muscowpetung Salteaux First Nation. Family is her number one priority. Liz is a leader in her family, she is the speaker for her siblings at special events, and not so happy events, where she organizes and sets up fundraisers to support other families and people that are in need. She is a mother, grandmother, sister, relative and friend to many. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights and served one term as the FIRST woman Chief of the Muscowpetung First Nation.

Currently, she is the Group Home Manager at QBOW Child and Family Services, which is a non-profit organization providing child welfare services to five First Nations within Saskatchewan. Liz demonstrates that reconciliation is successful for First Nation children and families. She does this through focus on their family history, where they come from, and their cultures and traditions. She teaches them to embrace their identity, while fostering healing in a strength-based home.

Elizabeth brainstormed a program named the Legacy Box. She sat with Elders of each First Nation and gathered teachings about their Culture and Traditions; the boxes give children easy access to small items and stories that give them knowledge of their ontological heritage. These Legacy Boxes are kept with the Cultural Workers at QBOW, and are available to the families and children of the homes and communities. Liz is an Advocate for children, parents, and people who can’t speak up for themselves.

Tresley Tourond-Bouvier

Tresley Tourond-Bouvier

Tresley is a proud Indigenous mother and educator who resides here in Treaty 4 territory. Her roots are Metis/Michif on her fathers side, and German on her mother’ side. She is a Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program graduate and a current masters student – working towards the revitalization of the Michif language.

As the Indigenous Studies Educator at Coronation Park Community School, Tresley goes above and beyond to ensure the school has access to bringing Indigenous ways of knowing and learning activities into the classroom, including language and on-the-land learning. She has created opportunities for students to participate in the hide tanning process, with hopes to bead on the finished hides in the coming months. She has applied for countless grants to help build the school’s land-based program, including the planting of a reconciliation garden with native species, a school tipi, and other amazing extra- curricular opportunities like a winter carnival, snowshoeing, Indigenous games, swimming and curling. She is truly a woman who works from her heart.

Joely Bigeagle-Kequahtooway

Joely Bigeagle-Kequahtooway

Joely is an inter-disciplinary artist whose main source of inspiration is Tatanga or Buffalo. She is a fashion and textile designer, visual artist, beader, storyteller and cofounder of the Buffalo People Arts Institute. She comes from a long line of Buffalo hunters and is Nakota/ Cree/Saulteaux from the White Bear First Nations – signatory to Treaty 4.

She has degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary and Mathematics from the First Nations University of Canada. She loves to incorporate mathematics and geometry in her artwork and is inspired by the perfect symmetry in nature. Her mantra envelopes everything Tatanga as it connects her to ancestral memories, the land and is the manifestational glue that keeps her world Together.

Joely is a Speaker in the Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Speakers Bureau. She is a buffalo artist, working with buffalo in traditional ways. She offers cultural opportunities and ceremonies to the community. Joely shares her knowledge and speaks on reconciliation, history, treaties and indigenous culture.

Category: Community Champion

Teresa Innis

Teresa Innis

Teresa is the Executive Director of the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre in Regina. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. She attended the First Nations University of Canada where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After the completion of her degree, Teresa began work as a family support worker and eventually became a program coordinator for an Indigenous non-profit organization that worked to reunify parents and children involved with child and family services. Her work at the non-profit propelled her into attending the University of Regina to further her education where she earned a Master of Adult Education and Community Engagement.

Using both her education and lived experience, she went on to create a housing support program at the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre. During her two years as essential service manager, her housing program grew tenfold in size and scope. In October 2022, Teresa was selected by the Board of Directors to become the Executive Director, where she is putting her expertise to work in growing and expanding the services at the Centre. In December 2022, Teresa was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award for her work in harm reduction and social services. She strives to be a role model and empower other Indigenous people to be agents of change and break cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Rachel Werrett

Rachel Werrett

In 2022, as part of her role at the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment within the University of Regina, Rachel launched a project administering training programs about Public Safety Personnel for many groups including police, RCMP, firefighters, paramedics, public safety communicators, and correction officers across Canada. She travelled across Canada, offering a Train the Trainer program designed to increase mental health resiliency and reduce stigma. Through this program, she has made a hugely positive impact in Southern Saskatchewan and across the country, which continue to expand as those who attended the training return to their communities to share this knowledge with others.

Rachel’s family has personally received support from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As such, she contributed to the development of the NICU Family Support Group and met with new mothers with babies in the NICU to provide peer support and share her experiences. Rachel has volunteered several years with Habitat for Humanity on the Family Selection Committee, interviewing families in need and making recommendations for family partnerships. She has supported several families in need who are now homeowners.

Shannon Skinner

Shannon Skinner

Shannon Skinner is always looking for ways that she can help make the world a better place. Shannon began her career in healthcare back in 1989 and since has worked as a Healthcare aide, RN, and Lactation Consultant at Wascana Rehab, Methadone Clinic, Pasqua, and General Hospitals. Wherever she sees the need, the ability to improve care and lend a sympathetic non-judgmental ear, she will be there.

Shannon is currently President of the Breastfeeding Committee of Saskatchewan and has held this position for several years. She’s working with the Baby Friendly Initiative committee to try to get a Baby-Friendly designation for her hospital. She teaches a breastfeeding information class to patients on a daily basis, in addition to offering one-to-one personalized assistance. Throughout the year she teaches new Saskatchewan doctors, both in person and online, the ins and outs of breastfeeding so they can utilize this information to help their patients breastfeed more efficiently. It’s rare to find someone who cares as much as she does about her patients, her career, and the future of her career.

Dr. Gina Grandy

Dr. Gina Grandy

Dr. Gina Grandy is an academic, educator and currently serves as the Dean of the Hill and Levene Schools of Business at the University of Regina. She is an innovator and change-maker, as demonstrated by her success as Dean, and her award- winning and widely published research on leadership, women in leadership and work, women’s entrepreneurship, and stigmatized work. She is a trained leadership and performance coach and an Emotional Intelligence Certified Facilitator. Gina has taught at seven universities across Canada, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. She has designed and facilitated leadership development programming, for both aspiring leaders and those holding leadership positions, and is the co-editor for two published books.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Grandy has consulted for a diverse range of not-for-profit, public and for-profit organizations across Canada in leadership development and strategic analysis, planning, and implementation. She has been a keynote presenter on topics such women in leadership, leading change, entrepreneurship and innovation, coaching and mentorship, and strategic planning. Gina continues to serve on academic and community boards for local, national and international organizations, and is the lead for the Saskatchewan regional hub of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.

Delasi Essien

Delasi Essien

Delasi Essien, Del as she is known by many, has dedicated a great portion of her career to nurturing future nurses in Saskatchewan. She has worked tirelessly to make learning environments safe, conducive, and welcoming for learners particularly in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour community.

As an exemplary mentor, Del has led many innovative academic strategies in various nursing programs in the province to ensure success in her diverse student populations. Del is a true champion of education and leadership and has dedicated herself to inspiring students and members of her academic teams to achieve personal, academic, and professional growth.

As a life long-learner herself, Del is enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program at the University of Regina where her research focuses on the discourse of indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation in the nursing academy.

Ana Margarita Hernandez Reyes

Ana Margarita Hernandez Reyes

Ana is a proud Mexican and landed immigrant to Canada. She has an Electronic Systems Degree, a Masters in Software Systems Engineering and she is a professional engineer by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. She is currently a Senior Technician Engineering Systems Manager at SaskTel Int.

Ana is the founder and president of the Latinos in Regina Nonprofit Association and is working towards the first Latino Community Center. She is the founder of the first Mariachi Latino Band in the prairies, where she along with 14 talented musicians of different ages, cultural background and genders work hard to prompt Canadian hearts to beat to the same Latin rhythm!

Ana is a member of the board for Spring Free from Racism, and volunteers her time to organizations such as Regina Open Door Society’s Tech Skills Show Case and Canada Ladies Learning Code. She would like everyone to gain confidence and believe that they are capable of anything they work hard for, which is something she unceasingly demonstrates as a woman of Latin ancestry in Canada. She has volunteered her time to help new immigrants learn English, helped them prepared for interviews, and she has hired some of them as well. She has also volunteered her time to mentor and instruct women. Furthermore her enthusiasm to succeed and do better is contagious and she has been a great influence on her children, friends, and women in our community.

Shari Hildred

Shari Hildred

Shari has 20+ years of experience in executive roles, spanning private and public sectors. In 2012 Shari established Valmore Consulting Inc., where she focuses exclusively on management, capacity-building and training in the non-profit sector.

Through Valmore Consulting, Shari provides non-profits access to management expertise and training they may not otherwise be able to afford, supporting them to do their best work in communities. Shari gives back to community through work with organizations such as the University of Regina’s Community Engagement and Research Centre to extend training opportunities to reach non-profits and communities in South Saskatchewan.

Shari is an excellence-driven leader with a track record of professional practice and accomplishments. Her areas of expertise include: non-profit sector, education, administration, finance and project and operational management. She is a passionate and committed educator.

Shari is diligent and accountable with well-developed and proven skills in leading strategic planning and operational actioning to achieve objectives. She has a reputation as a trusted community leader with strong relationship building and partnership development.

Hannah Tait

Hannah Tait

Hannah Tait is an audacious change maker in the Regina education and business community. Her professional experiences include work in non-profits, government, a crown corporation, private industry and on multiple boards.

She has advocated for and made recommendations to improve youth experiences at national and international conferences. During her time as President of the University of Regina Student Union, she focused on initiatives to address financial and social barriers for equity denied members of the student body and digital ethics. Hannah is an aspiring social science researcher in the areas of ethical technology, Decolonization, and women in politics, business, and STEM.

Hannah works at Ethical Digital, where she utilizes her experience in leadership, advocacy, and business to bring innovative learning and development to organizations. Hannah founded ProdYous, a social enterprise building resilient food systems and engaging the community in hands-on learning experiences. She is a board member of the Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs building Saskatchewan’s business community.

Category: Women in Non-Traditional Roles

Michelle McKenna

Michelle McKenna

Michelle has an unwavering dedication to her family, friends and community, never missing an opportunity to support, mentor and nurture those around her. After high school she attended the University of Saskatchewan, studying Civil Engineering. She interned with PCL throughout her program and was offered a job upon graduation in 2013. Today, Michelle is a Project Manager for PCL and earmarked as an emerging leader with potential for continued advancement within PCL and beyond.

Michelle has a laser-focus on her career at PCL and also for her passion for hockey, which started at the age of thirteen. She didn’t have the knack for playing, however, still had the drive to break into what has traditionally been considered a male dominated sport. This led to her joining her first hockey officiating clinic. Her passion for refereeing continued throughout her schooling, and she worked her way up into higher levels within the male hockey leagues. Michelle’s drive to succeed enabled her to balance her studies, internship and refereeing priorities, progressing in both careers simultaneously. Michelle continues to referee within the National High-Performance Group for Hockey Canada with her sights firmly focused on breaking into the NHL. In male dominated arenas, Michelle finds extra drive, vision and purpose to push boundaries and break-down barriers. She is always willing to help, educate or support those around her, and isn’t afraid to step outside of her comfort zone to make her dreams a reality.

Maia Rosenfeld

Maia Rosenfeld

Maia Rosenfeld was born to a Métis mother who gave her up for adoption to a Caucasian family. As an adult, she has reconnected with her roots and traditions as a Métis woman and has helped countless others along the way. Going into nursing has been a rewarding and challenging career path for Maia. She is part of Canada’s first Accountable Care Unit at the Regina Pasqua Hospital, being motivated by the fact that she was initially not able to afford the same level of care that she was selflessly giving to others. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Achieving this type of transformational change has not been easy; dedicated planning, funding, workshops, scheduling, and especially relationship building to engage staff and physicians on the unit, have all been necessary components of success in this unique program. Maia shows up for her community and consistently does her best at everything she does.

Through hard work and dedication, Maia provides a kind and gentle bedside manner in her nursing that honors the patient, and she works as their advocate, which leads to a wider window of success within their scope of care. Maia delivers outstanding frontline work and has made a name for herself as an Indigenous woman in healthcare. She has become an important part of the Accountable Care pilot program in Saskatchewan and will continue to help others on a national level.

Farrah Falconer

Farrah Falconer

Farrah has always been intrinsically motivated to excel in all aspects of her life despite personal adversity. She grew up with the challenges of having a disabled parent and when she was 15 he was committed to long term care. While being a single parent, Farrah established Black Pearl Construction in 2014 and then obtained her Bachelor of Economics degree in 2016 from the University of Regina. Farrah is a lifelong learner who seeks to use her knowledge and expertise to guide her clients in making important decisions to bring their visions to life.

Farrah knows from personal experience that the construction industry can be intimidating and overwhelming for consumers. Her vision for her company is to provide quality, custom renovations and builds that stand the test of time. Farrah’s excellent interpersonal skills have allowed her to effectively gain her clients’ trust and establish excellent working relationships with the subtrades, making her a pivotal liaison between consumers, the trades and suppliers. Her role eases the burden for clients in the midst of daunting renovation and construction projects. Her latest endeavor has been to purchase dilapidated properties and extensively renovate them for new families to purchase; her vision is to steadily rejuvenate neighborhoods and thereby increase property values and economic activity.

Vaughn Solomon Schofield

Vaughn Solomon Schofield

The Hounourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield served as Saskatchewan’s 21st Lieutenant Governor from 2012 to 2018, as well as the Chancellor of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. In the provinces history, she is only 1 of 3 Women to ever hold the position of Lieutenant Governor.

She received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2009, the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2005, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She is a strong supporter of the Canadian Forces and was awarded the prestigious Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service in 2009. Her support for the Canadian Military lead her to

create a Military Service Appreciation Pin which has been distributed to over 9000 military members worldwide for recognition of their service to our country.

In the 1980s, Mrs. Solomon Schofield was Chair of the Board for Crime Watch, a 200,000-member crime prevention organization. She travelled throughout North and South America to establish Crime Watch groups. Fluent in English and Spanish, Mrs. Solomon Schofield worked with the government of Gwa Ya Keel, Ecuador to establish their Crime Watch group and acted as an interpreter. She also hosted a Crime Prevention television talk show for four years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was twice voted Florida’s Crime Prevention Woman of the Year. She has served on numerous municipal, provincial and federal boards.

Mrs. Solomon Schofield is an impressive leader in our community with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Lorilee Davies

Lorilee Davies

In the 131-year history of the Regina Police Service (RPS), Lorilee Davies was the first female promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in 2022. From her earliest days as a police officer, Lorilee has been a committed advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. She has frequently lead or established programs designed to improve public perception of police, while also ensuring RPS members understand and are representative of the community they serve. Lorilee recommended the adoption of the 30 x 30 Initiative, which is a commitment to increase the number of female police officers at the RPS to 30% by the year 2030.

She established the RPS’ Truth and Reconciliation Committee to educate members about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Under Lorilee’s guidance, the Truth and Reconciliation Committee has provided frequent learning opportunities for members of the Regina Police Service, and has ensured Indigenous history and current realities are a core part of the knowledge base for all leaders in the Regina Police Service.

Under Lorilee’s leadership, the RPS implemented a sexual assault investigation policy, designed to be trauma informed and focused on the survivors of sexual assault, and their well-being.

Lorilee is a trailblazer and role-model for all women in law enforcement, and in the broader community.

Category: Young Women of Distinction

Khushi Goyal

Khushi Goyal

Khushi moved to Regina at the age of 5 from England. She has been an accomplished student throughout her studies, and in 2022, she started her dual degree in Bachelor of Science and Masters of Management from UBC, Vancouver. She has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship by UBC, given to only 3 students across all faculties.

Khushi has excelled in squash and represented Team Saskatchewan twice in the Canada Winter games at age of 14 and 18. She is a certified squash coach, referee and started the first of its kind squash training program for girls in Regina. She also coaches for “Girls in the Game”. She is an avid volunteer and organizer in her community, organizing her classmates to support YWCA and the Indigenous Christian Fellowship Centre. Khushi possesses key core values of respect, humility, hard work and equal parts passion and compassion. In participating in various Multicultural and Multi-faith events, she is a leader who is keen to help other students reach their potential. She possesses an amazing team spirit and is always willing to lead by example. She takes pride in her culture and heritage and is keen to share it with others.

Sophia Young

Sophia Young

Sophia Young is an activist who leads by example to help her community overcome barriers and thrive, today and for generations to come. She is a grade 12 student in Regina who has a passion for activism, especially around environmental and poverty issues. Sophia always finds the time to give back to her community, be a role model for her fellow students, and hold leaders in government accountable for the future of young people. Sophia consistently pursues equity as the co-chair of Regina Energy Transition. Through fourteen months of outreach, media coordination, and lobbying the City Council, she achieved fare-free transit for all Regina youth under thirteen through the Regina Transit Master Plan in July 2022. Sophia successfully applied for funding from the David Suzuki Foundation to work towards a pilot program for fare-free transit expansion for all those eighteen years old and under.

Sophia’s creativity and vision continue as the co-chair of Worthy Purpose. Her student vision group seeks to work in partnership to transform a former church into a community hub to meet the needs of the Heritage community. Under Sophia’s leadership, her team has presented their ideas to various community partners, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a local non-profit, Warriors of Hope, and gained commitment from the Diocese of Fort Qu’Appelle to create 18 units of affordable housing that support a community hub. Currently, blueprints, city approval and funding efforts are underway. Sophia plays a vital role in this inspiring group of young people’s continued work to make the vision a reality.

Serena Thompson

Serena Thompson

Serena Thompson graduated high school in 2017 and then cared for her two younger siblings for almost two years while her parents participated in their recovery from substance use. Serena has experienced the trauma extending from addiction and has remained compassionate to those close to her personally and professionally. Serena plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree from the First Nations University of Canada in the Fall of 2023 to further support her community and relatives as an advocate.

Serena began working for the Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre in Regina in February 2021 operating the front desk and overseeing the drop-in services before transitioning to working as a harm reduction specialist. Serena is quick to respond in emergency situations, administering Narcan and other life-saving measures to community members in and around the Centre. Serena is a consistent safe, calming presence to the drop-in centre and harm reduction space. Her knowledge of her community and resources are a comfort to people experiencing crisis. Serena advocates for and plans programming for harm reduction services that go beyond safe, monitored consumption, ensuring they provide a sense of community and belonging as well.

Jayda Delorme

Jayda Delorme

Jayda Danielle Delorme is an emerging Nihiyaw visual artist from Cowessess First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory and based mainly in Regina. She is an artist of many mediums including drawing, painting, body painting, digital art and logo making. Jayda’s focus is her cultural art practices such as beading, sewing, regalia making and Indigenous cultural tattooing. Her work can be found in various places around her community.

In 2018, her work was shown on an international stage at the World Body Painting Festival in Austria. She takes

great passion in expressing her Indigeneity through her art practices as well as using her art to contribute to her community. Locally she has developed relationships with

various local arts organizations, community groups and community arts events, including, Dunlop Art Gallery, Regina Farmers Market, Sakewewak First Nations Artists Collective, Cathedral Village Arts Festival, Frost Festival, Bazaart, New Dance Horizons, Neutral Ground.

Jayda comes from a family all trying their best to live, work, play, make art and continue to heal from intergenerational traumas. She is a hard-working artist, Powwow dancer, and a kind, wise human who is constantly fighting for time and space to make art.

Caralyn Engbers

Caralyn Engbers

Caralyn has always had a love for literature and she herself is an avid reader. Her vision is for a community where young people, through their joy of reading, become life-long learners. Caralyn has set about removing barriers to literacy.

Caralyn started an initiative wherein she has collected, wrapped and donated over 4800 books valued at over $25,000 to students who attend some of Regina’s inner- city schools. This initiative was fueled by her sincere desire to make a difference and to provide equitable access to learning and resources to those who may otherwise be limited.

Caralyn is currently studying English and Psychology at the University of Regina. She is a young woman who inspires others and involves herself in the community by volunteering in whatever way she can, having volunteered approximately 100 hours every year for the last few years.

Her personal mission is to be an educated, valuable, contributing member of her community and to use her abilities to positively impact and in care of others while inspiring others to do the same.

Chenhuan Deng

Chenhuan Deng

Growing up in China, Chenhuan received homeschooling throughout her elementary years. As she exhibited talents in language learning, she started teaching English courses online to younger students. In her grade 7 year, she began her independent workshop to teach English lessons to adults. At the same time, she joined a charity organization, Yiren Education Volunteer Service, as an English teacher for young cancer and leukemia patients.

After moving to Regina in September 2021, she received various opportunities to pursue her passion through extracurricular activities offered at her school. Finding no activities related to literature and linguistics, she founded the Arise Magazine Club in March 2022. Adding onto her already rigorous study, she also takes extra classes outside school to learn Spanish, German, and Psychology. In August 2022, she took the SAT and earned 1550, which places her in the 99th percentile and is currently applying for several summer schools at Stanford University and Princeton University. Chenhuan is a vigorous young woman dedicating her time and energy to doing whatever she can to create an impact in her community.

Rachel Mae Barros

Rachel Mae Barros

Rachel is currently a grade 12 student at Campbell Collegiate. She demonstrates leadership and spreads her kindness wherever she goes, including within or outside of school. Rachel is currently the Executive Director of Stargivers Initiative where she leads 41 other high school students to make a difference in the community by spreading awareness and support. This task includes planning and leading weekly meetings, organizing fundraisers and donations, and building a community with the homeless. Rachel maintains a bright and motivating attitude to ensure the valuable work spreads joy to the community, the team, and other youth. As the leader of the team, she forms relationships with other organizations to work synergistically and create a link between communities. Rachel has helped to raise and donate nearly $20,000 to Regina’s homeless population.

Rachel is the Events Director of Campbell Collegiate’s Student Leadership Council where she helps to plan fun activities and events for the student body. She has been involved in the council all through high school where she is the first to volunteer to help with any task. She is also the student representative on the Campbell Collegiate Community Council where she represents the student body at meetings with the principals, teachers, and parents. Additionally, Rachel has been an active member of the Campbell Business Club for four years. This year, she holds the position of Vice President, a position that was elected by the student body. Within this role, Rachel acts to help other peers engage in learning business using the motto “Create, Communicate and Collaborate” while having fun.

Catherine Okolita

Catherine Okolita

Catherine Okolita is a 14-year old philanthropist and burgeoning business woman who is committed to making a difference in her community. In 2013, Catherine established Catherine’s Cause – A Community Initiative, to improve her home-town of Fort Qu’Appelle and local Regina charities. Over the year’s she has supported Hospitals of Regina Foundation, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, the Fort Qu’Appelle Fire Department, Regina Cat Rescue, the Regina Humane Society, family literacy programs and her hometown’s cancer support group. When she sees something that needs doing, she steps up.

As the Hospitals of Regina Foundation’s first Pediatric Ambassador, she has participated as the co-auction MC for the Foundation’s Four Seasons Ball. By sharing her own successful fundraising efforts at the Ball, Catherine inspires attendees to support generously. To date, Catherine has raised almost $183,000 to help save babies’ lives through the Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

She oldest of 3 children and is a wonderful example to her younger sister and brother, as well as the community as a whole.

YWCA Regina
1940 McIntyre Street, Regina SK S4P 2R3
Email: ywcaregina@ywcaregina.com
Phone: 306-525-2141 | Fax: 306-525-2171

CHARITABLE REGISTRATION #10822 7950 RR0001

YWCA Regina Inc. is accredited under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.
The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by YWCA Regina Inc.

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