Five women have been nominated for the Myrtle Evertt Woman of the Year Award, presented by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Abbotsford.
The awards dinner takes place Wednesday, May 15 at Garden Park Tower, 2825 Clearbrook Rd. A champagne reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30.
The nominees, who have been recognized for making a difference in the community as role models for other women, are: Pat Christie, Wendy Martin-Stroyan, Wendy McClelland, Wendy Neufeld and Vicki Raw.
Christie (top photo)is the coordinator of the Employment Mentors’ Program in Abbotsford Community Services’ multic
ultural and immigrant integration services department.
She works with the business community to mentor new immigrants, helping them to maximize their opportunities for economic, social and political engagement.
Martin-Stroyan (second photo from top) has a background in sports administration and is the current chair of the B.C. Coast Region of Skate Canada.
She has been involved in regional, provincial, national and international events. Her community involvement includes everything from the arts and athletics to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the United Way.
McClelland (left) is a lifelong entrepreneur who is currently the chief creative officer and owner of Wendy McClelland – Your Business Concierge.
She has rebuilt her business twice and, in sharing her experiences, has become a sought-after business coach and motivational speaker. She helps others to break down barriers and create new opportunities, with a focus on positive change.
Neufeld (left) became the owner of a Co-operators Insurance franchise and then established her own agency, becoming a top performer in the industry.
She supports a number of community services and fundraisers, and is past president of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford Sumas.
Raw (bottom photo) is the executive director of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. Her passion to support and improve health care was ignited after spending a considerable amount of time at B.C. Children’s Hospital with her son.
She has been in the field of health-care philanthropy for 18 years, and has been instrumental in raising more than $22 million for hospitals and health-care programs.
Tickets for the awards dinner are available online at woty2013.eventbrite.ca.
For more information, visit bpwabbotsford.ca.