The Business Women of Moose Jaw welcomed a sold-out crowd to the seventh annual PRISM Awards, where they celebrated the successes and achievements of 36 local women in and among the business community.
“What I know to be true about this city is that we are a city of support, encouragement, empowerment, and bravery, especially in the midst of hardship,” said BWMJ president Kayla Dale in her introductory speech. “You should be proud that you are all here tonight to lift up both those who are celebrating great accomplishments and to raise money for those who may be going through some unimaginably hard times.”
All of the nominees in the seven categories — Perseverance, Role Model, Influential, Successful, Mentor, Youth Achievement, and Lifetime Achievement — were given their moment of applause from the crowd.
This year’s guest speaker was 15 Wing Chief Warrant Officer Marlene Shillingford, who was the first female member of the CF Snowbirds when she joined the technician crew in 1992 and currently holds the highest title available to non-commissioned members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
In her speech, Shillingford spoke of how important it is to persevere despite the odds and support other women in their goals.
“One of the reasons why I stay in the Canadian Forces is to show the young women coming up in the ranks that it is possible to achieve this rank. It’s possible to make a difference and it’s possible to reach your highest potential,” said Shillingford. “I didn’t have any female role models in high positions back then, and I want to be that for them now. My message to them is to follow your dreams, and don’t let anybody dictate what you can or cannot do.”
The annual gala and awards night presented the winner of each category with this year’s unique, specially designed necklace from Fifth Avenue Collection, to match the gifted bracelet they received when they were nominated.
The winners of this year’s awards are Julie Knox, for Perseverance; Jackie Wilson, for Role Model; Roberta Fonger, for Influential; Marcy Duffy, for Successful; and Jocelyn MacLeod, for Mentor.
The Youth Achievement Award was presented to Central Collegiate student Jaimee Lynn-Hodgson, for her outstanding academic performance, leadership role amongst her classmates, continued achievements with the local Cadets program, and many volunteering accolades
The BWMJ also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Joan Buckmaster, who has offered her mentorship to many young girls throughout her 35 years as an educator, volunteer, and girls fastball coach.
Hosting the awards each year is meant to celebrate the brilliance of local women and spotlight the many things they do within the community to support not only their peers but all of Moose Jaw.
The gala also acts as an annual fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Transition House and has raised over $90,000 throughout the years. This year, the gala will be presenting the local women’s shelter with yet another donation to support their programming.
Honouring local women in such a way is also made that much more special by hosting the event on the evening before International Women’s Day, a national campaign that advocates for equality and women supporting other women.
“Our event is always hosted on or around the weekend of International Women’s Day because we want to celebrate women in our community as other women are being celebrated all over the planet,” said PRISM committee chair Crystal Froese. “We’re happy to be a part of that celebration.”
