MOOSE JAW — After a five-year hiatus, the PRISM Awards, hosted by the Business Women of Moose Jaw (BWMJ), made a triumphant return — honouring the remarkable contributions of women across diverse industries in Moose Jaw.
The event recognized outstanding individuals who exemplify Perseverance, act as a Role model, are Influential, are Successful, or who serve as a Mentor — fitting the PRISM acronym.
The awards ceremony was held recently as a luncheon at Dance Images, with catering by High Regard Artisanal Catering and Kitchen, and a total of 11 nominees who were recognized. Six of those women received top honours.
“We’re really excited to be able to bring these (awards) back,” said Crystal Froese, president of BWMJ earlier. “The (BWMJ) itself is gaining more momentum than we even expected….”
Recognizing community leaders
The 2025 PRISM Awards winners included women from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and community spirit.
Perseverance Award: Kimberly Lewis was recognized with the Perseverance Award for overcoming significant challenges to start her own business. Despite obstacles — including a postal strike that disrupted her online sales — she has remained steadfast in her commitment to success while giving back to the community.
Role Model Award: Lynann Pethick was recognized with the Role Model Award. Her long-time volunteerism has benefited numerous organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, South Hill Community Association, the Friendly City Optimist Club, the Western Development Museum, and Wakamow Valley Park.
Sarah Simison was the runner-up for this year’s Role Model Award.
Influential Award: Michaela Turner received the Influential Award for her contributions as community and employee engagement manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op and her dedication to community service. Turner’s influence includes overseeing the Moose Jaw Co-op scholarship program, support for the Community Lunch Program, and donations through the Moose Jaw Co-op’s Community Fund, including a recent $10,000 donation to help Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre complete its move home this year following extensive renovations.
Shaunna Fritzler was the runner-up for this year’s Influential Award.
Successful Award: Della Ferguson was presented with the Successful Award in recognition of dedicating her career to grief support and community service. As a funeral celebrant at W.J. Jones and Son Funeral Home and advocate for mental health and hospice care at Seniors’ Centre Without Walls, Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, Journey to Hope, and Square One Community Inc., Ferguson has profoundly impacted those in need.
Gwen Fisher was the runner-up for this year’s Successful Award.
Mentor Award: Amanda Maki was honoured with the Mentor Award for her role as deputy commanding officer at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School. Maki has guided aspiring aviators in a male-dominated field, inspiring the next generation of pilots.
Historic lifetime achievement
For the first time in PRISM history, the Lifetime Achievement Award resulted in a three-way tie, with Doreen Bye, Lucille Gilliland, and Barb Jackman all receiving accolades for their decades of service.
Bye has spent years volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, organizing blood donor clinics, and contributing to various community initiatives. Gilliland has shaped early childhood education for nearly 40 years through her role at the Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre, while Jackman has devoted more than three decades to training dancers and instructors through Dance Images.
“(This was an) amazing event celebrating some amazing women in our community,” Froese said. “Congratulations to all the nominees.”
This year’s PRISM Awards banquet was made possible by the efforts of Froese, Tara Johanna, Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, and Kelly Carty.
To learn more about the Business Women of Moose Jaw, visit “Business Women of Moose Jaw” on Facebook.
