Women in Business celebrates a roaring 2022

For the first time since 2019, some of qathet’s hardest-working women got together to celebrate their achievements at the PR Women in Business awards.

The theme was “Roaring 20s,” and nearly everyone dressed up for the occasion. Fifty-seven women were nominated across four categories.

“They are outstanding for all they do for businesses, the community, and your families,” said WIB president Jennifer Konopelski.

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Carol Hamilton Senior Citizens Association

Carol has volunteered with many groups in town over the years, including Porpoise Swim Club, Powell River Track and Field, Sea Fair Society, International Choral Festival Kathaumixw, Blackberry Festival, Kiwanis Club of Westview and Powell River, The Youth Ambassador Committee, Model Community for Persons with Disabilities Society, co-ordinator for Canada Day celebrations, the Parade of Lights, Polar Bear Swim, PRISMA, and the Senior Citizens Association.

She volunteers as a driver, shopper, and visitor for people with disabilities.

As of late, she and 10 other volunteers have taken over for Gene Jamieson and are cooking 450 meals a month for our local seniors.

Many Powell River residents of all ages have benefited from Carol’s volunteerism and many more have volunteered because they have seen what she has accomplished as a volunteer in our community.

Outstanding Employee of the Year

Lola Amundsen Miklat Recovery Society

Lola is the single most kind-hearted and hard working woman I’ve ever met.

She puts so much heart into her work at Miklat Recovery Society that their clients all see her as their mother figure, someone to respect and look up to, and to learn valuable wisdom from.

She retired from managing a doctor’s office a few years ago, went through some hard times, but during and after those times she was a part of the foundation of Miklat Recovery Society.

She volunteered for the first year of operations, working full eight-hour shifts without pay so that they could get the business off the ground, and then was hired on.

She sits on the board of directors, organized the entire office, and refined the procedures. She is truly an incredible person.

Outstanding Home-Based Owner of the Year

Robyn Harris Free Spirit Health and Wellness

This home-based business owner has a business that truly benefits women. She is a trained life coach whose business is to help women heal and become the best warrior women possible.

Her business continues to grow and she continues to help empower! Homebased businesses are not an easy sell and she has worked endlessly to sell hers, she is amazing!

Outstanding Business Owner of the Year

Vanessa Coray VK Wellness Initiative

This woman is a dedicated mother of two, a wife and an SD47 coordinator with multiple responsibilities.

She felt that there was a global mental health crisis happening and a need during the pandemic. She along with her partner have worked tirelessly to help their community, they have brought 10 plus associates under one roof to bring health and wellness to Powell River.

She is one spectacular woman!