ESTEVAN - Women were saluted for their immense contributions to the workplace, the community, education and other aspects of the region during the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards on May 10.
A large crowd gathered at the Estevan Exhibition Association's building for the event. The crowd applauded the award recipients and the other women who were nominated, they were entertained by guest speaker Corliss Rassyle's Be the Best You speech, and they enjoyed a meal prepared by EB's Catering.
The award recipients were Dr. Rebecca Holman, who took home the Innovative Leadership Award, presented by SaskTel, Kathryn Gilliss (Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award, presented by TS&M Supply), Kylie Phillipchuk (Young Visionary Award, presented by Impact Creative SK), Ramona Knebush (Equity & Inclusion Award, presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross), and Cathy Welta (Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, presented by Steam Est Industries).
Holman said it was an honour just to be nominated among the other "amazing women". It was really exciting to have an event in which women are recognized. She knows some of the other candidates quite well, and knows what other nominees have accomplished.
"I think the support here in Estevan is amazing," said Holman.
She has been a practising chiropractor for eight years in Estevan and has developed a successful business at King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre. In terms of innovation, she has brought a postpartum exercise rehabilitation program for women to address core strength issues.
Also nominated were Nikita Meyer, Maria Walter, Leann Boehm and Jennifer Olfert.
Gilliss said it was a "humbling" experience to be nominated for the award, because she was in the company of some outstanding women, many of whom have been business owners and professionals longer than her.
"The women in this town, they're exceptional, so they're known. I've had the chance to work with many of them professionally and in a volunteer capacity, and all of them were deserving today," said Gilliss.
She is a lawyer and mediator in Estevan who was called to the bar in 2015 and became a partner at the Trobert-Gilliss Law Firm in 2020. She has also taken an active role in the community.
"The thing I love the most about my job is what you get to help your clients through, as a general practitioner. As a collaborative lawyer and mediator, you get to work with people in a variety of different ways. Whoever you're working with, what you're working on with them, it's the most important thing that's going on in their life right now."
Other candidates were Agnes Garrioch, Kristin Dupuis, Melanie Tribiger, Lindsay Brownridge and Shelly Mack.
Phillipchuk, who is a Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School, plans to go to school to become a teacher. She said it was a great experience to see all of the other women who have empowered those in the community.
She has balanced her academics with active involvement in both competitive sports and clubs, including senior basketball, cross country, track and field, and Random Acts of Kindness. She also volunteers within the community and lends her time to raise money through the Shoot for a Cure senior girls' basketball tournament, which supports people battling cancer.
"I always enjoy being around people, being involved and trying to change the world in a positive way," said Phillipchuk.
Raegan Walter was the other candidate. Phillipchuk said Waler would have been a deserving pick.
Knebush was unable to attend the luncheon, as she ran into travel problems in Ottawa, where she was attending a conference. So her daughter Ashley Baker accepted the award on Knebush's behalf.
Knebush said it felt wonderful to be nominated and to be saluted among other nominees.
A member of the Pheasant Rump Nakata First Nation, Knebush is a former health-care director for the reserve, and for over six years she led many initiatives, including a new health building, the creation of an orchard and grow towers with an irrigation system, ensuring food sovereignty and reconnecting with band members living off the reserve.
In 2021, Knebush was elected to an all-women council serving with Chief Ira McArthur.
"We're there on behalf of our members. We speak for them, we fight for them, we do everything for our community. We're out there representing our community," Knebush said.
Margaret Messer and Debbie Hagel were also nominated.
Welta played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Estevan Public Youth Centre. As the first board president, Welta oversaw the hiring of the executive director, securing a location and the initial program offerings.
"Working with the youth and getting that up and running – it's been a real journey," said Welta.
Welta has taken a step back from EPYC to allow new people to be involved, but she remains a supporter of the centre and promoted the venue during her acceptance speech.
She is also proud of her work with the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, where she is a past president, and was a part of the economic development board. She was also part of the host committee for the Saskatchewan Summer Games in 2016.
Welta thanked her children for being understanding of her community efforts.
"My kids understand that what makes me a better mom is giving back to the community."
Her employer, RBC, has also been very supportive of her efforts.
Other nominees for the community award were Jen Lozinsky, Ashley Gallaway, Haley Ingham, Connie Hagel, Nicole Currie, and Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight. Rohatyn and Knight were nominated together.
A total of 24 women were nominated between the five different award categories this year. Recipients were decided by a panel of independent judges from outside of the region.
The other highlight of the event was the Trailblazer Memorial Walk, presented by TruckMart. Ida Petterson, Shirley Orsted, Melodye Pierson and Shirley Carson were recognized for their contributions to the region through their efforts in the workplace, politics, community service, sports and their families.
For each woman, there was a banner with their name, photo and a brief write-up on what they accomplished.
"The trailblazers are women who were the first to do something or to go somewhere to give other women the opportunity to follow and to give other women the knowledge that it is indeed possible for women to do something," said MC Mary Anne Veroba, who noted the memorial walk would continue to grow.
A local committee named Women 4 Women organized the Women of Distinction Awards, Presented by Support You Life Coaching and Consulting by Stacey Wempe. A previous event, the Women of Today Awards, ran from 1999-2019 and was organized by Quota International of Estevan. Early in the luncheon, Valerie Hall with the Quota Club was saluted for the work that she and other Quota members put into the predecessor event.
Veroba described Hall as a "remarkable, hard-working woman" during opening remarks.
"Thank you, Valerie. We hope we honour your legacy by renewing and respecting these important awards," said Veroba.
