Businesswomen, youth entrepreneurs, community builders and volunteers took Surrey into the spotlight for two prestigious award presentations in May.
On May 28, more than 80 B.C. women were honoured as nominees for the prominent Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. There were seven nominees from Surrey, resulting in three winners:
- Mayor Dianne Watts received an award in the non-profit and public service category, a grouping that also included nominee Anita Huberman, Surrey Board of Trade CEO. Watts was recognized for her community-first programs, crime-reduction strategies, homelessness and housing funding and overall "initiatives to create creating a healthier, safer society for families and a thriving city that attracts business and growth";
- Kamal Dhillon, president of Black and Blue Sari, won in the community-building category. Dhillon founded Black and Blue Sari "with a vision to educate and empower communities to end domestic abuse." She has written a book and has spoken extensively on the issue of domestic violence and counsels victims of domestic abuse.
- Maureen de St. Croix, founder and head coach of Ocean Athletics track and field club in South Surrey, won in the health, wellness and athletics category. De St. Croix has spent her life in the B.C. athletics arena and "played an instrumental role in the development and promotion of both track and field and cross-country running to athletes of all ages."
Other nominees from Surrey were Lyda Salatian, founder and program director, the Lower Mainland Green Team (environmental sustainability category); Wendy Pattenden, CEO, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (health, wellness and athletics); and Navi Gill, co-founder, Global Girl Power (young woman of distinction). Visit http://bit.ly/11EREAM for a full list of winners.
Youth awards
On May 23, the Surrey Board of Trade recognized 25 young adults at its third annual Top 25 Under 25 Awards.
The event celebrated business and community achievements, leadership ability, community involvement, professional achievements and uniqueness of business and community projects.
"The Surrey Board of Trade's Top 25 Under 25 Awards celebrated the incredible initiatives, community and entrepreneurial spirit that Surrey's youth have showcased through their nominations," said Huberman. "Throughout the nomination process, we were thrilled to learn how Surrey's youth truly are working toward the success of our city's future. It is the Surrey Board of Trade's economic commitment to continue recognizing the entrepreneurism and innovation of Surrey's youth."
Visit http://bit.ly/16u99H8 for a full list of winners.
