The Women of Miramichi Entrepreneurial Network (WOMEN) will hold the 3rd Annual 'Women of Influence Night’ on November 29th at Rodd Miramichi River Hotel. 'Women of Influence Night’ will be the WOMEN network’s third awards Ceremony and will feature several award categories, all designed to applaud Miramichi area women for their accomplishments in both career and personal lives.
The following (in alphabetical order) are the finalists in their respective categories:
The following (in alphabetical order) are the finalists in their respective categories:
Female Entrepreneur of the Year
This award recognizes and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and success. Determination, dynamism and innovation are all words that represent female business community of the Miramichi.
The 2014 finalists have over 40 years combined experience as female entrepreneurs.
The 2014 finalists have over 40 years combined experience as female entrepreneurs.
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Ellen Karasek
Ellen Karasek is a passionate entrepreneur, her hard work ethic, lent to the longevity of her business and left a lasting legacy on this community works. Ellen expanded her business to Karasak Stage and Actionware- Stretch Fabrics and Trims where she oversees the manufacturing of costumes, and catering to the needs of the dance industry. After almost 3 decades in the dance studio, in 2001 Ellen proudly passed the dance reigns to her talented daughter Natalie. The Karasek Dance studio is now in its 43rd year and continues to flourish with top notch dance education and beautiful year end performances. |
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Angela Thomas
With an eye for detail, a passion for the respiratory system, and a fine business sense, Angela Thomas, owner of Breatheasy Services Ltd. has poured her energy and focus into building her business into the successful company it is today. Born and raised in Chatham, New Brunswick, Angela is a Respiratory Therapist. She credits the support and love of her family, especially her parents, Joan and Ken, as key in the success of her career and business. Her company, Breatheasy Services Ltd. began in the basement of her home, one patient at a time. |
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Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams of UNICARE Home Health Care, describes her journey as a female entrepreneur as risky, challenging, and completely life altering. At the same time, she says it is immensely satisfying with great rewards and opportunity beyond all expectations. Inspired by her Grandmother's situation, Lisa caught the entrepreneurial ‘bug’ and UNICARE was born in 2007. What began in a 12x12 room with one employee in her home, has grew into a two-story office & training centre staffed by 5 with more than 120 employees. UNICARE rapidly expanded as far as the Acadian Peninsula with two additional offices. To better serve her clients, Lisa added a 2nd business; UNI-CLEAN SOLUTIONS-an eco-friendly professional cleaning company. |
Female Professional Excellence of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding woman who is acknowledged in her field for her professional leadership. She is committed to excellence, creates and inspires a positive work environment and influences and motivates positive change in her profession, trade or workplace.
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Lorri Grant McEachern
Lorri began her journey as a Police Officer in 1990 and worked for seven years with the Metro Toronto Police Force, beginning as a 4th class constable and quickly moving into the rank of detective/constable. In 2000, she became a K-9 Officer and combined her desire to serve and protect with her love of animals, and has been instrumental in assisting other police agencies with major crimes. Because she is one of the two dog handlers in Miramichi, she is on call 24 hours a day. Lorri and her 4 legged partner Timo are called out in the line of duty no matter the weather, the time of day, or the situation. |
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Paula Septon
Paula graduated of Miramichi Valley High School then went on to study at Mount Saint Vincent University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Administration in May 1990. Three days after graduating, she began her career journey with a company she is still with today, working her way up the corporate structure. As Bell Aliant’s Area Manger she is responsible for the Miramichi and Bathurst region and is currently responsible for 19 Consumer and Business Technicians in her area. |
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Karen White-O’Connell
Karen White-O’Connell has been NBCC’s Miramichi Regional Director for the past three years. Over her career at NBCC, Karen has demonstrated a keen understanding for the many facets of a community college housed in a ‘rural’ campus. Karen returned to Miramichi in 2001 and has committed herself not only to the business of NBCC, but the role NBCC plays in the community. She is passionate about making both NBCC and Miramichi a vibrant and economically successful community. |
Woman of Influence
This award recognizes an outstanding woman over the age of 29 who is respected and admired for her leadership, achievements and contributions to her workplace, community and is a positive influence. She has shown perseverance, innovation and compassion.
All three are known for their commitment to our community.
All three are known for their commitment to our community.
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Susan Butler Love of community and music has been an integral part of Susan’s life. She’s devoted countless hours of her talent and fundraising abilities to benefit Miramichiers and those far beyond our region, including Kosovo, and the southern United States after Hurricane Katrina. |
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Connie Doucet
Throughout her nursing career Connie utilized her passion, compassion, skills and talent for the dying and their families, not only on the job, but on her own time as well. Countless times, you could find Connie in homes sharing her gift of music with people in the most intimate way possible. Today, she uses her guidance, spirit and wisdom as she works to provide support services to families in the community who were experiencing the stress of living with life-threatening illnesses. |
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Nancy Lordon
In 2008 Nancy Lordon became the city of Miramichi’s first female deputy mayor. She used her new role as an opportunity to encourage others, especially children to get involved in their community and give back, speaking to many groups including Girl Guides and Big Brothers/Big Sisters to name a few. She also advocated for more women to get involved in politics and in the city election of 2012 for the first time in history more women than men were elected to council. |
The WOMEN Board of
Directors received nominations from the community in each award category. A
selection committee then chose three finalists and the title holder in each
category. Two more awards will be handed out the evening of November 29. Awards
for WOMEN Member of the Year and Young Woman of Influence are
chosen by the WOMEN Board of Directors.
Tickets for this event are now on sale for $50 each and can be purchased at Town Hill Jewelry, Genesis Salon and Spa and Season’s View Café. They are available until November 24.
Many thanks to the 2014 WOMEN of Influence Night sponsors who are Remax 3000 Ltd., St. Thomas University, City of Miramichi, Beaubear Credit Union, Season’s View Café, the NB Association of CBDC’s Women in Business and Town Hill Jewellery.
For more information please email womenofmiramichi@gmail.com or contact Clarissa Harris LeBreton at 836-9801.
Tickets for this event are now on sale for $50 each and can be purchased at Town Hill Jewelry, Genesis Salon and Spa and Season’s View Café. They are available until November 24.
Many thanks to the 2014 WOMEN of Influence Night sponsors who are Remax 3000 Ltd., St. Thomas University, City of Miramichi, Beaubear Credit Union, Season’s View Café, the NB Association of CBDC’s Women in Business and Town Hill Jewellery.
For more information please email womenofmiramichi@gmail.com or contact Clarissa Harris LeBreton at 836-9801.
Gala Décor by Sugar & Spice Events & Décor
Photos by Melanie Carr
2014 Gala Sponsors
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