Local Women Honored at the 47th Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards
In an inspiring celebration on Tuesday night, remarkable women from the Waterloo Region gathered at Cambridge’s Tapestry Hall, where they were honored for their invaluable contributions that have substantially bettered our community. The event, hosted by Country 106.7 morning show luminaries Robin and PJ, marked the 47th annual Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year awards, setting a new record with 71 distinguished nominees.
The evening saw a diverse array of awards handed out, spotlighting achievements in arts and culture, community service, entrepreneurship, and more. Among the honorees was Betty Ann Keller, recipient of the 2022 Arts and Culture Award, celebrated for her over five decades of relentless dedication to fostering a vibrant arts community in the Waterloo Region.
Nadine Green was bestowed with the Community Service Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. Entrepreneur Award went to Donna Litt, lauded for her groundbreaking work in promoting female entrepreneurship and diversity in the tech sector.
Another notable recipient was Sarah Odinotski, who impressed with her leadership and initiative, earning her the Young Adult Award alongside the Jennifer Campbell Youth Scholarship Award, a tribute to the late Jennifer Campbell’s legacy of inspiring local women.
The award categories and winners celebrated at this year’s event include:
- Arts & Culture: Betty Ann Keller, for her lifelong commitment to enhancing Waterloo Region’s cultural landscape through arts promotion and community engagement.
- Community Service: Nadine Green, for her compassionate care and support for those experiencing homelessness, embodying the spirit of community service.
- Entrepreneur: Donna Litt, recognized for her leadership and advocacy in fostering diversity and supporting female entrepreneurs within the tech sector.
- Group Achievement: Canadian Federation of University Women Kitchener-Waterloo, for their century-long dedication to promoting human rights, educational excellence, and the higher education of women.
- Health & Wellness: Rachel Radyk (WaabanoKwe), for her advocacy and contributions to culturally sensitive healthcare practices, especially within Indigenous health.
- Lifetime Achievement: Vickie Murray, honored for her role in organizing and leading COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in Waterloo Region and advocating against domestic violence.
- Professional: Susan MacQueen, for her innovative contributions to arthritis care and her advocacy for improved access to care for those living with arthritis.
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM): Adele Newton, celebrated for her pioneering efforts in encouraging women to pursue careers in technical fields.
- Young Adult: Sarah Odinotski, for her exemplary leadership roles and efforts to bridge the gap between students and employers in the field of nanotechnology.
The evening not only illuminated the exceptional contributions made by these women but also served as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging ongoing support and acknowledgment of women’s roles in shaping a better future for our community.
The awards ceremony’s highlights and heartwarming moments will be shared with the broader community, as it is scheduled for broadcast on Rogers TV on Saturday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m., allowing everyone to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women.
