More than 400 women inspiring women and a few inspiring men gathered at the Women of Inspiration Awards on October 1, 2016, to celebrate the 40 finalists nominated as Women of Inspiration.

This year’s overall Woman of Inspiration is Tamara Jones. Tamara is a strong voice for change when it comes to addressing the issues that surround violence in the home. Tamara will tell you she is unrelenting in her cause. She will leave you feeling that her endeavours count; her endeavours matter.
The Women of Inspiration 2016 Award recipients are Teresa de Grosbois – Game Changer, Elizabeth Lewis – Difference Maker, Aretha Greatrix – Cultural Ambassador, Lana Wright – Mentorship, Kim Deep – Boss Chick, Mackenzie Murphy – Millennial Leader, Jacqueline Cameron – Health and Wellness, and Donna Dahl – Lifetime Achievement. All the Award winners were presented with the Calgary symbol of honour, a traditional White Hat, Beauty Gram, professional portrait by award winning photographer Mark Laurie, make-up session with Mira Pucchi and signature Hillberg and Berk sparkle ball jewellery for the Peacock Collection.

Dr. Shawne Duperon, the founder of Project Forgive, Six Time Emmy Award Winner and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee delivered her inspirational address following the presentation of the awards. Dr. Shawne, as she likes to be called, described a Woman of Inspiration as “A woman who speaks her truth, especially in the most courageous circumstances. She allows her passion to be bigger than any fear.”

Additional speakers at this year’s event included Maggie Mackillop of HomeFront, Shauna Walker from The Spa Ritual, and Rachel Mielke, CEO of Hillberg and Berk. Monica often says, “Every woman has a story.” These women shared a powerful piece in their story that has contributed to their current success.

Brett Wilson’s sharing about his family roots and his participation in the growth of Rachel Mielke’s company was a clear example of how a supportive hand up accompanied with faith in making things happen can make all the difference. Brett Wilson is a former member of Dragon’s Den, a CBC production in support of Canadian entrepreneurs.

2016 Women of Inspiration
Photographer - Mark Laurie - Owner, Master Photographer Inner Spirit Photography
Beauty Team: Maison Blu - Make-Up, Hair - Influence Salon
Jewellery: Hillberg & Berk

Our sold out inaugural event in 2015 welcomed 200 women who gathered to celebrate, network, and recognize difference makers in our community. Our 2015 Women of Inspiration, Diane Harms was presented with a White Hat by Deputy Mayor Diane Colley-Urquhart and Manjit Minhas. Celebrity speakers and guests included Michelle Morgan of CBC’s Heartland TV Show, W. Brett Wilson, Sophie Serafino and Aly Pain.

Women of Inspiration was created by our founder to acknowledge Diane L. Harms, a Woman of Inspiration who inspired her to be more and do more! There was only one Award in 2015 to acknowledge a woman who leads by example, is a distinguished professional in her industry of family law, demonstrates leadership, courage, commitment, confidence and integrity.

Our legacy event sparked an organic movement to celebrate and recognize women in diverse categories who are creating a ripple effect to inspire those around them to take action in their own lives, have a voice, and have the confidence to realize their dreams.

Since our first event on 2015, we have welcomed 1200 attendees, celebrated over 100 nominees and awarded 20 Woman of Inspiration Awards to women who are leading by example in the community and around the globe.