Women who graduated from NC are stepping up and standing out in Niagara.
Several recently announced finalists for Niagara’s 2024 Women in Business Awards are members of the College’s alumni community. Hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognize women who have exemplify innovation, resilience, and excellence in their fields. The Women in Business Awards applaud outstanding women — and their businesses — and provide a platform to foster growth, collaboration, and a shared vision for Niagara’s future.
“It’s exciting to see NC alumnae so well represented on this year’s list of finalists for Women in Business Awards,” said Jana Boniferro, Director, Alumni Relations. “NC takes great pride in our alumni community of more than 120,000 who can be found succeeding and leading throughout the Niagara region, across Canada and around the world.”
This year’s list of finalists who were identified by Alumni Relations as graduates of NC include:
- Finalist for Emerging Business Award, Health Care Hero, and Young Professional Award: Alka, Managing Director, Paradigm Healthcare Services (Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing, 2015, and Gerontology, 2016);
- Finalist for Community Impact Award: Jess Boulay, Vice President, Giant Shoe Creative Agency, Coordinator for Shoebox Project – Niagara (Graphic Design Production – Arts and Design Fundamentals, 2005);
- Finalist for Science, Technology, Education and Math Award: Janet Bradley, Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology at NC (Electronics Engineering Technology, 1997);
- Finalist for Excellence in the Public Sector: Lina DeChellis, Director, Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives for the City of Welland (Tourism-Tours and Attractions, 1990);
- Finalist for Emerging Business Award: Devon Elcomb-Anzit, Owner, Pressed in Time (Recreation and Leisure Services, 2011);
- Finalist for Community Impact Award, and Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector: Lori Gill, Founder of Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara, Founder of Lori Gill Psychotherapy, ATTCH Inc., and creator of the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (General Arts and Science, 2001, Criminal Psychology and Behaviour, 2002, Child and Youth Care, 2002, Child and Youth Worker, 2002, and Counselling Skills for Human Services, 2005);
- Finalist for Entrepreneurship Award: Sharon Green (nee Reeds), CEO and Co-Founder of Intuitive Shipping (Business Administration – Human Resources Co-op, 2007);
- Finalist for Young Professional Award: Adriann Knight, who works at Intuitive Shipping with over six years of experience working in economic development for the City of St. Catharines, Niagara Region, University of Waterloo, and Niagara College (Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, International Commerce and Global Development, 2017);
- Finalist for Emerging Business Award and Entrepreneurship Award: Stephanie Lakeit-Hall, Owner and HR Consultant, SH Consulting Group (Business Administration – Operations Management Co-op, 2007);
- Finalist for Emerging Business Award: Kimberly Legros, Owner/Director, Brunch Beverages Inc. (Pharmacy Assistant, 1997, and Business Administration – Professional Golf Management, 2004);
- Finalist for Excellence in Environmental Leadership: Morgan MacLean, Assistant Branch Manager at Meridian Credit Union, and Owner of Sudz Handmade (Social Service Worker, 2008);
- Finalist for Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism: Deidre Miller, Account Director, Niagara Falls Convention Centre (Tourism, 2001 and Tourism Development, 2002);
- Finalist for Young Professional Award: Chelsea Ridolfi: Senior Small Business Advisor, Meridian Credit Union (Human Resources Management, 2016);
- Finalist for Health Care Hero: Rebecca Rodgers, Rehabilitation Consultant, Evolve and Resolve, and Director at Large with the Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (Educational Resources and Special Needs program, 1997);
- Finalist for Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism: Leigh Roszell, Director of Sales, Niagara Falls Tourism (Hotel and Restaurant Administration program, 1994);
- Finalist for Entrepreneurship Award: Katie Sawicki (Carbone), Owner/Lead Hairstylist, Katie Elizabeth Salon (Hairstylist, 2007); and
- Finalist for Excellence in Trades, Anna Stoddart, Apprentice Electrician, General Motors St. Catharines plant (Electrical Techniques, 2020).
NC at the WIBAs
The awards promise to be an exciting event for the College with two NC faculty members named as finalists and an administrator who has been announced as an award recipient.
Faculty finalists
In addition to Janet Bradley, Professor of Electrical Engineering Technology, who was announced as a finalist in several categories (view list of alumni finalists above), Lisa Caruso, Professor from NC’s School of Trades, is also a finalist in the Excellence in Trades category.
Lifetime Achievement Award
NC’s Director Athletics and Student Engagement Michele O’Keefe will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. The award celebrates women who have excelled in their business and community over the course of their career. Watch for more details on InsideNC.
Women in Business Awards
The 2024 Women in Business Awards will be presented on November 21. For event details, click here.
