Two Niagara College employees were recognized for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the 2026 Women in Business Awards, hosted by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 6.
The annual awards celebrate women who demonstrate innovation, resilience and excellence in their fields, while providing a platform to encourage growth, collaboration and a shared vision for Niagara’s future.
Representing Niagara College in the STEM Award category were Ashley Paling, Research Lead at the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC), who was named the 2026 award winner, and Sylvia Denton, Technical Sales Manager at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC), who was a finalist.
Learn more about the NC employees recognized:
Ashley Paling
Research Lead, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre
A graduate of Niagara College’s Horticultural Technician (Co-op) program in 2023, Paling’s journey at NC began in 2021 as a part-time Research Assistant with HESIC while she was still a student.
Ashley Paling was the recipient of the 2026 STEM award.
Since graduating, she has continued to grow her career at the College, taking on several roles, including teaching as a part-time professor in NC’s Horticulture, Greenhouse and Landscape programs, a position she has held since 2024. After serving as a Research Associate, she became HESIC’s Research Lead in February 2025.
In her current role, Paling develops and conducts research projects in HESIC’s research greenhouse and mentors student Research Assistants, helping support the next generation of researchers.
“I was honoured to be nominated for a Women in Business Award in the STEM category, and even more humbled to be the recipient of the 2026 STEM award,” said Paling. “In my role as Research Lead at HESIC, I have the fortunate opportunity to combine my passion for plant science and research into tangible, applied horticultural trials that directly benefit the local and international industry partners we work with.
“While awards have never been what motivates me, I recognize the value in this kind of acknowledgment because it helps shine a light on the contributions of women working in STEM and, hopefully, encourages others to pursue opportunities in these fields. I’m grateful to be part of an industry and team that allows me to do work I’m passionate about every day.”
Sylvia Denton
Technical Sales Manager, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre.
Denton brings more than 25 years of experience in utility metering, energy management and operational efficiency to her role at WAMIC. She began her career at Measurement Canada, focusing on legal metrology in the electricity and gas utility sector.
Sylvia Denton was named as a finalist in the STEM category.
As Technical Sales Manager, Denton works with companies to identify opportunities to innovate and improve their products and manufacturing processes. She also connects businesses with WAMIC’s leading-edge technology and expert staff to help turn those opportunities into reality. She recently earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Management from Yorkville University, further complementing her extensive industry experience.
“It’s such an honour to be recognized alongside so many incredible women, especially my colleague Ashley Paling,” said Denton. “I’m so proud of Ashley and couldn’t be happier to see her receive this well-deserved recognition! I’ve always loved the challenges and opportunities that come with working in STEM, and I hope seeing women celebrated in these fields encourages the next generation of girls to explore what’s possible.”
Alumni nominees
Niagara College alumni were also well represented among this year’s nominees, with graduates recognized across several award categories. The following finalists were identified by NC Alumni Relations as College graduates.
Award recipients
- Emerging Business Award: Alka Singh (Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing ’15, Gerontology ’16)
- Entrepreneurship Award: Kimberly Legros (Pharmacy Assistant ’97, Business Administration – Professional Golf Management ’04)
- Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector: Margaret Lockhart (Management of Human Resources ’12)
- Excellence in Trades: Rachel Schalk (Culinary Management (Co-op) ’14, Baking and Pastry Arts ’15)
Other alumni finalists
- Community Impact Award: Nancy Croce (General College ’88)
- Entrepreneurship Award: Alka Singh (Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing ’15, Gerontology ’16)
- Excellence in Environmental Leadership: Kimberly Hakins (Environmental Management and Assessment ’05)
- Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism: Marissa Hartley (Culinary Skills – Chef Training ’15)
- Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector: Jonna Wolfenbergh (OMDP – Leadership Skills ’11, OMDP – Business Management Skills ’11)
- Young Professional Award: Jhenell Martin (General Arts and Science (College Exploration) ’10, Business – Accounting ’15)
