The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) announced the finalists for its 2026 Women in Business Awards on Oct. 13, recognizing women across Niagara for their leadership, achievements and contributions to the community.
Among the finalists are two Niagara College employees and nine NC alumni, recognized across a range of award categories.
NC employees:
- Sylvia Denton, Technical Sales Manager, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) – Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Award
- Ashley Paling, Research Lead, Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) – Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Award (Horticultural Technician (Co-op), 2023 alumna)
NC alumni:
- Nancy Croce (General College, 1988) – Community Impact Award
- Alka Singh (Registered Nurse – Critical Care Nursing, 2015; Gerontology, 2016) – Emerging Business Award, Entrepreneurship Award and Health Care Hero. 2025 Alumni of Excellence award recipient.
- Kimberly Legros (Pharmacy Assistant, 1997; Business Administration – Professional Golf Management, 2004) – Entrepreneurship Award
- Kimberly Hawkins (Environmental Management and Assessment, 2005) – Excellence in Environmental Leadership
- Marissa Hartley (Culinary Skills – Chef Training, 2015) – Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
- Margaret Lockhart (Management of Human Resources, 2012) – Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector
- Jonna Wolfenbergh (OMDP – Leadership Skills and Business Management Skills, 2011) – Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector
- Rachel Schalk (Culinary Management (Co-op), 2014; Baking and Pastry Arts, 2015) – Excellence in Trades
- Jhenell Martin (General Arts and Science (College Exploration), 2010; Business – Accounting, 2015) – Young Professional Award
The awards ceremony will take place November 6 at the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls. Niagara College is also the presenting sponsor of the Health Care Hero Award.
Read the Oct. 13 announcement here.
