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Award winners represent cross-section of community
The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, June 06, 2008The 2008 Women of Distinction awards were handed out Thursday night at a gala held at TCU Place.
The awards, given out by the YWCA, honour the accomplishments of exceptional Saskatoon women who contribute to a number of different areas.
Dr. Chamundi Eswari Selvaraj won the arts, culture and heritage category for her public service work as president of the "Pushpanjali" India School of Dance, secretary of the Hindu Society of Saskatchewan and vice-president of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Saskatoon. She spearheaded the Walk for Human Values, which resulted in the City of Saskatoon declaring Human Values Day in June 2006.
The awards' winning community builder is Monica Goulet, a Cree, Saulteaux and French woman from Cumberland House. Goulet uses a holistic approach in community development when working in the diverse multicultural community of Saskatoon.
Mavis McPhee, a co-ordinator with READ Saskatoon, was awarded the Education honour. She has worked with children and families for more than 30 years and currently develops the adult one-to-one tutor program, among other initiatives, for READ.
The Entrepreneurship award went to Monica Kreuger, president of Global Infobrokers Inc., a entrepreneurship education institute. She is also the co-founder of Venture Forward $100K, a business plan competition for post-secondary students that helps them start businesses.
The Women of Distinction award for health and wellness was given to Elliot Paus-Jenssen, the volunteer co-ordinator for the Council on Aging's older adult abuse task force. She also serves on the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and Saskatoon Housing Authority boards.
The athletics award went to Women 2000, a community-based group that focuses on equality for women in sport. Their work to support the women's Huskie hockey program at the University of Sask-atchewan will benefit female athletes in years to come.
Donna Prefontaine was honoured in the leadership and management category. She is a leader in Saskatchewan's information and communications technology sector who turns challenges into advantages, creates economic opportunities and encourages people to take leaps of faith.
The lifetime achievement award went to Donna Birkmaier-Tillotson, a former Saskatoon city councillor who served for 21 years. She is recognized for her hard work, vision, integrity and dedication. Her contribution to the community also includes extensive volunteer work.
The awards' science, technology or research award was given to Caroline Tait, a Metis woman with a PhD in medical anthropology. Her experience has benefited indigenous people and women on the edge of mainstream society. Tait focuses her work on the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in First Nations communities and adapting immigrant and indigenous people as newcomers to urban life.
Sarah Hoppe won the final Women of Distinction award in the youth category. She started a Kid's Help Phone club at her school, is a champion black belt in karate and speaks to young girls about the importance of personal safety and setting goals.
The Women of Distinction winners were chosen from 31 nominees by a selection committee that works independently from the YWCA and the dinner committee.
