KW Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards celebrate local professionals, change makers
Posted May 22, 2026 04:43:54 AM.
Last Updated May 22, 2026 08:20:50 AM.
It was a packed house at Bingeman’s Conference Centre on Thursday evening, as attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of local women at the KW Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards.
The 51st installment of the volunteer-driven event spotlighted over 100 nominees up for awards in a wide range of categories, including those making waves in the fields of STEM, Arts & Culture, Skilled Trades, Education and more.
Among the attendees were Regional Chair Karen Redman & the Executive Director of K-W Oktoberfest, Tracy Van Kalsbeek. Guests were also treated to an intimate Fireside Chat with Community Leader & last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Joan Fisk, alongside Pastry Chef & Co-Founder of the Dessert Artist, Rochelle Williams.
Williams was also recognized at last year’s Women of the Year Awards as a Rising Star.
The full list of 2026 award winners include:
- Amanda Amaral – Arts & Culture
- Donna Strickland – STEM
- Nadine Quehl – Health & Wellness
- Lucia Harrison- Community
- Mary Robinson – Educator
- Jessica Gemmell – Skilled Trades
- Aislinn Clancy – Professional Over 40
- Sirisha Rambhhatla – Vanguard (Under 40)
- Kristy Miller – Entrepreneur Over 40
- Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario – Group Achievement
- Ayona Jaswal – Young Adult
- Judy Nairn – Lifetime Achievement
The spotlight on local talent continues at Bingeman’s this weekend; the Waterloo Region Women’s Expo is set to get underway on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests are invited to share in the experience of a number of guest speakers, as well as culinary exhibitors and a wide variety of vendors.
You can learn more about the event here.
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