Almost 50 nominated for Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year awards

NEWS RELEASE
K-W OKTOBERFEST

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46 outstanding women and organizations from across Waterloo Region have been nominated in 10 categories and will be recognized at the annual K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year ceremony on Monday, October 1st at Oktoberfesthaus at LOT42. This annual award pays tribute to distinguished women in the community. 

Tara Slone, a JUNO Award-nominated singer and seasoned sports broadcaster, will be a guest speaker at this year's awards ceremony, proudly presented by Deloitte. Tara Slone is well known for her integral hosting role with Rogers Hometown Hockey on Sportsnet which is entering its fifth cross-country tour this season with the opening stop taking place in Kitchener from October 5-7.

“This award has been celebrating the accomplishments of women in Waterloo Region for 45 years. All of the nominees for K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year are making lasting impacts on both the people and the community around them,” said Margo Jones, festival President. “Nominees are involved with every aspect of the community from inspiring others through their thought provoking art, fitness journeys and bold career moves to aiding people both at home and abroad and we're honoured to celebrate their achievements.”

Each of the women and organizations have been nominated by fellow residents of the Region and will be recognized at the 45th annual K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year ceremony. Community members are invited to enjoy this evening with these distinguished women. Tickets are limited and are available online at www.oktoberfest.ca.

Here are the nominees in each of the 10 categories: 

Arts & Culture (sponsored by Piller's Fine Foods) recognizes women for enriching the culture of our community through the creation or promotion of the arts on a volunteer or professional basis.

• Michaela Angemeer (Waterloo)
• Hilary Gauld Camilleri (Waterloo)
• Sara Macdonald (Kitchener)
• Marie Voisin (New Hamburg)

                                   
Community Service (sponsored by Rogers TV) recognizes women for generously volunteering time to programs and services that make our community a better place.

• Susan Dunkel (Kitchener)
• Brenda Halloran (Waterloo)
• Jane Hennig (Kitchener)
• Linda Kenny (Waterloo)
• Nancy Koebel (Waterloo)
• Sarah Martin-Mills (Cambridge)
• Heidi Peller-Oliver (Kitchener)

Entrepreneur (sponsored by RE/MAX Solid Gold Realty Ltd. – Ken Cameron) recognizes women for initiating and/or administering an enterprise or business.

• Shelby Behling (Kitchener)
• Martha Jack (Kitchener)
• Sarah Janzen (Waterloo)
• Melissa Macfarlane (Kitchener)
• Diane Matyas (Waterloo)
• Tracy Valko (Kitchener)

Group Achievement (sponsored by Guelph Infiniti) recognizes achievements by a group of women that impact and/or improve our community or our society.

• BridesMade
• Coalition of Muslim Women KW
• DreamShare Uganda
• Huggy Pillows
• Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo

Health & Wellness (sponsored by Greater KW Chamber of Commerce) recognizes women for promoting and helping others achieve and promote mental, physical or spiritual well-being in her career or community involvement.

• Kim Basler (Waterloo)
• Kelsey Biddiscombe (Kitchener)
• Nancy Hallman (New Dundee)
• Tara Hebblethwaite (Kitchener)
• Jessica Kuepfer (Waterloo)
• Courtney Lee (Kitchener)
• Nicole Thorne (Kitchener)

Lifetime Achievement (Sponsored by S.G. Cunningham) recognizes women for being role models, mentors and/or advocates for positive and social change throughout their lifetime.

• Kim Basler (Waterloo)
• Margaret Brockett (Waterloo)
• Tania Del Matto (Waterloo)
• Brenda Halloran (Waterloo)
• Linda Kenny (Waterloo)
• Nancy Koebel (Waterloo)
• Catherine Williams (New Hamburg)

Professional (sponsored by CHYM 96.7, Country 106.7 & 570 NEWS) recognizes women for dedicating themselves to the pursuit of excellence in their chosen careers.

• Margaret Brockett (Waterloo)
• Shelly Deitner (Kitchener)
• Tania Del Matto (Waterloo)
• Kristen Gillett (Waterloo)

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (sponsored by LAUNCH Waterloo) recognizes women for outstanding advancement to the field of STEAM. 

• Joanne Atlee (Waterloo)
• Monica Emelko (Waterloo)
• Carol Leaman (Waterloo)
• Jackie Morris (Cambridge)

Sports & Recreation (Sponsored by Sports & Recreation) recognizes women for actively participating, coaching or volunteering in sports or recreation.          

• Alyssa Lagonia (Kitchener)
• Sarah Pavan (Kitchener)
• Jaimie Phelan (Kitchener)
• Catherine Williams (New Hamburg)

Young Adult (14 to 25) (sponsored by the Kitchener Fire Department) recognizes young women for leading by example and being a role model to her peers.

• Briana Anton (Kitchener)
• Darya Berezhnova (Waterloo)
• Emily Dietrich (Waterloo)
• Chloe Jang (Waterloo)
• Tiana Thomas (Cambridge)

A few recent notable past recipients of the K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year award include Mandy Bujold, Mary D'Alton and Diane Freeman.   

The K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year awards are proudly supported by Rogers, Sobeys, Deloitte, Guelph Infiniti, Morell Kelly Accident, Injury and Disability Law, Strongbow Apple Cider, and Snapd KW.

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