Entrepreneur wins YWCA Women of Distinction Award
- EFN Staff | June 01, 2016
A budding entrepreneur from Waterhen was recognized at this year's YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.
Devon Fiddler, owner of SheNative Goods Inc., was recognized in the Under 29 category. Her business, which aims to empower Indigenous women through the sale of handbags and accessories, continues to grow.
A total of 55 nominees were recognized for their contributions and leadership to Saskatoon and area at the annual awards and dinner gala.
Read more about Devon and SheNative:
- SheNative wins Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge
- SK female entrepreneurs hitting the world stage
- SheNative opens kiosk at Saskatoon mall
- Waterhen entrepreneur wins cash to kickstart business venture
- Second place winner says business empowers women
The evening's theme was "inspiration" as ten final award recipients were announced, with a crowd of 700 friends, family, colleagues, and sponsors.
Dr. Maureen Reed of the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability accepted the Women of Distinction Award for Lifetime Achievement for 2016 from PotashCorp's Leanne Bellegarde, Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
The ten 2016 Women of Distinction award recipients are:
- Arts, Culture and Heritage Award - Jeanette Lynes
- Athletics Award - Muriel Gieni
- Community Building Award - Maria Jane Linklater
- Education Award - Daphne Taras
- Entrepreneurship Award - Chantal Hounjet
- Health & Wellness Award - Leah Ferguson
- Leadership & Professions Award - Peta Bonham-Smith
- Research & Technology Award - Lalita Bharadwaj
- Under 29 Award - Devon Fiddler
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Maureen Reed
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards(r) are recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious awards for women. Since 1982, the awards have honoured hundreds of women for their extraordinary contributions to Saskatoon and area.
As the single largest annual fundraiser for YWCA community programs, the Women of Distinction Awards event relies on sponsorship including longstanding title sponsor, PotashCorp. Funds raised at the event touch the lives of thousands of women and families who access local services at the YWCA.