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Banner image for the Women of the Year Awards (Image Credit: Vernon Women in Business / Facebook)
By Liam Verster
Contributions and Positive Impacts

Women of the Year Awards issued to three recipients

May 27, 2026 | 2:10 PM

After a seven year hiatus, the awards program recognizing women in Vernon and the North Okanagan has returned.

Organized by the group Vernon Women in Business, the Women of the Year Awards were relaunched to recognize those who create a meaningful impact across the region through their business, leadership, advocacy, mentorship and community growth contributions.

Independent judges used category-specific scoring rubrics to go through the nominees and select three women.

Jenelle Brewer was the winner of the Changemaker Award. Brewer, a three-time Okanagan Indian Band councillor and current Community Disaster Recovery manager, was recognized for leadership in emergency management, Indigenous governance, and disaster recovery advocacy.

Angie Ioakimidou was named the winner of the Community Impact Award. Ioakimidou’s work with Forever Home Sanctuary, and through collaborative initiatives, has supported a range of programs from senior outreach to women’s leadership initiatives, and from youth development to animal rescue programs.

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Cathie Wood was recognized with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Wood is the founder of a nationally distributed pet nutrition company, and though her brand has grown, she and the company remain connected to the community.

A ceremony recognizing the winners will be held at Coldstream Community Hall June 4. Organizers said the event will celebrate the winners as well as the other women who help shape the community through their leadership, compassion and innovation.

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by Liam Verster
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