12 April 2022, Kelowna, BC – Building on the success of the 2021 Rise Awards, KWIB is back with this year’s edition – and nominations are now being accepted. Created to honor and celebrate the achievements of inspirational members of the Kelowna business community, the Rise Awards culminates with an awards gala and banquet tentatively scheduled for May 18, 2022 – after a rigorous nomination process.
“There are so many people in all facets of our community doing great work and we would like to shine a light on their invaluable contributions, not only in their areas of business, but to the community at large,” says Dobrila Braunstein, KWIB President . “I am absolutely sure that all of us can think of at least one individual worthy of recognition in each of our award categories”.
This year, the RISE Awards hosts three categories: Woman of the Year, Changemaker of the Year, and the Spirit Award. While the first two categories existed last year, KWIB is introducing the brand-new Spirit Award this year – focused on honoring diversity and inspiring inclusion in the community.
“In Kelowna, just over 6% of the population belongs to a visible minority, with about 3.4% of the population belonging to an Indigenous group (First Nation, Métis and Inuit), and about 15% of the population being foreign-born, says Braunstein. “Each of these minority groups make a significant contribution to Kelowna and our economy. Yet, they face unique hurdles that can limit their ability to achieve their full potential. Kelowna Women in Business is on a mission to recognize and amplify the achievements of these visible minorities. By way of the Spirit Award, we want to shine the spotlight on these often-under-represented community members.”
Award nominations are welcome from anyone in the community, and & self-nominations are also welcome. The criteria for each award category is listed on the webpage. The deadline to submit nominations is April 18, 2022.
The awards gala, scheduled for May 18, 2022, will host Renee Russo as Keynote Speaker. Russo is the founder & owner of Rise Up Business Consulting – a consultancy aimed at providing business coaching services & solutions to entrepreneurial companies. Tickets to the gala are on sale now on the KWIB website.
Further information on the nomination process can be found here, and tickets to the Rise Awards Gala can be purchased here.
Media contact:
Deepa Pillay
Director of Marketing, KWIB
250-619-1170 | deepa.pillay91@gmail.com
About Kelowna Women in Business:
Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB) is a not-for-profit society, providing a voice and community for female entrepreneurs and professionals in Kelowna and the surrounding areas. Run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteer Directors, we host monthly education sessions, high-value social events featuring a variety of high-calibre female speakers, workshops, business building opportunities, and more. Our aim is to create a varied collective of women supporting women.
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