Women in Business finalists

Dozens of Niagara women and a longtime community advocate will be recognized at the 18th annual Women in Business Awards gala.

Betty Lou Souter of Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony at the Marriott on the Falls on Nov. 17. The awards recognize the leadership and success of women in Niagara’s business community, and are hosted by the Women in Niagara Council and Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

Emerging Business Award

Heather Kent, Feeder Flower Farm; Jennifer Newman, Second Dance; Jessica Silvestri, Bella Buddha Beans; Robin Ridesic, The Exchange Brewery; Tara Populik-Kulawic, Urban Cravings

Community Spirit Award

Alexis Kleimann, iHub; Carey Benvenuti, Dominion Lending – Home Capital Solutions: Maria del Carmen Suescun Pozas, Seeding for Change in Society and Environment; Vivienne Dineen, Modo Yoga St. Catharines; Yvonne Nascri, CAA Niagara

Cultural Arts Award

Alice Burke, Alice Burke; Jenny Dean, Caber-Eh Youth Theatre; Lisa CosensBrillon, Brillon Music Studio; MicheleElise Burnett, Celebrations of Nations; Susan Wilkinson, The Painted Turtle

Business Leadership Award

Amy Layton, Royal LePage NRC Realty; Sarah Wood, Niagara Parks Commission; Shannon Sutherland, Walker Industries

Science and Technology Award

Dr. Amy Prouix, Niagara College; Sharon Reeds, Intuitive Shipping; Shelley Mannell, HeartSpace; Stephanie Thompson, General Motors of Canada

Entrepreneurship Award

Christine Raby, AAPEX; Emily Rozema, Mingle Hill Farms; Shailina Halani, Sense of Beauty Spa; Teresa Schaubel, Custom Image Sales and Giftologue

Social Enterprise Award

Debbie VanGreiken, Moyaa Shea Butter; Laura Ip, Underdogs Boxing Club; Renee Delaney, Small Scale Farms; Sarah Lockbaum, Niagara Mobile Foot Care Service / Niagara School of Foot Care; Shauna MacLeod, Willow Arts Community

Excellence in Tourism Award

Karen Doyle, City of St. Catharines; Shelley Traver, Rockway Vineyards; Beverly Smith, Niagara’s South Coast Guest House; Natalie Stickles, Five by Five Design Studio

Young Professional Award

Allison Findlay, Flat Rock Cellars; Chantelle Mamone, Meridian Credit Union; Diana Aquino, Walker Environmental Group Inc.; Julie Van Ruyven, Business Link Media Group; Mahnoor Sarwar, Crawford Smith & Swallow Chartered Accountants LLP; Michelle Biskup, Niagara River Lions