The Women of Influence Awards 2022 recipients were announced today in a virtual event.
The awards take place to commemorate International Women’s Day in Grande Prairie and aim to recognize local women who have made a strong impact by promoting equality, providing opportunities for women in the community and breaking barriers in their field.
Young Woman of Influence
Mariah Braun is named this year’s Young Woman of Influence for promoting equality through her storytelling and advocacy of underrepresented individuals. She has proven herself a strong advocate through her documentary and marketing business where she has elevated important lived experiences with disabilities, health struggles, domestic violence, and racial discrimination. She was one of 25 filmmakers across Alberta to receive funding for a documentary that amplifies inclusive leaders within our community. She uses her platform to highlight women’s experiences, challenges, and successes and is a mentor for other up and coming BIPOC film makers.
Trailblazing Woman of Influence
Natasha Collins Decoste received the Trailblazing Woman of Influence Award for the ways she is breaking barriers and promoting equal opportunity as a partner at KMCS Law. In her role, she is making a strong impact through her pro bono work with clients facing barriers to accessible legal support, mentorship of other young lawyers, and support of work/life balance for new and young parents. Her impact on the community is also demonstrated through her commitment to community development through her volunteer work including as Chair of the Community Foundations of Northwestern Alberta and her role with the Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta.
Distinguished Woman of Influence
Mieke de Groot is being recognized this year as the Distinguished Woman of Influence for her passionate work breaking barriers by advocating for accessibility. Her roles include sitting as a founding member and a co-leader for the Accessibility Advisory Committee of Grande Prairie, Board Director for the Grande Prairie Residential Society, Regional Program Coordinator for Spinal Cord Injury Alberta and area coordinator for the Alberta College of Social Workers. She is a mentor enhancing education and practicum opportunities for upcoming social workers to provide strong client services and increase community development. She has made an immeasurable impact at the local, provincial, and national level, creating accessibility and inclusivity with a hands-on, community-driven approach to change. Most notably, she received national recognition for consultations associated with Making an Accessible Canada for Persons with Disabilities preliminary to the writing of the 2019 Legislation resulting in the Accessible Canada Act.
About International Women’s Day (IWD)
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an event recognized world-wide to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to advocate for the continued advancements of equal rights. The IWD 2022 theme is #BreakTheBias. It is a call-to-action that we collectively challenge and call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping. While seeking out and celebrate women’s achievements.
The Women of Influence Awards are brought to you by the City of Grande Prairie, the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundations of Northwest Alberta, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Odyssey House, and Surepoint Group. The event was made possible through sponsorship from Ultimate Productions, Luxe Petals, Janina’s Jewellers, Candle & Co, Grande Prairie Rocky Mountain Chocolates, Fresh Pedi Spa and Luxus Hair Extensions Ltd.