Three Grande Prairie women have been honoured for their contribution to their community. On Friday, around 140 people gathered to recognize them with a 2019 Women of Influence Award. Grande Prairie and District Grief Support Association Executive Director Jamie Tissington was presented with the Young Woman of Influence Award and says she’s excited about the honour.
“I’m feeling really grateful and happy that everybody could make it out today and I’m really grateful for the nomination as well.”
Tissington works with children who have experienced loss and also helps run Camp Heal-A-Heart, a summer camp for children and teens dealing with grief.
The annual awards were created to recognize local women who have made an impact as leaders, innovators, and changemakers in their community. The awards ceremony is held every year on International Women’s Day designed to celebrate the achievements of women.
Grande Prairie Friendship Centre volunteer Kelly Benning was given the Distinguished Women of Influence Award. On a national level, she is also the Vice President of the National Association of Friendship Centres. She says after they announced her name she was pretty overwhelmed.
“There’s been women in the past that have won that I have always admired so it’s pretty overwhelming. I’m very grateful and honoured.”
Benning will also be heading to New York on the weekend to speak to the United Nations as a Canadian delegate on womens’ global issues.
The third award winner of the afternoon was Grande Prairie Regional College Coordinator for Student Projects Ejibola Adetokunbo-Taiwe. She won the Trailblazing Women of Influence Award but was unable to attend the event.
