The City of Grande Prairie has announced the winners of the long-awaited 2025 Women of Influence Awards.
The Women of Influence Awards were created to commemorate International Women’s Day in Grande Prairie while celebrating the achievements of local women.
Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the city was “overwhelmed” by the community’s response to the annual ceremony.
“Once again we are overwhelmed with the community response to the Women of Influence Awards,” she says. “With new award categories and a record number of nominees, we are beyond proud to recognize the women shaping and innovating a grander future for our community.”
A total of 35 women were nominated this year; however, only five brought home awards:
Ella Dobovich
The Next Generation Award, which recognizes young women who demonstrate exceptional promise, leadership, and impact in their community or field, went to Ella Dobovich.
Dobovich was nominated for demonstrating consistent leadership and driving positive change as the youngest member of the Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue team, along with her role as a Youth Engagement Worker at Kickstand GP. Her community involvement extends into athletics as well, where she is an accomplished martial artist and a ski instructor at Nitehawk.
Melissa St. Pierre
Melissa St. Pierre received the Game Changer Award, which celebrates women disrupting norms, for her innovations made during the pandemic, and her continued improvements to her sector in leading and supporting other business owners.
The entrepreneur is described as “redefining” what success looks like. As an Indigenous female entrepreneur who owns two businesses- Petals and Posies Flower Co. and Pierre & Co. Event Planning, peers say she consistently challenges the status quo.
When COVID impacted small businesses across the globe, St. Pierre took her business online, and prioritized delivery-based sales; shifting supply chains by sourcing locally to keep her customers satisfied.
Christy Doucette
The Workplace Leadership Award honours women who excel in a leadership position. Christy Doucette is described as having a “measurable impact” on her work as Vice President of People and Culture at Pomeroy Lodging LP. by introducing new technology and processes.
She is credited with introducing a variety of new systems that have improved training, communication, and human resources in her workplace. Colleagues say these updates have streamlined operations and improved access to professional development and training for staff.
Miranda Laroche
Miranda Laroche received the Community Leadership Award for building an inclusive community through her work at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. She is described as a “steadfast champion” and advocate for the local Indigenous community.
Laroche has impacted many through her work at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Swan City Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hug-a-Sister. Friends say she has played a pivotal role in supporting her community and residents in need.
Lori Grant
The Lifetime Impact Award honours women whose contributions and endurance have left a lasting legacy in their field or community.
The committee says Lori Grant was selected after demonstrating a lifetime of inspiring leadership and dedicated long-term efforts to address community needs. She boasts an impressive 35-year-long career spanning numerous industries including human resources and safety leadership.
Grant has made strides in both her previous life at Weyerhauser, and her current life at the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, where she retired as Trustee after several years of service, before taking on the role of Board Chair for the division.
