Brock will have a strong presence at this year’s annual event celebrating the top female business leaders in Niagara.

The Women in Business Awards (WIBA), hosted by Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, recognize the leadership and success of women in the Niagara business community.

Held virtually this year on Thursday, Nov. 19, WIBA aims to not only recognize current business leaders, but to also encourage more women to pursue and reach for leadership roles in business, politics and the community.

This year, Brock’s presence at WIBA has grown beyond award finalists and recipients. For the first time, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) is sponsoring the Leadership Award, which recognizes the leadership of women in Niagara’s corporate community. Recipients are individuals who work for large organizations and have demonstrated leadership, business acumen and success, integrity and a commitment to the community.

“Learning the stories of the women celebrated at the event last year was inspiring and humbling and therefore we wanted to contribute to Brock’s presence at this year’s event,” said Cara Krezek, Director, CCEE. “We are proud to sponsor this category and the event in general, which helps to showcase women in Niagara, including their various achievements and aspirations, and the diverse areas that women are excelling in throughout our community.”

Thirteen Brock alumni who have exemplified successful leadership within their respective business fields have been named finalists for this year’s awards, including:

• Nahida Al-Kayed (BBA ’18), Eastway Auto Service Ltd. — Young Professional Award
• Anna Bozza (BA ’86), Family and Children’s Services Niagara — Excellence in Non-Profit Award
• Rachel Dedinsky (BA ’16), Giant Shoe Creative — Young Professional Award
• Amanda Etherington (BBA ’02), District School Board of Niagara, Niagara Health — Leadership Award
• Amanda Fletcher (BA ’10), CAA Niagara — Young Professional Award
• Jennifer Gauthier (BA ’07), Women’s Place South of Niagara Inc. — Excellence in Non-Profit Award
• Taryn Herritt (BBA ’08), The Atelier Collective — Emerging Business Award
• Mark Meldrum (BA ’09), MarkMeldrum.com — Business That Gives Back Award
• Andrea McGee (BRLS ’95), Soul Fire Power Yoga — Entrepreneurship Award
• Sara Palmieri (BA ’03), FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre — Cultural Arts Award
• Jill Russell (BEd ’90), District School Board of Niagara — Science and Technology Award
• Jessica Silvestri (BA ’12, BEd ’14), Bella Buddha Beads — Entrepreneurship Award
• Jordin Wiggins (BSc ’10), Health Over All — Entrepreneurship Award

A full list of this year’s finalists is available on the event website.

This year’s event will be held virtually to comply with Niagara Region Public Health guidelines. The community is invited to tune Thursday, Nov. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. to watch the awards ceremony for free. Registration is available on Eventbrite.