Our 2023 Winners & Nominees
Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award presented by Steam Est. Industries
Jen Lozinsky
Jen is an educational assistant at Sacred Heart School in Estevan, where she supports students daily by providing social, emotional, behavioral and academic support. Jen is solution oriented and is passionate about connecting people and building a strong community by working with youth organizations to create a better future. Jen has shown her commitment to community by supporting many local organizations through volunteer work. She has volunteered on many local boards including: Estevan Minor Hockey Association, Estevan Minor Ball, SHSC School Community Council, and Estevan Gymnastics Club. Jen believes in building meaningful relationships and connecting people to create a better community.
Ashley Gallaway
Ashley Gallaway was born and raised in Estevan, later attending University of Saskatchewan where she attained her Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in accounting. She has been employed at Wil-Tech for the past 9 years as CFO. Ashley’s community involvement has included serving on the Woodlawn Golf Course board eventually becoming EWGC’s first women President in 2019. Finance Chair for the 2016 Summer Games, Estevan Economic Development Board member, and Coal Transition Funding Committee member. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf, camping, socializing, and spending time with her husband Robby and their three young kids Riley, Teagan, and Lucas.
Haley Ingham
Haley Leann lngham was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. She is known by her family and friends to make us laugh, make us smile, and to believe in us that we can be the best we can be. She moved to Lampman, in the summer of 2012 as the new recreational director. On December 1 2018, she decided it was time to become her own boss and to empower other women by opening up her own business - Recharge Massage Studio. Always wanting to learn, Haley has her Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Kinesiology, Registered Massage Therapy Diploma, and is continuing her education in Esthetics. I am honoured to call her my friend, and a member of my friends who have become family. You will never find Haley without her genuine and welcoming smile for family, friends and strangers alike.
Connie Hagel
Connie Hagel has lived in Estevan for 30 years and has an active role in the community. She has raised 4 children and now has 5 grandchildren who live and serve in the community of Estevan as well. Connie manages at SARCAN, is leader of the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Estevan Chapter, is the current Training Officer of the Estevan Air Cadets, is a commisioner of Oath, a marriage commissioner, and serves on the Estevan Co-op Board of Directors. Connie enjoys spending time helping guide today's youth and hanging out with her children and grandchildren.
Debby Knight and Peggy Rohatyn
If one were to look in the dictionary under “dynamic duo”, they would be sure to find Debby and Peggy. The best of friends, these two can be found walking, running and volunteering their way around Estevan and SE SK. Their passion for their own personal health and fitness motivates them to provide endless opportunities for others to better themselves. Events like Coal Country Run, Run the Course, the FORCE competition and Energy Dash & Splash would not exist without their drive and determination. Perhaps their crowning glory, Fresh Air Fitness provides an outdoor workout experience that is free and inclusive. The SE is lucky to have Debby and Peggy!
Cathy Welta - Winner!
As a mom of teens, Cathy was part of a team that identified a need in our community for a youth centre. From idea to execution, Cathy was a key member of the board that formed EPYC - Estevan’s first dedicated youth centre. As the first board President, Cathy oversaw hiring of the Executive Director, securing a location and the initial program offerings. EPYC was far from Cathy’s first passion project in our community and it certainly won’t be her last.
Beyond sitting on the board of EPYC, Cathy has been involved in numerous organizations in Estevan and the SE. Notably, her leadership on the Estevan Chamber of Commerce shows her commitment and dedication to Estevan and the SE. Cathy works hard to make our community a better place to live, while she dominates in a traditionally male-dominated profession, maintains strong friendships and supports the goals and dreams of her boys. She is all the things!
Nicole Currie
Few people define the word “community” as an action. Nicole Currie is one of the true ambassadors of the SE corner and the community of Carlyle. Nicole was born and raised in the SE. She and her husband Kelly moved to Carlyle in 2009. They have 2 grown children and 1 grandson (her real joy in life). Nicole has a zest for entrepreneurship, community and volunteerism. She has played an active and instrumental role on countless boards/organizations such as the Carlyle Cougars, Homespun, KidSport and a member of Carlyle Town Council to name just a few. Her positive attitude is a gift to SE Saskatchewan that she does not hesitate to share.
Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace presented by TS&M Supply
Agnes Garrioch
Agnes Garrioch is a mom to Violet, Dawson and Ivy. Agnes grew up in Ontario, and was a successful athlete, always a leader on and off the court, captaining many teams. She is well known for her athleticism, optimism, positivity, and kindness. St. Mary’s students know her as a friendly, caring and fun teacher, a competitive coach, and ‘techy’. Agnes connects with her students and makes each student feel valued. She is a team player as a colleague, regularly volunteering to contribute, organize and lead school-wide activities. Her dedication to creating exceptional learning opportunities and experiences for students at St. Mary’s school as a grade 8 teacher is incredible.
Kristin Dupuis
Kristin started at St. Joseph's 8 years ago as Executive Asst to the Executive Director, after working at the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation for just under a year. Over the course of the 8 years, her role has expanded to include assisting new physicians with settling into the community by touring schools, helping find accommodations (complete with FaceTime walk throughs!), connecting them with churches, piano lessons, sports teams, hair stylists, mechanics, etc! She’s the one-stop shop for all their Estevan information. She assists the hospital with recruitment of physicians for permanent and locum assignments by helping arrange accommodations, organize billing submissions and even activities for their children to attend.
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Kristin continues to be involved in the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation by volunteering with their annual Radiothon & Festival of Trees. She was born & raised in Estevan and lives here with her husband & 2 teen daughters. She stays busy by chasing the girls around the province for club volleyball and softball, in addition to managing their various teams & volunteering on the Board of the volleyball club.
Melanie Tribiger
Born and raised in Estevan, SK, Sun Country Hearing truly is Melanie's Hometown Hearing Clinic. Melanie is the daughter of Delores and the late Rodney Butler and grew up in Estevan with her sister, Janelle. She began working at Sun Country Hearing in November 2014, and through the years has found herself in a variety of positions within the clinic. Melanie enrolled in the Hearing Aid Practitioner program at Grant MacEwan University. Upon completion of the program, she worked as a Hearing Aid Practitioner. Melanie purchased Sun Country Hearing in 2022 and is eager to continue offering audiology services right here in her hometown.
Lindsay Brownridge
Lindsay is one of the very first Lumeca team members. She started out by leading their product development and grew into managing many other aspects of the business including the operation of their clinic during the pandemic to recently taking on the direct management of our largest contracts. Lindsay goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is a role model for her teammates and a trailblazer in virtual care. Lindsay is the type of person to not back down from a challenge. Her willingness to learn, develop new processes and organize work is outstanding. This was apparent by the successful operation of Lumeca’s virtual clinic during the pandemic which was loved by patients across the province. Our clinic grew at a rapid pace during the pandemic and Lindsay handled everything from hiring and recruitment to managing the daily operations of the clinic. The Lumeca clinic served thousands of patients during the pandemic, and it was thanks to Lindsay’s efforts that it operated so smoothly.
Kathryn Gilliss - Winner!
Kathryn is a lawyer and mediator in Estevan. She was called to the bar in 2015 and since then has worked extensively towards establishing a general legal and mediation practice, making partner in 2020. Kathryn is also active in the community in a number of other was including as a Board Member at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum and a Skate Canada judge, technical specialist and technical controller. Kathryn and her husband, Dylan have two children, Zella (4) and Porter (10 months) and love to call Estevan home.
Shelly Mack
Shelly was born and raised in Estevan and has been blessed with 3 beautiful daughters and 3 amazing grandchildren that she dotes on every chance she gets. Shelly started Mack's Reflections after purchasing another salon to amalgamate the 2. She went on to purchase Platinum Hair in 2015. Mack's has 6 employees and Platinum also has 6 employees. Shelly just recently lost both her parents to cancer but she just kept going, running 2 salons, keeping the grand kids to keep herself busy. Shelly has the biggest heart of anyone I know. I have known her myself for over 40 years and she always has the greatest smile and will light up any room. She truly is a bright light in any room .
Innovative Leadership Award presented by SaskTel
Nikita Meyer
Nikita Meyer is a true leader and visionary in the culinary world. Born and raised in Southeast Saskatchewan, Nikita discovered her love of cooking at a young age and went on to launch her own bussiness, Creative Eats. As the owner and founder of Creative Eats, Nikita has made a significant impact on her community by raising $22,604.00 in 2023 for local non profit organizations. Her product- Cheesecake in a Jar can be found all across Saskatchewan!
Dr. Rebecca Holman - Winner!
Dr. Rebecca Holman is a mother of three young children, wife, volunteer, business owner, chiropractor, acupuncture provider, and postpartum exercise professional. She has been a practicing chiropractor for 8 years in Estevan and has developed a successful business at King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre. Dr. Holman utilizes her skills and knowledge of the human body to provide care to the residents of Estevan and surrounding areas. Outside of work and being a mom, she volunteers with Estevan's Rotary Club, Skating Club, and Minor Hockey Association and is a past chair of the Estevan Family Resource Centre.
Maria Walter
Maria Walter is a 35 year old entrepreneur, owner of Soul Step Studio. She is a wife and mother to three beautiful children ages two, four, and six. She started her own dance fitness studio in 2020 and has worked hard to build clientele and further her education using different modalities to offer a variety of different dance and wellness fitness classes. Maria strives to create a safe space allowing people to come together to share and express who they are through the power of movement. Her passion is to help people find themselves by connecting through their minds, bodies, and souls.
Leann Boehm
Leann grew up in Weyburn and attended the University of Saskatchewan, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2004. She started her career in Estevan and has been working here as a Physical Therapist ever since. Leann opened Southeast Physiotherapy in 2011, as she wanted to have the flexibility and independence as an entrepreneur. As a physical therapist, she strives to help her clients achieve their meaningful goals. As the Clinic Director, she focuses on providing her staff the mentorship needed to meet their career goals, and is a supportive and caring leader. Leann lives in Bienfait with her husband Michael, and twin boys Aiden and Ashton.
Jennifer Olfert
Jennifer has a passion for self-development, and a commitment to promoting a healthy balanced lifestyle. Being the mother of two amazing women who have also taken on this drive and entrepreneurial spirit she leads by example. Thirteen years ago, she created a space that wouldn’t intimidate but welcome all abilities for women’s fitness and promote positive mental health. A place where you would not be judged but supported and grow confidence. At a time when gyms were a more male dominant area, the women of our community had an environment to call their own. This place is known as JoFit and the ripple it has created with transformations, community outreach, and achievements has benefited our community.
Equity & Inclusion Award presented by Saskatchewan Blue Cross
Ramona Knebush - Winner!
A proud member of the Pheasant Rump Nakata First Nation, Ramona Knebush is committed to the wellbeing of her community. Ramona started as many women do, raising children, coaching ball, and working at the local Health Centre. But Ramona was pulled to do more and as an adult learner, became a nurse and took the position as the Health Care Director for the band. For over 6 years Ramona led many initiatives, a new Health Building, creation of a orchard and grow towers with an irrigation system, ensuring food sovereignty, reconnecting with band members living off the reserve and so many other programs that empower band members and instill tradition and culture in children. In 2021 Ramona was elected to an all women council serving with Chief Ira McArthur and her work continues with some exciting projects coming in the near future.
Margaret Messer
Margaret was born in the Northwest Territories. She refers to Yellowknife as her home. Margaret moved to Saskatchewan to live with her husband, Matt Messer, who was a farmer near Midale, SK. She met Matt when he came to Yellowknife to work in the Con Gold Mine. Margaret started a small business in her home, sewing mitts, making moccasins and other aboriginal items such as fish scale art and dream catchers. She is a supportive friend and family member. Those close to her describe her as a humanitarian who has been influential in the lives of others.
Debbie Hagel
A little over 20 years ago Debbie saw injustice in our society and took up the challenge to change things and help the underdog get fair and equal treatment. She has championed many changes for fair and equal treatment of individuals. Debbie is the Executive Director of the non-profit Southeast Advocates for Employment, which started with one small grant helping challenged people gain employment. It has grown from that into what it is today. This organization is the only stand-alone non-profit (most are run by the Government) in our Province. Today these organizations go under the umbrella of Southeast Advocates for Employment but also Southeast Newcomer Services, Transitions (both Provincial & Federal) and Settlement Workers in Schools. A lot of the programs and initiatives have policies in place because of Debbie's diligence and these will continue to grow the inclusivity in all walks of life.
Young Visionary Award presented by Impact Creative SK
Raegan Walter
Raegan Walter is a grade 12 student at Estevan Comprehensive School. When she isn't busy with academics, she spends her time playing and coaching the sport she loves, softball. Raegan plays for the 222's Fastpitch team, traveling to tournaments throughout the US. She also played for the Southeast Sun Devils and was selected to compete with Team Sask in the Canada Summer Games in 2022. She runs clinics and camps for developing softball athletes in southeast Saskatchewan. Raegan has committed to play with the West Texas A&M Lady Buffaloes in the fall where she plans to study sports psychology.
Kylie Phillipchuk - Winner!
Kylie Phillipchuk is a kind, creative, hard-working and personable student currently completing grade 12 at the Estevan Comprehensive School. She consistently achieves honour roll marks and easily balances her academics with active involvement in both competitive sports and clubs including senior basketball, cross country, track and field and Random Acts of Kindness. Kylie also volunteers within the community, supporting causes including the MS Walk and Burgers for MS, and lending her time to raise money through the Shoot for a Cure tournament and spending time with kids at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre. Kylie inspires those around her to be their best!
