2009 BPW Awards Gala

Highlights…

It’s a great time to be a woman in business, according to Dawn Larsen, owner of Navigator Marketing, and master of ceremonies at the 64th annual Greater Sudbury Business and Professional Women (BPW) Award Gala, held Tuesday night at the Radisson Hotel.

Ten outstanding women were honoured by the BPW for being leaders in their community and workplaces.

Monique Forsyth was one such woman. She nabbed the top honour of the evening, being named the 2009 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

“I’m elated,” she said, following the award presentations. “It was such a surprise. They see something in me that maybe I don’t. It’s great.”

A partner at Northern Voice and Data Inc. – the largest interconnect company in north Ontario – the mother of two boys was also the recipient of the Innovation Award.

A member of the BPW since 1989, Forsyth said the organization has helped her to become a woman others can look up to. Inspired by women who were in the organization when she first joined,  Forsyth has aspired to become like them, “to be that businesswoman in Sudbury.”

The BPW has helped her reach that goal through networking.

“It’s the people I’ve met along the way, the friendships I’ve made, and the mentoring,” she said. “And hopefully, I’m there to mentor others.”

Forsyth offered some advice for others looking to venture into the world of business.

“Don’t be afraid to try anything, you can’t fail, you’re going to learn along the way. If you need help, ask for it. Keep people around you …then there’s always someone there to help you.”

Rachel Proulx, BPW president, explained the organization is all about connecting with other working women in the community, finding out what’s happening in their businesses and dealing with the common issues.

“Woman are natural solution finders. We balance ideas, find solutions and move things forward,” she said. “I think in this community, we’ve had a lot of success. We’ve been able to move a number of things forward from a number of different venues.

“It’s the power of women,” she continued. “As a group, we learn and grow together.”

BPW 2009 Award Winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award - Brenda Castonguay, founder, co-owner, Electrolysis & Laser Clinic
Quality Plus Award – Lisa Kurkimaki, A Moment For You, Hair Salon
Business Leadership Award – Josee Gagnon, CEO, Gagnon Opticians
Start-Up Award – Dr. Angela Titon, A Healthier You Family Chiropractic
Innovation Award – Monique Forsyth, partner, Northern Voice and Data Inc.
Exceptional Woman Award РJessica Gu̩nard-Valiquette
Leadership in Philanthropy Award – Jill Pessot, Pet Save
Lifetime Trailblazer Award – Rona Ramsey, fundraising chair, MS Society
Bernardine Yackman Award – Diane Marleau, former Liberal MP
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Monique Forsyth, partner, Northern Voice and Data Inc.

President’s Choice Award – Elizabeth (Betty) Freelandt (posthumous)

Pictured here are Betty’s husband Bernie and their daughter