Tuesday is International Women's Day, and the Sarnia Community Foundation is recognizing the achievements of three outstanding females from Lambton County.
Carissa Houle, Elvira Popova and Joanne Rogers have been named as the 2021 Women of Excellence.
Executive Director Marc Guilbeault said each has made a tremendous impact on the local community.
"We've been focused on not only identifying women with significant prominence in the community, but those who are sometimes flying under the radar who are making significant contributions and having an impact on the community," said Guilbeault. "These women support one another with common goals and help other people achieve their dreams. Their selfless acts and investment and commitment to the success of the community is why they're being recognized."
Houle is described as a positive, caring, outgoing human and a motiving agent of change. The elementary school teacher has dedicated service to organizations like Temple Baptist, the Diabetes Association, The Inn of the Good Shepherd, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision.
She's the co-founder of Bare Necessities, which supports minor lunch programmes in many local schools
Popova is originally from Bulgaria and is mentoring others finding their way in a new country. She works in the HR department at Bluewater Health, and has been involved with Goodwill, Green Drinks, the Chamber of Commerce, Artwalk and the Hub.
Rogers is a lifetime member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. After working in her community in the Band Office and then as a Band Council member, she was appointed as a Justice of the Peace serving the broader community in that role for 21 years.
After retiring, she became the first female chief of Aamjiwnaang, and has been instrumental in starting a cub pack, co-leading Aamjiwnaang Law Day, and served on the Sarnia Police Service Board.
Nominations for the 2022 awards are now being accepted.
You can visit www.sarniacommunityfoundation.ca for more information.
