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By Justine Kelsie

Former councillor one of three recognized during awards luncheon

Mar 8, 2018 | 1:22 PM

Three local women were recognized Thursday at Teresa Sargent Hall for their work and influence in the Grande Prairie community. 

Former councillor and current President of the Downtown Association, Helen A. Rice was honoured with the Distinguished Woman of Influence award. Rice appeared via pre-recorded video to receive her award. Even though she wasn’t in the room, she was able to make the crowd laugh with a bit of advice. She said that “it’s okay to use your mother voice once in a while”.

Rice was a city council member for almost 40 years.

Dianna Wright was picked as the Trailblazing Woman of Influence which is awarded to a woman between the ages of 30 and 49. She is the Program Facilitator for Centrepoint Facilitation and in a write up provided by Community Social Development at the city, she received the nod because she “dedicates herself as an advocate for equal rights for people of all races, cultures, genders, backgrounds, and abilities”.

“It’s very overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting anything like this. The nomination was a huge surprise and to win was an even bigger surprise,” said Wright following the ceremony. “I am really grateful and really, I couldn’t do it without the Centrepoint team.” 

Jessica Beauchamp received the Young Woman of Influence award. The Executive Director of Mountain Plains Community Services Society of the North is under the age of 30 and the city says “through her inspiring and inclusive direction, (she) is pressing for progress not only in her agency but in the community as a whole”. 

“I am humbled to be nominated and then getting an email saying I was the successful candidate, it’s absolutely amazing,” said Beauchamp.

The theme of the 2018 event was #PressforProgres and city councillor Eunice Friesen was the keynote speaker. 

Friesen spoke on four women that had influenced who she is today. 

by Justine Kelsie