Edmonton, AB, Canada – a record-breaking 242 women entrepreneurs were nominated from across the province for the 2020 AWE Awards.
Since 2012, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) has presented the Celebration of Achievement Award to an exceptional female entrepreneur who has achieved recognizable success and acts as a role model and inspirational leader in her community.
In addition to the Celebration of Achievement Award, there are three categories celebrating the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs, with multiple finalists named in each.
This year the AWE Celebration of Achievement Award will honour Karen Ryan and Lara Murphy, Co-Founders of Ryan Murphy Construction, as visionary entrepreneurs who have built a business in Alberta with significant impact on the economy and the community.
“Although our business climate has changed significantly over the past few months, AWE’s desire to recognize women entrepreneurs and the amazing work they are doing remains. AWE Awards finalists have been chosen for their innovation, leadership, and resilience; all traits that are being displayed more than ever as they lead their businesses through this challenging time. I look forward to celebrating all the finalists and the Celebration of Achievement Award recipients, Lara Murphy and Karen Ryan, at our virtual AWE Awards Celebration on October 1st” – Marcela Mandeville, CEO, AWE.
The virtual AWE Awards event will celebrate Lara Murphy and Karen Ryan, as well as announce the recipients of three other award categories including the Upsurge, Emerging Entrepreneur, and Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards.
“We are thrilled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. We have followed the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs organization for years celebrating the achievements of previous recipients. We take inspiration from this and now more than ever are committed to working together to impact our city, province, and other entrepreneurs.” – Lara Murphy and Karen Ryan, Co-Founders, Ryan Murphy Construction.
The AWE Upsurge Award is presented to an entrepreneur who has built a solid foundation for her business and is now experiencing rapid growth and significant expansion opportunity. The 2020 finalists for this category are:
The AWE Emerging Entrepreneur Award is presented to an entrepreneur who has built a strong, scalable business foundation and has achieved early success with strong market potential. The 2020 finalists are:
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Award is presented to a leading Indigenous woman entrepreneur, who has a strong business concept and demonstrates plans for future growth, long-term business viability, and commitment to the community. The 2020 finalists are:
“At ATB Financial, we’re strong supporters of women entrepreneurs whether that’s through partnerships encouraging more participation in export and trade or through the holistic support provided by our four Entrepreneur Centres across Alberta. We know that when we support women business leaders, we’re supporting the growth of Alberta’s economy as well. ATB is proud to support Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and the AWE Awards which showcase the incredible accomplishments of our province’s women entrepreneurs. Congratulations to all the nominees for demonstrating Alberta’s talent and innovation.” - Heather Lastiwka, Vice President Business Adaption, ATB Financial.
Anyone wishing to celebrate the outstanding women entrepreneurs in our province is invited to attend the virtual AWE Awards event on October 1st. Tickets for the event can be reserved here.
About Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enabling women to build successful businesses. AWE provides unique programs and services to women at all stages of business through advising, financing, mentoring, and network development.
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Media Contact
Devonne Kendrick
Marketing Lead, AWE
T: 780-422-7786
E: devonne.kendrick@awebusiness.com
W: www.awebusiness.com
