AWE Awards Recipients an Unstoppable Force in AB Business
EDMONTON, AB – Four Alberta women were recognized for their unstoppable contributions to the Alberta business community in a special online ceremony at last night’s AWE Awards.
“These exceptional, diverse, resilient women are not only changing the face of Alberta business; they are changing our entire economy,” says Marcela Mandeville, CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. “From providing jobs to building community, these women have made unbelievable contributions to our province.”
The awards, made possible by presenting sponsor ATB, recognize the efforts of women entrepreneurs in four categories.
The 2021 AWE Award Recipients
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to a female entrepreneur who has built a strong, scalable business foundation and has achieved early success.
Nicole Janssen, AltaML
Nicole Janssen co-founded AltaML with Cory Janssen in 2018 after they both recognized the global opportunity for AI and the wealth of local talent in Alberta. In just three years, they have expanded to three cities and have grown their team to over 125 individuals. More than just wanting to create a company to help other businesses with their AI and machine learning needs, Nicole wanted to create a purpose-driven business that focuses on creating a sustainable and more inclusive economy, which is why ensuring women are represented in tech is at the cornerstone of what AtlaML does.
Indigenous Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to a leading Indigenous woman entrepreneur with a strong business concept and demonstrates plans for future growth and commitment to the community.
Bobbie Racette, Virtual Gurus Inc.
Realizing the freelance world often meant no job security and low pay, Bobbie knew the only way to fix it was to build something herself. With that, she launched Virtual Gurus. Her goal then and now is to provide work for marginalized communities. With more than 30 full-time employees (and growing) and over 350 contractors who work across Canada, Bobbie has ensured diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the business. Of those 350 contractors, 95% identify as female, 65% as part of the BIPOC community, and 45% as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. What makes Virtual Gurus stand out is that they not only provide work to the underrepresented they also train them through the Virtual Gurus Academy, and they provide their contractors with one of the best online VA communities.
Upsurge Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to a female entrepreneur who has built a solid foundation for her business and is now experiencing rapid growth.
Chloe Dusser, Wee Wild Ones
In 2013 Dusser noticed there was an increasing need for nature immersion in little kids, with her dream to bring children closer to nature Wee Wild Ones was born. Striving to develop future critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow, Wee Wild Ones has grown to two locations with more planned offering a balance of explorations in both indoor and outdoor environments. More than just supporting the children in her care, Chloe is committed to changing the childcare industry in Calgary. She is an advocate for reforming the low standards of childcare and ensuring the industry becomes more environmentally sustainable.
Celebration of Achievement Award
Awarded to an exceptional female entrepreneur who has achieved recognizable success and acts as a role model for women in business. This visionary woman is an inspirational leader who has built an entrepreneurial venture in Alberta that has made a significant impact on the economy and the community.
Jennifer Carlson, Baby Gourmet
Uninspired by the lack of options in the baby food aisle, Baby Gourmet’s journey started when its founders realized they could do better in 2005. Just over 15 years later, the company has grown to Canada’s leading, mission-driven organic meal and snack brand for babies and toddlers. From humble beginnings at the Calgary Farmers Market, the company was sold earlier this year to the Hero Group, an international food company focused on branded nutritional food products.
“Supporting business owners is at the core of what ATB does,” says Nikki Briggs, Head of Women in Business, ATB Financial. “Congratulations to all the recipients for all they do to improve life in Alberta.”
Since 2012, the annual AWE Awards have recognized more than 800 women entrepreneurs in Alberta. This year’s winners join a prestigious list of Alberta entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and around the world.
Along with the awards, AWE has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs through coaching, mentorship, leadership development, business advising, access to capital, and access to networks over the last 25 years.
To learn more about the awards, the recipients and watch the awards ceremony, visit: https://www.awebusiness.com/awards.
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For More Information:
Catherine Larose
Marketing Lead, AWE
catherine.larose@awebusiness.com
587 635 4278
