It was an amazing night in Airdrie April 12 when more than the crystal themed decor shone as 15 recipients of the 2025 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards were announced.
After a lively and excited sold out crowd enjoyed a prosecco reception, the party continued inside the Bert Church Theatre with a dazzling display of 68 nominees, live performances by two of Airdrie’s brightest start Celin and Hayley Isabel, and the emotional outpouring of love for the recipients of this, the 15th annual celebration of women in Airdrie.
AAW founder and airdrielife publisher Sherry Shaw-Froggatt says, “The energy this year was unreal and very palatable when I stepped on stage. It continued all evening with the most poignant speeches from our recipients and I especially loved the standing ovation for Amazing Legend Wendy Contant.”
The 2025 recipients are:
Back row l-r:
Amazing Legend: Wendy Contant
FortisAlberta Amazing Employee: Chelsie Dowler
Dione Irwin Amazing Legacy: Elaine Doel
Pink Wand Amazing Workplace: Ambition Performing Arts
Vitreous Amazing Cultural Ambassador: Peggy Buzzard
GP Law Amazing Advocate: Kayla McPhail
Elements Dance Amazing Promise: Lexie Wright
Brockway’s Automotive Amazing Coach: Jillian Young
Pureform Radiology Amazing Courage: Megan Ellahi
Front row l-r:
Airdrie Ec Dev Amazing Entrepreneur: Rebecca McElhinney
McKee Homes Amazing Mentor: Melanie Beingessner
Explosive Edge Amazing Athlete: Hailey King
Melcor Amazing Determination: Kathy Ritcher
Airdrie Pro Rodeo Amazing Rural Rep: Norma Bilben
Pharmasave on Centre Amazing Heart: Lynn Dalcin.
The recipients received handmade necklaces by Airdrie artist Ainsley Mathieson and the Amazing Workplace received a custom painting by artist Veronica Funk.
All the recipients received a $100 pay-it-forward donation to go to the charity of their choosing from the Tracy Work Memorial Fund created by Tracy’s mom Doreen Kleisinger. Another $2000 was presented to the awards by Tracy’s daughters Kayla and Emma Work. Pureform Radiology, the Courage award sponsor also donated another $500. “This allows us to continue this tradition well into 2030,” says Shaw-Froggatt.
“It is such a privilege to be recognized as a legacy winner for the community that has been part of my heart for almost my entire life,” says Elaine Doel.
“Mentorship is important to me because I succeeded because other people took the time to mentor me and it’s nice to be able to turn around to do the same for others,” says Amazing Mentor recipient Melanie Beingessner
“After having a stroke before the awards, the courage award means so much to me, especially at this time of my life,” says Megan Ellahi.
“I feel very happy, humbled and excited to be here. I feel honoured because of who nominated me. The whole evening was beautiful,” says Amazing Heart recipient Lynn Dalcin.
“I’m shocked. The work we did. The advocacy we did for the playground and all the kids. It means a lot to me,” says Amazing Advocate recipient Kayla McPhail.
“Rugby is an underdog sport, so it’s insanely special and I’m hoping rugby grows, more high school girls continue to play, for our club to continue to grow, so we can keep coaching and boost the confidence of all this youth,” says Amazing Coach recipient Jill Young.
“It’s nice to represent the agricultural community and it means a lot,” says Amazing Rural Rep recipient Norma Bilben.
“I’m totally blown away by this,” says Wendy Contant, Amazing Legend recipient. “It means everything, I love volunteering and it’s an honour.”
“Someone ask me, why were you nominated. What makes an employee amazing. It’s difficult to say because I don’t think I’m my different than others. So I described what makes an amazing colleague. And you know what they say. Do to others as you would have them do to you,” says Amazing Employee recipient Chelsie Dowler.
“This award has opened my eyes that the work I am doing is being noticed and appreciated by my community. It has inspired me to continue to do what I love best and to continue to set an example for other girls especially my little sister. Thank you all for always, always reminding us throughout the process to Stay Amazing,” says Amazing Promise recipient Lexie Wright.
All guests went home with keepsakes – a 2″ tropical plant from Bluegrass Garden Centre and a handmade crystal sun catcher from Sweet Joan.Co.
