Imagine not only starting a new company during a global pandemic but making it successful in its inaugural year – that’s exactly what Lilian Jourieh did.

Jourieh started Smashdoor Marketing, a multi-faceted marketing agency based in Airdrie, in early 2020.

“The pandemic gave us the opportunity to stay driven and determined not only for ourselves, but to help our clients weather through the tough times, and to have a strong plan to hit the ground running when the pandemic is over,” says Jourieh.

“I am driven to succeed not just for myself, but for my family, and for the people I work with. I want to see them succeed and to be able to provide for their families the way I have been able to for my own.”

She is also a partner/advisor for Airdrie Music Lessons, and she says she likes being part of a safe place students can go not only for music lessons, but to develop lifelong friendships with like-minded people.

Colin Vo has known Jourieh for more than 10 years and nominated her for the Amazing Determination Award.

“Lilian deserves this award because ‘determination’ epitomizes everything that Lilian is and does, from how she approaches change and challenges, to how she strives to help others in all settings (professional, personal and in the community),”  he says.