Orléans is blessed with a large number of women and girls who each and every day strive to make a difference in their community. On Mar. 7, Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde held a breakfast and award ceremony to honour 41 of those women as part of this year’s Leading Women, Leading Girls Awards in recognition of International Women’s Day.
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| Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde poses for a group photo with the recipients of this year’s Leading Women and Leading Girls Awards. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO |
Among this year’s recipients were Olympic soccer referee Dr. Carol Anne Chénard, Art of Bean Coffee Co. owner Elizabeth Iverson, Centre for Conflict Resolution senior executive coach Gayle Oudeh, Salon Jazz owner Jacinthe “Jazz” Chatelain who was recognized for being in business for more than 40 years, Cpy. Tanya Brooks, commanding officer of the 632 Phoenix Squadron cadets, as well as a number of women who have volunteered countless community hours with a variety of organizations including the Orléans Legion, the Rotary Club of Orléans, Kiwanis East Ottawa Est and the Filles d’Isabelle.
The common theme or thread that con-nected this year’s leading girls recipients was volunteerism and selflessness.
Among the leading girls who received an award were Michelle Jiménez-Bucur, Mylaine Dacquay Marcelo, Zoé Lapensée, and recent Orléans Outstanding Youth Award recipient Corina Carballo Maduro.
During her opening remarks, Lalonde talked about the importance of gender equality in the context of this year’s IWD theme “Accelerate Action”.
“The need to accelerate action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality,” said Lalonde. “It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. So together, let’s Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide”
Lalonde then thanked this year’s recipients for their many achievements and dedication to their community.
The Orléans Leading Women, Leading Girls Awards take place every year with nominations accepted in December and January.
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET rain or shine from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road in Navan. Over 100 vendors in attendance. For more information 
CANADA DAY CELEBRATION from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orléans Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. Enjoy live music and delicious BBQ treats provided by Prestige Catering.
