Five Peterborough-area women in business were honoured at the inaugural Luminary Awards celebration held on Thursday (May 8) at the Great Hall of Trent University’s Champlain College.
The Luminary Awards for Women in Business, created and hosted by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and presented by Sullivan Law, are intended to shine a light on the valuable contributions that women in the local business community have made, continue to push for, and inspire others to emulate.
A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the celebration, which saw awards presented in five categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers: Trailblazer – Entrepreneur, Barrier Buster – Employee, One to Watch – Employee, Emerging Entrepreneur, and Legacy.
The five award recipients — Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor — were selected from nominations for 56 women across all categories.
“Peterborough is full of women who are leading our community on all fronts,” says Susan Dunkley, chair of the chamber’s board and CEO of Suzi Homemaker. “We created the Luminary Awards to recognize and honour their successes.”
“Women in business, employees and entrepreneurs, entry level to seasoned veterans, add so much value to their companies. We’re grateful to all nominators, nominees and sponsors for helping us bring this idea to life.”
The 2025 Luminary Awards for Women in Business categories and recipients are listed below.
Trailblazer – Entrepreneur
Celebrating a business owner who has created innovation and success through her leadership, vision, courage and commitment.
Winner: Sheena Howard – Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy and BizNurse Savvy
Barrier Buster – Employee
Celebrating the achievements of a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field/place of employment, embraced new ideas, technologies or ways of working and demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance when faced with adversity.
Winner: Jenisha Sanjit Arora – Fleming College and Fleming Student Administrative Council
One to Watch – Employee
Future leader known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to their workplace, proven professional success, and shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee may hold entry- to mid-level management positions in their workplace.
Winner: Rachel Stark – Municipality of Trent Lakes
Emerging Entrepreneur
Owner engaged in a new successful, innovative and inspiring business venture that shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee must have been in business for a minimum of two years and no more than five years.
Winner: Tiffany Arcari – The Tiffany Show
Legacy
She has spent her successful business career inspiring others and giving back to her community. She strives for business excellence and through realizing their vision, the nominee has provided a host of opportunities for others for employment, growth, philanthropy, etc.
Winner: Jeannine Taylor – kawarthaNOW
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is already planning for the second annual Luminary Awards for Women in Business, which will be held on May 7, 2026.
For a full list of this year’s nominees, read kawarthaNOW’s story from March.
For more information about the Luminary Awards, visit luminaryawards.ca.
