Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Luminary Awards for Women in Business, with the awards luncheon taking place on May 7 at Trent University.
Presented by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce with the support of sponsors Sullivan Law Ptbo and kawarthaNOW, the Luminary Awards are intended to celebrate the valuable contributions of women in the local business community, including those named in leadership positions as well as women who lead from behind the scenes.
“We are surrounded by extraordinary women whose contributions often go unrecognized,” says Chamber president and CEO Brenda Whitehead. “The Luminary Awards is about shining a light on their leadership, resilience, and generosity. Each year, this event reminds us of the power of women supporting women and the profound impact that has on our entire community.”
First launched by the chamber in September 2024 with five categories, the awards were expanded for 2026 with two new categories: Building Belonging and Community Catalyst.
A total of 60 women have been nominated in seven award categories, with some nominated in multiple categories for a total of 71 nominations: Barrier Buster – Employee (9 nominees), Community Catalyst (19 nominees), One to Watch – Employee (6 nominees), Building Belonging (7 nominees), Trailblazer – Entrepreneur (11 nominees), Emerging Entrepreneur (8 nominees), and Legacy (11 nominees).
Last year’s sold-out inaugural celebration drew more than 200 attendees and honoured five inspiring recipients: Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor.
“It is an honour to help create a space where women are seen, celebrated, and elevated,” says Susan Dunkley, Chamber board chair and Luminary Awards committee chair. “The Luminary Awards are more than an event — it’s a movement. While we proudly recognize our nominees, we also celebrate one another and the collective strength of women in our community. It’s a chance to honour the courage, determination, and heart women bring to our businesses, organizations, families, and to each other every day.”
This year’s award luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 at the Great Hall at Trent University. Along with celebrating the 60 nominees and announcing the award winners, guests will enjoy an inspiring program, meaningful connections, and a delicious lunch.
Early bird tickets are available now to purchase at www.luminaryawards.ca at a cost of $85 per person, with the price increasing to $100 on Friday, March 13. Due to the expected demand for tickets and to ensure as many nominees as possible can attend with a guest, ticket purchases are limited to two per person.
The names of the nominees for the 2026 awards in each category are listed below in alphabetical order by surname.
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 demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance when faced with adversity.
- Jane Bischoff
- Kayley Duggan
- Ashley Flynn
- Marsha Gaulton
- Jordan Lyall
- Nour Mazloum
- Bridget McCluckie
- Tori Silvera
- Stephanie Wilson
Community Catalyst
Celebrating a woman whose leadership, collaboration, and vision have sparked positive change in the community. A Community Catalyst brings people together, builds partnerships, and drives meaningful progress on local priorities. Nominees can be paid staff or volunteers of a not-for-profit organization, or be an employee or owner of a business or enterprise.
- Chelsey Carberry
- Ashley Collins
- Emma Featherstone
- Michelle Ferreri
- Sheridan Graham
- Betty Halman-Plumley
- Dana Hetherton
- Tonya Kraan
- Nour Mazloum
- Kat McCartie
- Amy Muir
- Rebecca O’Rourke
- Marcia Steeves
- Meryn Steeves
- Rosalea Terry
- Lois Tuffin
- Ashley Woollacott
- Susan Zambonin
- Abby Zotz
One to Watch – Employee
Future leader known for innovative, meaningful contributions to their workplace, proven professional success, and outstanding potential for the future. Nominee may hold entry- to mid-level management positions in their workplace.
- Allison Adam
- Bethan Bates
- Amanda Bedford
- Lindsey Brodie
- Michelle Nguyen
- Rosalea Terry
Building Belonging
Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation have reshaped how business is done—demonstrating that building for belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic advantage. Nominees may focus on workplace culture, employee experience, and/or customer-facing innovation.
- Mackenzie Annis
- Marsha Gaulton
- Akshana Katoch
- Jennifer Lawson
- Peggy Shaughnessy
- Danielle Turpin
- Patricia Wilson
Trailblazer – Entrepreneur
Celebrating a business owner who has created innovation and success through her leadership, vision, courage, and commitment.
- Winter Barringer
- Kinjal Shukla Clement
- Lisa Couture
- Leanne Crump
- Ashley Flynn
- Marsha Gaulton
- Richa Grover
- Catherine Hanrahan
- Tracy Minnema
- Rebecca O’Rourke
- Danielle Turpin
Emerging Entrepreneur
A business 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.
- Kara Ainsworth
- Ashley Flynn
- Marsha Gaulton
- Chasley Keepfer
- Karen Kerr
- Erin Shannon
- Elena Thomas
- Ashley Woollacott
Legacy
She has spent her successful business career inspiring others and giving back to her community. She strives for business excellence, and through realizing her vision, the nominee has provided opportunities for others for employment, growth, and philanthropy.
- Judy Byrne
- Monika Carmichael
- Betty Halman-Plumley
- Dr. Kristy Hiltz
- Vanessa Oake Hogan
- Dr. Jenny Ingram
- Jenni Johnston
- Cathy Olley
- Anne Ryan
- Susan Tung
- Wendy Kelly
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.
