Seven Peterborough-area women in business were honoured at the second annual Luminary Awards celebration held on Thursday (May 7) 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, are intended to celebrate the power, innovation, and impact of women in business.
A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the celebration, which saw awards presented in seven categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers: One to Watch – Employee, Emerging Entrepreneur, Trailblazer – Entrepreneur, Barrier Buster, Building Belonging, Community Catalyst, and Legacy.
The seven award recipients — Michelle Nguyen, Chasley Keepfer, Leanne Crump, Ashley Flynn, Jennie Lawson, Lois Tuffin, and Dr. Jenny Ingram — were selected from nominations for 60 women across all categories.
“Each recipient is making a meaningful impact in their field, contributing not only to economic growth but also to a more inclusive, vibrant, and connected community,” reads a media release from the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
The event featured a keynote address from Lisa McBride, president of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada, and insight from local women leaders such as Martha Sullivan of Sullivan Law, the event’s primary sponsor, as well as others who presented, “creating an atmosphere of celebration, connection, and inspiration.”
“The Luminaries are about shining a light on the women who are not only building businesses, but shaping our communities and redefining what leadership looks like,” said Susan Dunkley, the Chamber’s board chair and chair of the Luminary Awards committee.
“Their courage, vision, and generosity create ripple effects far beyond their own success. When we celebrate women in business, we don’t just recognize achievement — we ignite possibility for others.”
The 2026 Luminary Awards for Women in Business categories and recipients are listed below.
One to Watch (Employee)
Recognizing an emerging leader whose innovative ideas, meaningful contributions, and proven success show outstanding potential for the future. (Nominee may hold entry to mid-level management roles.)
Recipient: Michelle Nguyen from the New Canadians Centre
Emerging Entrepreneur
Celebrating a rising business owner who has launched a fresh, innovative venture that is already making its mark and shows exciting potential for the future.
Recipient: Chasley Keepfer from the Cheeky Duck Vineyard & Kitchen Farmacy
Trailblazer – Entrepreneur
Celebrating a business owner whose leadership, ingenuity, and boldness have sparked success and inspired others.
Recipient: Leanne Crump of the Kawartha Family Health Clinic
Barrier Buster
Celebrating a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field by breaking through barriers. She has faced challenges — whether gender-based, systemic, cultural, language, disability-related, or otherwise — and risen above them with skill, creativity, and perseverance.
Recipient: Ashley Flynn, owner and operator Blackrock Developments
Building Belonging
Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation has 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.
Recipient: Jennie Lawson from Havelock Metal Inc.
Community Catalyst
Celebrating an individual 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.
Recipient: Lois Tuffin
Legacy
Honouring a woman whose career is defined by excellence, generosity, and community impact. Her vision and success have created opportunities for others — through employment, mentorship, philanthropy, or long-term influence — leaving an enduring mark.
Recipient: Dr. Jenny Ingram
Along with returning sponsors Sullivan Law and kawarthaNOW, other sponsors of the second annual Luminary Awards are the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, Peterborough County, Onward (Maryam Monsef), Darling Insurance, Cambium, Engage Engineering, BDC, Scotiabank, RBC Wealth Management – Dominion Securities, Alternatives Community Program Services, Jordan Lyall Photography, Trent Valley Honda, IG Wealth Management – Betty Halman-Plumley, BMO Wealth Management – BMO Nesbitt Burns, Suzi Home Maker, and Careerspace at Trent University.
For more information about the Luminary Awards and the 2026 recipients, visit luminaryawards.ca.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the media sponsor of the second annual Luminary Awards.
