We were honoured to gather this year to mark International Women’s Day, with more than 80 people coming together at our annual luncheon to connect, reflect, and celebrate.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, speaks to something we see every day in our work and across our communities. When people give their time, care, knowledge, and presence, it strengthens relationships, builds trust, and contributes to collective wellbeing.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of our annual Agent of Inspiration, Influence & Integrity Award, which recognizes individuals who make a meaningful impact through how they show up for others.
This year’s nominees were:
- Holly Williams
- Kelly Jacobs
- Alicia Neville
- Vivienne Reardon
Each nomination reflected a deep commitment to care, leadership, and community.
We were proud to recognize Kelly Jacobs as this year’s recipient. Through her work, Kelly creates spaces where people feel safe, welcomed, and supported. She is known for her consistency, compassion, and integrity, and for the way she centres the needs of those she works with.
Those who nominated her spoke to her ability to connect across generations, to listen with humility, and to encourage others to grow into their own strengths. Her leadership is grounded, relational, and deeply trusted.
We were also honoured to welcome Minister Lela Evans in her newly appointed role as Minister of Women and Gender Equality. She shared reflections on the importance of supporting women and gender-diverse people across the province, and the value of staying connected to the realities and strengths of communities like those in Labrador.
That sense of connection carried into our keynote from Martina Lavallee.
Martina is known to many in this room and across the community, for her time with Mokami and Thrifty’s, for her current work with the Journey Project, and for the many ways she continues to give her time through community boards and volunteer work. A previous recipient of our award, Martina shared her own story of resilience, what it has taken to keep going, to grow, and to continue showing up for others.
International Women’s Day offers an important moment to celebrate the leadership and contributions of women and gender-diverse people like Kelly and Martina, while also recognizing the work that continues. This gathering was a reflection of both.
