2025 Recipients
Arts & Culture
Kathryn Ladano
Dr. Kathryn Ladano, a visionary Canadian bass clarinetist, has redefined the instrument through a blend of traditional and experimental techniques. With degrees from the University of Waterloo, University of Calgary, and York University, and mentorship from renowned musicians, she has captivated audiences worldwide. A dedicated educator, she’s served as Artistic Director for NUMUS, taught at Wilfrid Laurier University, and currently instructs at the University of Waterloo. Her discography includes three solo albums and one duo release. After a traumatic brain injury in 2020, Kathryn now uses her music to raise awareness about brain injuries and advocate for fellow survivors.
Community Service
Marjorie Knight
For more than 24 years, Marjorie Knight has dedicated her time as an anti-poverty advocate and community outreach worker whose tireless volunteer efforts have significantly helped people in Waterloo Region. She has represented Cambridge three times as the MPP candidate. In addition to her work as a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship in Cambridge, she serves on the boards of The Cambridge Shelter Corp and ACCKWA. This collaborator is also the founder of Rhythm and Blues, an organization that advocates for the Black community in Cambridge.
Educator
Jan Basso
Jan Basso is the Assistant Vice-President: Experiential Learning & Career Development at Wilfrid Laurier University and a recognized leader in the field of career education within the post-secondary sector nationally. Her role focusses on ensuring experiential learning and career development are integral to the student experience through the provision of comprehensive programs and services which enable students and alumni to realize their career goals and which respond to employer recruiting needs.
Jan is a Laurier alumnus, holds a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto, and has been actively involved in professional associations and networks throughout her career.
Entrepreneur 40+
Mary Beth Kennedy
Mary Beth Kennedy is a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate. As the owner of multiple successful businesses, she is passionate about innovation and mentorship. She teaches entrepreneurship at Conestoga College, guiding the next generation of business leaders. Beyond the classroom, she actively supports community initiatives, mentoring students and job seekers while contributing to fundraisers for local charities. Her dedication to business excellence, education, and charitable giving has made a lasting impact in the region. Whether empowering aspiring entrepreneurs or giving back to the community, Mary Beth’s leadership continues to inspire and drive positive change.
Group Achievement
Women in Communications & Technology Mentoring Circles Program
When the Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) volunteer team met to discuss how to scalably fill a mentorship gap for women in Waterloo Region, the Mentoring Circles program was born. This nine-month program provides like-minded professionals in any industry the opportunity to form strategic partnerships in a supported group to achieve their personal and professional goals. Since the inception of Mentoring Circles in 2019, nearly 500 participants of all career stages have received mentorship through the program in Waterloo Region, and the program was scaled Nationally by WCT March 2024 to foster Mentoring relationships across Canada.
Health & Wellness
Melissa Reid
Melissa is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in providing support to those struggling with grief, bereavement, and trauma. Melissa is the owner and founder of Calming Tree Counselling in South Kitchener. As the head of Calming Tree, Melissa provides inspiring, compassionate and steadfast leadership to a diverse team of mental health professionals. She works hard to ensure that people in the KW community have access to mental health support that is compassionate, inclusive and person-centred. Melissa takes pride in fostering a workplace that is supportive and empowering for all.
Lifetime Achievement
Joan Fisk
Joan Fisk is a respected community leader and current CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Her career includes executive roles at Gore Mutual, Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce, and Tiger Brand Knitting Company Ltd. Joan has served on numerous boards, including Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Lang School of Business and Economics Dean's Advisory Board, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her many honours include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, YMCA Woman of Distinction, and the 125th Confederation Medal. Joan’s lifelong dedication to public service, equity, and community development makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Oktoberfest Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professional 40+
Kim Wilhelm
Kim Wilhelm is the CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. She leads one of Ontario’s largest food banks, which distributes nearly nine million pounds of food annually across Waterloo region. A passionate nonprofit leader, Kim has extensive experience in fundraising, financial management, and building strong community partnerships. She works closely with a network of 54 organizations, as well as provincial and national partners, to ensure a collaborative approach to food distribution. Before joining The Food Bank in 2016, Kim spent nearly 20 years as a senior fundraiser in healthcare and has held various board and committee roles.
Rising Star Under 40
Rochelle Williams
Rochelle Williams is a skilled young pastry chef and the founder of The Dessert Artist. After completing a formal education from Humber college and nearly a decade of experience working for places like the Shangri-La Hotel and Lady Glaze Doughnuts, it was time to start her own thing. Rochelle identified a gap in the industry for Black representation and began to incorporate her Black heritage whenever possible; starting with a line of Black Excellence Cookies that highlight kinky hairstyles and positive Black messaging to creating a line of sweet and savoury Jamaican patties called Petite Patties.
Skilled Trades
Emily Pyke
Emily Pyke is a trailblazing automotive technician, educator, and advocate for women in skilled trades. A single mother who defied the odds, she fought through adversity to build a thriving career at Heffner Lexus and co-found AutoCate—an initiative empowering car owners through education. As Chief of Trades, she leads groundbreaking workshops across Ontario, breaking down barriers in the industry. A mentor with Support Ontario Youth and a Napa Gearhead, Emily is redefining what’s possible for women in trades. Her mission: to create a future where no woman has to fight for her place in the industry—she belongs.
STEM
Charmaine Dean
Dr. Charmaine Dean is an acclaimed academic leader, statistician, and advocate for equity with 35+ years of impact. As Vice-President, Research and International at the University of Waterloo, she has led nearly $1B in research funding and forged transformative partnerships. She chaired the President’s Anti-Racism Taskforce, embedding systemic change through 88 strategic recommendations. Internationally recognized with honors like the SSC Gold Medal and France’s Order of Academic Palms, Dr. Dean’s legacy lies in bridging research excellence with bold, inclusive leadership. Her career exemplifies the highest standards of impact, service, and lasting contribution to Canadian society and beyond.
Young Adult
Jessica Quinn
Jessica Quinn is a dedicated leader, advocate, and community builder from Waterloo region. Through her work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly in the areas of sport development, inclusivity, and youth empowerment. After experiencing the devastating loss of her Dad in 2023, Jessica went on to make the historic, first ever Team Canada Woman’s Box Lacrosse team. She also managed to maintain exceptional grades in her Honours Legal Studies program at the University of Waterloo simultaneously. Jess embodies compassion and resilience, leveraging her personal experiences to inspire and motivate those around her.
Past Recipients
Arts and Culture - Erin Bow
Community Service - Uzma Bhutto
Entrepreneur 40+ - Cindy Ward
Entrepreneur Under 40 - Rebekah Churchyard
Group Achievement - Jill of All Trades
Health and Wellness - Neha Juwale
Lifetime Achievement - Martha George
Professional 40+ - Nenone Donaldsone
Professional Under 40 - Ashley Schuitema
Skilled Trades - Bradi Ferenc
STEM - Linda Li
Young Adult - Kyo Lee
Arts and Culture- Angela Onuora
Community Service - Monica Himmelman
Entrepreneur 40+ - Jolene MacDonald
Entrepreneur Under 40 - Rachel Bartholomew
Group Achievement - Community Support Connections' Exercise Team
Health and Wellness - Marian Best
Lifetime Achievement - Sandra Henein
Professional 40+ - Clarice Ward
Professional Under 40 - Amy Cyr
STEM - Dinah Davis
Young Adult - Rachel Almaw
Arts & Culture - Betty Anne Keller
Community Service - Nadine Green
Entrepreneur - Donna Litt
Group Achievement - Canadian Federation of University Women Kitchener-Waterloo (CFUW K-W)
Health & Wellness - Rachel Radyk (WaabanoKwe)
Lifetime Achievement - Vickie Murray
Professional - Susan MacQueen
STEAM - Adele Newton
Young Adult - Sarah Odinotski
Arts & Culture - Jayme Armstrong
Community Service - Julie Sawatzky
Entrepreneur - Jill Zappitelli
Health & Wellness - Dr. Linda Leee
Lifetime Achievement - Donna Dubie
Professional - Jennifer Gordon
STEAM - Sherry Shannon-Vanstone
Young Adult - Fatmia Awan
Arts & Culture - Nicole Guse
Community Service - Jane Tuer
Entrepreneur - Ada Barlatt
Group Achievement - Coalition of Muslim Women of KW
Health & Wellness - Jackie Gerlach
Lifetime Achievement - Joan Driver
Professional - Wendi Campbell
Sports & Recreation - Loren Gabel
STEAM - Dr. Hilary Bergsieker
Young Adult - Meena Waseem
Arts & Culture Hilary - Gauld-Camilleri
Community Service - Nancy Koebel
Entrepreneur Diane - Matyas
Group Achievement - Zonta Club of K-W
Health & Wellness - Tara Hebblethwaite
Lifetime Achievement - Brenda Halloran
Professional - Margaret Brockett
Sports & Recreation - Alyssa Lagonia
STEAM - Carol Leaman
Young Adult - Chloe Jang
Arts & Culture - Nancy Regehr
Community Service - Tracy Shonk-Lacey
Entrepreneur - Jennifer Knapp
Group Achievement - SHORE Centre
Health & Wellness - Mary Mueller
Lifetime Achievement - Linda Fabi
Professional - Dr. Diana Parry
Sports & Recreation - Rhonda-Marie Parke
Young Adult - Maggie Sutherland
STEM - Dr. Julie Biedermann
Arts & Culture - Rebecca Short
Community Service - Georgia Cunningham
Entrepreneur - Lina Shamoun
Group Achievement - Best Friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region
Health & Wellness - Laura Callum
Lifetime Achievement - Ann Bilodeau
Professional - Cynthia Davis
Sports & Recreation - Kaitlyn Weaver
Young Adult - Nooran AbuMazen
STEM - Dr. Shohin Ghose