ARTS & CULTURE AWARD
For enriching the culture of our community through creation or promotion of the arts on a volunteer or professional basis.
Award Presented By: Darren Bondy, Onward Media
ARTS & CULTURE NOMINEES
Amanda Amaral
Amanda is a publisher and children’s author of her new book, “My Invisible Friend ADHD.” Her work focuses on helping children (and people of all ages!) understand neurodiversity, foster a sense of belonging, and build confidence and self-acceptance from an early age. She has donated copies of her book to every elementary school in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, as well as to local children’s therapy offices. Amanda also regularly donates her time to participate in school author visits, book readings, read-a-thons, and literary events, reaching and inspiring more than 1,500+ children in the community to date! Amanda speaks openly about neurodiversity at events across Waterloo and Toronto and also volunteers as a facilitator with Junior Achievement, delivering critical financial literacy workshops to elementary school students throughout the Kitchener–Waterloo region. In her work, Amanda also volunteers for University of Waterloo and Laurier career and networking events, including Hack The North, to offer guidance to students in career conversations.
Alana Decker
Alana Decker, also known as A. Decker, is a Waterloo Region–based visual artist, community facilitator, and founder of A. Decker Creations. Through therapeutic art and community programming, she creates spaces for youth and community members to explore identity, healing, and self-expression. As a Program Staff and Facilitator at The W (YWCA Cambridge), Alana leads arts-based initiatives that support empowerment and belonging. Her work extends through collaborations with organizations such as Kinbridge, R&B Cambridge, and Preston Heights Community Group, where she also serves as a volunteer board member. Through art, mentorship, and advocacy, Alana continues to inspire creativity, resilience, and community.
Christine Goucher
Christine Goucher is a Waterloo Region based Creative Director, designer, and cultural contributor. She leads an in-house creative studio at the University of Waterloo focused on design, video, and digital storytelling, helping shape how the university connects with students and community. Certified as an RGD in October 2023, she mentors emerging designers through RGD and Conestoga College. Her freelance cultural work includes art direction and book design for children’s publishing and arts organizations, including recent work with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery.
She is also the creator of 6Qs with Christine, a weekly interview series that brings visibility to creative voices across disciplines, from authors and chefs to illustrators, performers, and designers, exploring how they think, work, and stay inspired.
Kathie Jordan
Kathie opened the doors to her full service interior decorating studio nearly 15 years ago. Kathie was a stained glass artist for about 17 years prior to that, creating one of a kind installations. Kathie's work can be seen across Canada and the United States. Sustainability is the Kathie's mantra, now more than ever, the importance of recycling quality furniture is near and dear to her heart. Kathie is known as a women inspiring women in the arts to create their own legacy of creativity, and self expression. "Find your own meaning of joy and express yourself!"