OCNews

When it comes to announcing the finalists for the 2022 Rise Awards this week, Kelowna Women in Business named two Okanagan College employees as part of the inspiring mix.

Laura Thurnheer and Laura Hetherington, both from the Okanagan School of Business, were nominated in separate award categories.

OSB Associate Dean Laura Thurnheer was nominated for Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes a professional in Kelowna who represents KWIB values, demonstrates inclusivity, is a champion for women in the workforce and is active in the community.

Thurnheer is the current Board President of KCR Community Resources, past Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the British Columbia Wine Authority, and a Board Director with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHRBC & Yukon). She is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources and holds both her Canadian and American designations.

“I was very surprised to be nominated and am very pleased to be recognized along with this great group of women. I look forward to celebrating with them at the awards event,” said Thurnheer.

Laura Hetherington was nominated for the Change Maker Award, which recognizes those who demonstrate inclusivity, are role models for change, are socially conscious and community oriented, and helps to make Kelowna a better place to live through personal or professional example.

Hetherington is an Okanagan School of Business Professor whose commitment to mentorship has trickled down into an important service for learners. In the last year, she helped found Engage, a student mentorship program that provides first-year Business students with a sense of community, inclusion and belonging.

She also supports emerging leaders within EnactusOC and the Okanagan College Accounting Club, which had an executive boasting 80% females – many of whom secured post-graduate positions before finishing their education.

Hetherington serves as a mentor for the KWIB, is the treasurer for the B.C. Association for Child Development and Intervention, and is a loans committee member and a director for Central Okanagan Community Futures.

“I feel fortunate to have been nominated for contributions that I am passionate about. Along with the other nominees, I believe in leading by example to create a positive impact. Having awards such as these continues to increase awareness of female leadership, empower female students, and create community comradery as we continue to lift each other up. This should be celebrated, and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Hetherington.

Created to honour and celebrate the achievements of inspirational members of the Kelowna business community, the Rise Awards culminates with an awards ceremony and banquet tentatively scheduled for May 18. For details, visit: kwib.org/rise-awards/