The Orillia Business Women’s Association (OBWA) crowned its annual Nelle Carter Woman of the Year and Lisa Brooking Young Woman of the Year on Wednesday night.
Kim Kneeshaw was “shocked” when her name was called as the 2023 Woman of the Year during the gala that was held at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre.
“I was not expecting to win,” she said. “There was certainly a lot of very worthy competition.”
Even being nominated for the prestigious award was an “honour,” Kneeshaw says.
“It’s very humbling to think people in the community view me as worthy of such an award,” she told OrilliaMatters.
Kneeshaw, the executive director of North Simcoe Victim Services, began serving as a volunteer with the not-for-profit service in 1999. She has also served as a volunteer with the Salvation Army outreach van in the past.
“The community and helping other people is really where my heart and soul is,” she said. “I care about others, and I just want to help people, which is what drives me to do what I do.”
Kneeshaw says she has never received a greater honour for her community work.
“I’m not a person who is out to seek glory,” she said. “I’m a very humble person who is happy to work behind the camera more than in front of it.”
Blythe Wieclawek, a member of Sustainable Orillia’s Youth Council, was named Lisa Brooking Young Woman of the Year on Wednesday night.
OBWA executive member and past president, Shelle Hossack, hopes the Young Woman of the Year award inspires more youth to step up to make a difference in the community.
“The youth are the future,” she said. “Their aspirations are phenomenal, and we need to show them how much we appreciate what they’ve accomplished and the plans they have for the future.”
Hossack says it’s important to recognize the women who go above and beyond for their community.
“These are women who aren’t always acknowledged and thanked,” she said. “This is our way to show appreciation to them for what they do.”
