Want to be inspired? Here are four Alberta women being recognized for their life-changing achievements
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The 2025 Women Making History in Alberta Awards recognize extraordinary leadership, innovation and service, thanks to the work of extraordinary Albertans.
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History Maker in the Making Award: Catriona Le May Doan is CEO of Sport Calgary, as well as being a beloved Olympian and sport inclusion champion. Winning Olympic gold in the 500-metre speedskating event in both the 1998 and 2002 Winter Games, she was the first Canadian female to defend an Olympic gold medal. That led Doan to become a broadcaster, motivational speaker and a leader in the world of sports, particularly in terms of ensuring all children are able to participate.
Entrepreneurial and Innovator Award: Dr. Kristina Rinker is a professor at the University of Calgary and co-founder/chief scientific officer at Syantra Inc. As a biomedical innovation leader, she helped develop a groundbreaking breast cancer test that is a non-invasive blood test which detects cancer in early stages. Her accolades include a City of Calgary International Award and Research Impact Award.
The Vera Burns Award: Dr. Elaine Joughin is a retired pediatric surgeon and educator, whose work has impacted thousands over the decades and continents. She was the first female pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Alberta Children's Hospital. Her volunteer work has taken her to Thailand, Uganda and Ecuador, where she has mentored surgeons. She continues to influence pediatric care through app development, education and community service.
Community Builder Award: Janice McTighe, founder of Renfrew Educational Services, is an advocate for children with disabilities. After seeing a lack of resources for one of her own children, McTighe created a groundbreaking organization to support kids with disabilities. Renfrew has achieved international acclaim and is seen as a model for education excellence when it comes to special needs education. There are now four Renfrew campuses, with another on the way. McTighe's past awards include the Alberta Order of Excellence and a Top 7 Over 70 award.
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