Women Making History in Alberta Awards

Christine Cheung: Principal of Highwood School and the first female Chinese Canadian principal in Calgary, making strides in inclusivity and education.

Elaine Downing: A visionary volunteer with Calgary’s Meals on Wheels, honored for her lifelong commitment to community service.

Sharon Carry: Former President of Bow Valley College, recognized for her leadership in expanding educational access across the province.

Christine McIver: Founder of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, dedicating her life to supporting children battling cancer and their families.

• The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD – 18th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, noted for her advocacy in history education and youth leadership.
• Irene Pfeiffer, C.M. – Senior executive and the first non-physician to chair the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, a milestone in healthcare governance.
• Judy Fairburn – Co-founder of The51 and a pioneer in environmental sustainability, driving investment in entrepreneurial partnerships and women-led ventures.
• M. Jeanette MacQuarrie – One of the first female graduates in medicine from the University of Alberta, recognized for her dedication to medical education and early contributions to Alberta’s healthcare system.

• Cora Voyageur – A distinguished Dene scholar and advocate for Indigenous people, celebrated for her contributions to education and Indigenous leadership.
• Cheryl Foggo – Award-winning playwright and filmmaker focused on elevating stories of African-Canadian heritage, contributing significantly to Alberta’s cultural landscape.
• Teresa Woo-Paw – Civic leader and founder of numerous organizations focused on social inclusion and multiculturalism, Alberta’s first Asian Canadian MLA and Cabinet Minister.

When guests arrive to the Park, they should drive to the security gates, located underneath the clock tower in Heritage Plaza. From there, guests will be directed to drive to the Wainwright Hotel and park there. From there, they can access the Wainwright Hotel for the reception and banquet.

Parking is complimentary. Guests can park at the Wainwright Hotel.

Qualities of Nominees

• The historical impact can be in any area deemed important by the nominator.
• The impact the nominee has on Alberta reveals something important for us today.
• The nominee has created history in a manner that is believed to be remembered and celebrated as having historical impact.
• We invite the community to nominate anyone who identifies as female.

Selection Process

• Nominations will be reviewed by a panel and chosen by Sept. 20, 2024. Winners will be informed shortly after and invited to the Awards Dinner at Heritage Park on Oct. 4, 2024 at 6 p.m.
• Between one to five nominees may be chosen to receive an Award in 2024 across three categories.
• With permission, winners may be featured throughout the year in Heritage Park publications and events.