Sponsors for 2011

VIP Sponsors:
•Richard Friesen,
  Remax Realtor
•Dignity Memorial
  Woodlawn Mission
  Funeral Home
•Whatcom Wine
  & Spirits
•The Abbotsford News
•Investors Group,
  Abbotsford
•Envision Financial

Marquee Sponsors:
•ASM Printing
•Mady Graphic Design
•Aldergrove Credit Union
•Abbotsford Community
  Foundation

Champagne Reception
Sponsor:

•Maggie Reimer,
  Investment Advisor,
  RBC Dominion
  Securities


2011 Nominees
for the Myrtle Evertt Woman of the Year Awards







Ann Senae
Certified General Accountant – Self Employed

“Myself, my community and my family are all intertwined. They are one entity that moves together and anything that impacts one, influences another. Choosing to be a service in the community has a trickle down effect on the people around me. In my business and otherwise I take great care to extend positive affirmations that will raise people up. I give to life as much as I can and find that I receive as much or more in return.”


I like to empower other people as much as possible, particularly women. Depending on the circumstances, my focus is to provide whatever resources I have at my disposal including time, encouragement and sometimes-financial support. The aim is to enable others to become independent and self fulfilled. Financial independence means choices can be made and envisioned goals attained. I have been able to find balance by tending the core areas in my life, those being my career, my family and my own personal development. My home and family come first, then community, my business and finally my music. My home is the base for most of my endeavors and I enjoy creating a beautiful environment both inside and outside in my garden. Seeing that everything is connected, but understanding the value of independence while working to achieve an overall balance has set the tone for my approach in life.

“Ann’s vision to be successful guided the choices she has made and throughout the years Ann has demonstrated a good balance in her commitments to her clients, her family and the community.” Rose Doud, Mission


Paulette Baker

“My personal vision is to help and support others to reach their full potential. Whether it be my husband, kids, people I help in my career as a nurse, those I come in contact with through various life circumstances in the community, I love to know that something I have done has made a positive impact on their lives.”


Balancing my family, career, volunteer and ministry is a juggling act. God and family take first priority in my life and I ensure that my free time is spent with them. I volunteer in a kids outreach program and my children are part of that which gives us the opportunity to be together and work together. I am the honorary president of our women’s group at our church which gives me time to be around my peers where we can support one another and provide outreach to women in the community. My husband is a Pastor and we both enjoy counselling couples that are preparing for marriage or are going through difficulties. I take a special interest in mentoring young teen ladies and started a group to help them make positive choices and learn good problem solving strategies. When we have people who learn to make positive choices, I am convinced we will have healthier communities and a brighter future for our young people.

“Paulette goes the extra mile for our clients ensuring that they have been provided the best care. She takes the time to listen to her co-workers and provides support when they are going through difficult times. As a nurse, Paulette shows care and compassion. She has visited injured workers in the hospital on her own time to offer support. Paulette is a passionate and caring leader who has dramatically lifted staff morals and exemplifies what it is to be the best you can be.” Jan Beesley, Manager Nursing Services, WorkSafe BC


Deborah Lehmann
Executive Director – Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS)

“It is my philosophy that every person connected to a frontline service organization forms a link in the chain that reaches people in very real ways, when they need it most. It is through compassion and the visions of many that we shape the future of this city and together make Abbotsford one of the best places to conduct business, raise families, change lives and most of all call home.”

It is a privilege to lead the Abbotsford Hospice Society, to foster life long connections and to build community. The idea that “if you have a dream and you’re willing to work hard you will succeed” certainly rings true for me. In my role as executive director, I am required to balance strategic leadership, external relations and resource management. I face challenges everyday that allow me to grow as a leader and draw on my life experiences. From those I meet through my work in hospice care I learn about courage, love and life and the importance of maintaining a successful balance. Every day I connect with those I care about and set aside quiet time to reflect and reenergize both mind and body through exercise, music and meditation. Above all, I remember that no matter who we are, each of us is a part of something bigger.

“I have known Debbie for five years. I have watched with interest and some fascination as she went from the role of volunteer with the Abbotsford Hospice Society to become the Executive Director of this vitally important organization. Debbie maintains her composure by setting aside private time in her life for exercise and contemplation. She is truly a role model for other women who aspire to positions of leadership.” Mayor George W. Peary



Doris Woodman-McMillan
Business Owner - Abbotsford

“My philosophy is one of engagement. You need to engage in all areas of your life . . . family, community, employment and personal development. I see all of these areas as one. Your work influences your time and ability to spend on everything else. Your family needs to come first regardless, but there are times that it is necessary to juggle the needs of all four areas.”


My community involvement has changed over time. I have done a variety of things to support the community as a whole, and to aid in the activities that involved my children. Currently, I hold a number of volunteer positions and assist various organizations with silent auction items to help them raise funds. We also provide bookkeeping services to a number of charities, and assist them to run their organizations effectively. To balance all of this is not easy. You have to have your priorities straight, and I value my close friends for their perspective. I take counsel from the people that I believe have my interests at heart. I am fortunate to have a family that has supported my involvement in various areas.

“I’ve met few women that hold it all together like Doris. From a young, single parent of a child with leukemia to a successful business owner, mother of four and adept, motivated community contributor, she is a positive role model in the truest sense of the word.” Anne E. Martyn, Abbotsford



Congratulations to all of our amazing nominees for 2011!

Please see the 2011 Ceremonies for winners and pictures of this wonderful event.


Requesting a Nomination Package
To nominate an outstanding woman in Mission or Abbotsford, please see about nomination information.  We would be pleased to send you further information and/or a nomination package through regular or email.



All photos are copyright of the original artist at photoart by simpson,
a division of Clearbrook Photographic Arts Inc, and are used by permission.


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The Business & Professional Women's Club of Abbotsford
c/o 101 - 2001 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3N5
bpwabbotsford@gmail.com
Updated May 13 2011.