CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Two Women of the Year awards honour Conestoga graduates

Mary Beth Kennedy, a graduate of the Human Resources Management program and professor in the School of Business, won in the Entrepreneur (40+) category at the sold-out gala held May 22 at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener.

Emily Pyke, a graduate of the Automotive Service Technician program, won in the Skilled Trades category.

"I'm feeling honoured and inspired, inspired by everybody around me," Kennedy said at the ceremony.

"It's been an amazing night seeing all the other women here, and just the support and collaboration from everybody has been really incredible."

The nominee biographies share that Kennedy owns multiple successful businesses (HiWay Flowers, Haute Fleur and Grand River Tanning Salon), teaches entrepreneurship at Conestoga, mentors students and job seekers, and contributes to fundraisers for local charities.

"Her dedication to business excellence, education, and charitable giving has made a lasting impact in the region. Whether empowering aspiring entrepreneurs or giving back to the community, Mary Beth's leadership continues to inspire and drive positive change."

Pyke was called "a trailblazing automotive technician, educator, and advocate for women in skilled trades." As co-founder of the AutoCate initiative that empowers car owners through education, Pyke leads groundbreaking workshops across Ontario, breaking down barriers in the industry.

"A mentor with Support Ontario Youth and a Napa Gearhead, Emily is redefining what's possible for women in trades. Her mission: to create a future where no woman has to fight for her place in the industry she belongs."

Kennedy said after receiving the award that it was amazing to be nominated alongside many great women and have a room full of accomplished women supporting and cheering on the nominees and winners at the event that she called important to the whole community.

"I really think it's super important because it is inspiring and it's letting other people know that no matter what you do in your life, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to," Kennedy said. "It helps to inspire other people. It helps to see that collaboration and the community come together. It's a beautiful night."

More than two dozen Conestoga graduates, employees, faculty and other Conestoga community members were among the record 140 nominations in 12 categories for the 50th anniversary of the event celebrating women making a positive impact in the local community. Several received more than one nomination, including Kennedy, who was also nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Joan Fisk, chief executive officer of United Way Waterloo Region Communities, who served on Conestoga's board of governors from 1998 to 2004.

The complete list of winners is available at womenoftheyear.ca/recipients.