International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates women for their political, cultural, social and economic achievements. Nicola Valley Women in Action seeks to recognize local women who are making a positive difference in their community. The event honouring the nominees listed here will take place at 6pm on Friday, March 6 at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church.

Melanie Madill – Melanie has been nominated for her generosity towards her clients and employees, and her inclusivity in both raising her sons and offering gainful employment to those within the community with disabilities.   

Marcia Thomson – Marcia has been nominated for her dedication to those less fortunate in the community, including her role in “Merritt Chicks with Gifts Food Drive Blitz”, where food bank donations, stockings, and gifts were gathered for those in need.

Sharon Keyser – Sharon has been nominated for her willingness to lend a helping hand and her many years spent volunteering for organizations such as Community Policing with speed watch, and non-profits such as the Merritt Stock Car Association.

Wanda Dexel – Wanda has been nominated for her service to those suffering trauma and mental health issues, as well as embracing Indigenous methods of healing through the Aboriginal Focusing Oriented Therapy (AFOT), a program she has encouraged other counselors and community members to take.

Krista Minar – Krista has been nominated for being a role model of health and fitness in her career as a personal trainer and coach, and her dedication to serving the community in her role at the Merritt Fire Department as a firefighter, Fire & Life Safety Educator, and a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist.

Maria Thuveson– Maria has been nominated for her dedication to the local dance community and students of the dance studio, where she volunteers countless hours designing and creating the costumes for each performance. She will often put her own five children to bed and stay up late creating beautiful wardrobe pieces.

Megan Paquette – Megan has been nominated for all the work she has done to bring yoga and wellness to the community, through her yoga studio, Akasa Yoga Studio, as well as the assistance and generosity she offers to her clients and the community.

Lizette NelLizette has been nominated for her dedication to the students of the Love to Dance Academy, where she encourages and inspires everyone from young children to seniors to be active and to embrace dance, as well as tirelessly serving the community through her many classes and programs.