2022 BYAs Gala

After a two-year hiatus, on September 29, 2022, the BYAs announced the recipients at its 2022 Businesswoman of the Year Awards Gala held at the Infinity Convention Centre. The evening was hosted by KISS 105.3 radio host Sandra Plagakis with a sold-out attendance of Ottawa business owners and professionals from throughout the Nation’s Capital.

For forty years, the BYAs have recognized the accomplishments of businesswomen within the National Capital Region – true superheroes! Nominees were recommended by colleagues, family members and the community. The selection process for finalists and award recipients was based on an application process which included demonstrating their competencies and achievements in business acumen, leadership, and community involvement. A volunteer selection committee comprised of reputable members of the Ottawa business community then evaluated the nominees by applying a weighted point system that ensures fairness and consistency. This selection committee narrowed the finalists to three in each category. Then, a new volunteer selection committee reviewed the finalist applications and agreed on the deserving recipient in each award category.

The recipient of the Community Impact Award was Heidi Hauver, the Entrepreneur – Start-Up Category was Lisa Flanders, the Entrepreneur – Emerging Category was Shannon Ferguson, the Entrepreneur – Established Category was Roxanne Whiting, the Lifetime Achievement Award was Lorraine McKay, the Enterprise – Accomplished Leader category was Louise Summers, the Enterprise – Innovation Champion Category – Solange Tuyishime, and the Enterprise – Rising Star Category Piriya Yoganathan.

Congratulations to the 2022 BYA recipients!