Successful women with connections to College of the North Atlantic were out in full force last week at the annual NLOWE Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards banquet, held at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s.
Two-time graduate of CNA’s School of Health Sciences, Sarah Bennett was the recipient of the Scotiabank Innovation Award for her two businesses, UC Baby and A New Beginning Massage Therapy in St. John’s. The award recognizes an entrepreneur who owns and operates a successful business that employs innovation in technology and/or processes to grow.
UC Baby offers unique ultrasound experiences to families expecting a baby while A New Beginning Massage Therapy offers expecting mothers relief from the aches and pains of pregnancy, as well as help to other clients regardless of age or gender.
“Innovation to me means something new and improved. Something modern,” said Sarah, who is a graduate of the Medical Radiography and Diagnostic Ultrasonography programs. “Being surrounded by successful local women entrepreneurs through NLOWE is very inspiring. To hear their success stories, their struggles and how they’ve been able to overcome their struggles makes me feel that I too can achieve.”
The College of the North Atlantic Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award is presented to an entrepreneur who is 35 years of age or under and who has owned and operated a successful and profitable business for at least two years. This year’s award was presented to Jodi Basha, owner/operator of Island Orthotics in Corner Brook. Her business helps individuals with lower limb discomfort and specializes in custom orthotics, orthopedic footwear, footwear modifications, custom knee bracing and measuring and fitting compression stockings.
“It means a great deal to me to run a small successful business in my hometown because there are a lot of people in the community who rely on us for service,” said Jodi. “Winning this award has been such a great honour. It shows that all my hard work and dedication has paid off. If you surround yourself with positive people the whole centre of your business will be positive.”
Katie Hayes, owner/operator of the Bonavista Social Club in Upper Amherst Cove, and who also happens to be a culinary arts instructor at CNA’s Bonavista campus, was awarded the Visionary Award. This award recognizes an entrepreneur who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within her business and her industry, and is able to adapt to changing market environments and has leveraged opportunities for continued profitable growth.
The Bonavista Social Club is a restaurant and food production facility that caters to the growing demand for quality local food products on the Bonavista Peninsula and throughout the province. Located just a stone’s throw from Bonavista Bay, its trademark has become simple, rustic food.
“Adapting to change and trends on the culinary scene is crucial in the success of the business,” said Katie, who is also a Red Seal Chef. “It is a great honour to be recognized as a visionary, especially in this province where there are a lot of very strong women creating their vision and doing what they love. I am inspired by anyone who is doing what they love for a living.”
CNA President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan, was on-hand to present the CNA Youth Entrepreneur Award to Basha. President Vaughan says it’s an inspiration to see so many driven and successful female entrepreneurs discussing their businesses and being honoured for their achievements.
“Each year, an increasing number of women of all ages are making a place for themselves in the Newfoundland and Labrador business community, and I believe the province has benefited greatly from this infusion of ideas and innovation,” said President Vaughan. “To know that College of the North Atlantic has played a part in their successes is encouraging, and it is also reassuring to see these women work together to achieve new and exciting business opportunities. They have helped breathe new life into our provincial economy and it’s invigorating to see.”
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Media Contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca
Videos of each of the award winners are available:
Sarah Bennett – Scotiabank Innovation Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTSKgS6IWU0
Jodi Basha – CNA Youth Entrepreneur of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8eTH5-Luso
Katie Hayes – Visionary Award: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LROPKBfGFs4