brought the ancient practice of Encaustic Painting to life in the Okanagan 9 years ago. This method of painting with pigmented beeswax, is intriguing and exotic, much like Thea herself! Even tempered, friendly and caring Thea is a skillful facilitator whose students are drawn to her generosity and sharing. Through workshops and online presences in blogs and websites, Thea encourages and inspires creative expression. She supports many community arts councils, associations and collectives. She has coordinated and contributed to many shows and competitions. Thea is also a celebrated, recognized and collected artist in her own right.

ARTS, CULTURE & DESIGN

THEA HAUBRICH

GRETA HENNING

HEALTH, WELLNESS & ACTIVE LIVING

Over the past two years Greta Henning has devoted countless volunteer hours as President of the Penticton Chapter of Quota Club and HECK (the Henning Emergency Clinic of Kindness Society). HECK provides free dental clinics for adults and seniors who cannot afford dental treatment. Her tireless hard work has improved the dental health and outlook for many in the South Okanagan. She is working towards establishing a permanent low-cost dental clinic.

JACQUELINE

FAREBROTHER

NON-PROFIT AND PUBLIC SERVICE

Optimism, energy, and enthusiasm combined with intelligence, sensitivity, and grace under pressure, are just some of Jacqueline Farebrother’s gifts. She is an inspiration to those she works with, as supervisor with Hand-in-Hand Infant Toddler Centre, at Penticton Childcare Continuum and at Penticton & District Community Resources Society. She is a mentor to young parents and a caring nurturer to all. She has a remarkable ability to facilitate conversations and is tireless in her efforts to provide support for her clients.

YOUNG LEADERS

THE ESTEEM TEAMCeline Blais, Emily Bussinger, Nicole Chickloski and Elaina Collis are the Esteem Team. These young women (ages 15-17) speak out on socially relevant and challenging topics, such as bullying, body image and self esteem, through workshops they present to their peers and younger children. They exhibit exceptional maturity and confidence and are committed to making the school years better for all youth. Through studio teaching and mentoring younger dancers, these young women are dedicated to their belief in the potential of all people. With program mentors, they have put together funding applications to run these workshops and have received support from Telus and the United Way. Ghandi said, “You must be the change that you want to see in the world”. This is certainly embodied by these young women.

TRACI FLADAGER

EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Traci Fladager has offered parents and children the most dynamic and fulfilling experience possible in her position as board member, respite care giver and program coordinator at Dragonfly Pond Society. Dragonfly Pond is a non- profit society that provides programs and services for children with disabilities and complex care needs. She creates an inspirational setting of empowerment and joy for countless families. Traci always gives 110%, and encourages participation in various programs such as the Dragonflies and Minnows children’s program.

DEBORAH O’MARA

COMMUNITY BUILDER

Always giving her best, Deborah O’Mara is a unique woman who is down to earth, hard working, funny, highly intelligent and extremely humble. Over the course of her many years working as a volunteer and for community minded organizations; Deborah has raised significant amounts of money for charity and put on some fabulous events. She has been a part of the Penticton Auto Dealers’ Golf Gala, Community Foundation of the South Okanagan, Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, the Centennial Committee, the S.O. Children’s Charity, and now with the SOEC. Deborah seizes opportunities, enhances connections, and makes positive changes in her community.

GEORGINA DOUMONT

ENTREPRENEUR

Through her businesses, ‘Happy Healthy Homes’ and ‘You Bet We Can Business Solutions’, Georgina Doumont is known for thinking outside of the box. She has a knack for assisting businesses and organizations, helping them shine within their own communities, and using her extensive entrepreneurial skills for the good of others. She volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and is a board member of Giving Other a Boost and. Georgina is a role model for other women who wish to start their own successful enterprise.

COURAGE

VERONIKA SCHRANKVeronika Schrank is a testament to courage and determination. She has turned a personal tragedy into a journey of self empowerment - keeping a positive attitude when all seemed lost. Her challenging journey began a year ago when her husband of 13 years passed away at age 41 from a rare form of cancer. For nine years Veronika had been a full-time mother of their four children, ages 3 to 9 years. Suddenly becoming the sole supporter of four young children she needed to take on the role of financial support for her family. Taking care of her children’s needs helped her keep her focus and gave her strength. She researched options for training in a profession that suited her interests and her financial needs. Consequently, she enrolled to become a Licensed Practical Care Nurse…a profession that matches her innate sense of care and empathy. Her ultimate dream is to join Doctors without Borders. Her choice to focus on the positive side of her journey rather than the loss shows her to be a woman of great courage.

COURAGE

KELLIE WESLEY“Kidney Cousins” for friends, it doesn’t get much closer than that. On Monday, January 14, 2013 – with her 2nd youngest son about to be deployed to Afghanistan on his first tour - Kellie Wesley lay in a hospital bed in Vancouver about to donate one of her kidneys to Terry, the husband of her dear friend Nancy. Kellie knew that Terry was in desperate need of a kidney transplant, that he was facing immanent dialysis treatment and an uncertain future seeking an organ donor. When she found out that she was a 5 out of 6 point match – twins are 6 out of 6 – she did what anyone possessed of generous mind, spirit, body, and certainly a large amount of courage would do – she offered Terry the gift of life.