​Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor named woman of distinction at International Women’s Day

Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor of Huron-Kinloss Township, an optometrist in Walkerton, received the 2024 Women of Distinction award, while Chelby Morris received the Young Woman of Distinction Award, at the International Women’s Day, held Thursday in Chesley.

About 100 people attended the event organized by the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey and Bruce County’s Business to Bruce program.

Oyaide-Ofenor received the award for going above and beyond to help her community and youth strive for success while recognizing their voices and identities.

Chelby received the award for her outstanding leadership and active involvement in the community, for playing a significant role in her local Rotary Club and through her dedication and efforts on her student council.

Additional community members who received nominations for this year’s Women of Distinction Award, were Patt Lowry, Shawna Small, Sadie Al and Andrea Clarke.

The event focused on inspiring inclusion and celebrating women leaders in Bruce County.

The crowd heard from keynote speaker Sarah Baldeo, who educated and inspired attendees to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the growth and development of their businesses.

Kincardine deputy mayor Andrea Clarke, solicitor, and local diversity, equity and inclusion advocate, empowered and energized the attendees by sharing personal and professional experiences relating to partiality, and the barriers women face, specifically those who are marginalized. She highlighted the need to consider intersectionality when creating equitable policies.

Entrepreneur Catherine Thomas of Catherine’s Painting in Port Elgin opened the evening by talking about being a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry and her journey through the Women in Construction program. This program is a partnership among the Township of Huron-Kinloss, Bruce County, UBC local 2222 Carpenter's Union, Adult Learning Centre, VPI, Fanshawe College, and the Government of Ontario.

The evening was moderated by Spicy Jan of Tasty Road Trips Inc. and was filled with memorable takeaways to inspire and empower everyone looking to inspire inclusion. The event helps build capacity within Bruce County's entrepreneurship eco-system while highlighting success among women entrepreneurs in the communities.

“Empowered women help lead empowered communities,” says Bruce County chief administrative officer Christine MacDonald. “By celebrating the strength, unity, and progress through storytelling, events like this lift women leaders in our community.”

“We are stronger together,” says Claire Dodds, commissioner of the Bruce County Community Development Office. “This event highlighted women’s experiences as leaders in our communities, motivating us all to empower women to be proud of their accomplishments.”

Proceeds from tickets sales and additional donations raised a total of $4,150 for the Women’s House.

In addition to the event, an on-line auction, hosted by Nuclear Promise X (NPX), is offering local items up for bid, graciously donated by Women’s House sponsors. The silent auction runs now until March 15.