For the third year in a row, awards were handed out at the Mountain View and Neighbours Women in Business Awards in Olds.

The March 6 ceremony at the Pomeroy Inn recognized outstanding women from Mountain View, Clearwater and Kneehill counties.

From Clearwater County, Jillian Skeels was announced as the first-ever winner of the new Rising Star Award, which recognizes the contributions of young women in the region.

“I am very proud to be representing Clearwater County,” said Skeels. “I came in not expecting anything huge, but I’m proud of myself and all the other nominees for the Rising Star Award.”

Skeels was recognized for her contributions to the American Poultry Breeders Association. At a young age, her work has already led her to give presentations to 4-H groups in Alberta and Saskatchewan about raising poultry.

She was also honoured for her involvement with Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps 198 Yukon.

Other nominees from the Clearwater County area included Genny Mehlhaff (Woman in Ag, Woman of Influence), Tami Brown (Woman in Business — Not-for-Profit), Kristin McCauley (Woman in Business — For-Profit), Shantel Cooke (Woman in Business — For-Profit) and Shawna Kontzie (Woman in Business — For-Profit).

 

 

 

While she did not place first in either category she was nominated for, Genny Mehlhaff said it was inspiring to hear about the contributions of young women.

“As a 4-H leader and advocate, I see it in our youth every day, and it’s amazing to see them represented here and rewarded for all their hard work,” she said.

Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers, who was also nominated in the Woman of Influence category, agreed.

Aalbers encouraged young women to reach out to mentors in attendance at the ceremony.

“If you’re looking for mentors or someone to share ideas with, please contact any of the ladies here — they’re willing to share knowledge and inspiration with you,” she said.

Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers speaks at the Mountain View & Neighbours Women in Business Awards, March 6, 2026

 

Winning the coveted Woman of Influence award was Peggy Good of the Rosebud Health Foundation in Mountain View County.

She said the honour was “overwhelming” given the number of remarkable women of all ages represented.

“It takes many people and volunteers who give their time and energy to make our community run,” she said. “There isn’t one person in one community — there are many.”

The Rosebud Health Foundation serves the Didsbury, Carstairs, Water Valley and Cremona areas and raises funds for local health needs, including more than $112,000 for the Didsbury hospital in 2025.

Ahead of International Women’s Day March 8, the packed house at the Pomeroy received a “visit” from two members of Canada’s Famous Five women. Mrs. Louise McKinney of Claresholm (portrayed by Mary Hayes) and Mrs. Nellie McLung of Calgary (portrayed by Betty Hersberger) told the gathered crowd about women’s struggles through the early twentieth century, including in Canada’s suffragette movement.

Nominees in each category:

Rising Star Award

Winner: Jillian Skeels

Woman In Ag

Winner: Donna Aarsby. Runners up: Brenda Pereversoff, Kelly Worthington

 

 

Woman In Energy

Winner: Tracey McCrimmon

 

 

Woman In Business (Not For Profit)

Winner: Jean Carveth (Mountain View County). Runners up: Carlie Bradley, Tami Brown, Karen Mengersen, Sarah Cormier

 

 

Woman In Business (For Profit)

Winner: Patricia McKean (Mountain View County). Runners up: Dawn Lashmar, Katrina Kerr, Paige Albrecht, Shawna Kontzie