Nicole Leal | Women of Excellence Awards

 Nicole Leal, a dedicated and passionate artist, is highly regarded as a leader in the arts.  A 2013 graduate from Red Deer College's Performing Arts & Creation program, Nicole landed the position as the first female Artistic Director for Tree House Youth Theatre.  IN addtion, after a long history of volunteer work with Central Alberta Theatre, she was hired as their Production Manager.  Her work as an Actress includes Prime Stock Theatre's Bard on Bower, B.I.T.E, Butt Ugly, and alumna for RDC's main-stage performances.  Her roles in film include Ignition Theatre and the lead in CACHE production's film Are You Listening?.  In 2016, Nicole co-founded Red Deer's blooming Improvisation Group, Improv Jelly.  The arts community values her as a dynamic resource!

Women of Excellence 2018 | Shannon Mcquaig

Well the Women of Excellence Gala was as wonderful as I had hoped. Just picture a room full of inspiring women and their supportive community. Everyone gathered to recognize the contribution of these incredible people. I'm telling you, this type of positive energy is a force unlike no other!! In an effort to keep this powerful momentum going and to continue to lift these exceptional humans up after the awards have been handed out, I am excited to start sharing a photo of a nominee each week! My genuine hope is that we recognize the diversity and strength of the women in our community all year long! And that by doing so we will continually support, encourage and inspire one another!

So without further ado and in no particular order this weeks #WCW!SHANNON MCQUAIG, was raised in Beiseker, Alberta and moved to Lacombe at the age of 16. She later went on to earn an Early Childhood Diploma from the Red Deer College. Shannon worked in various sectors of the education system but her heart was always in working with special needs and speech compromised children. After marrying in 1999 and while raising two children, Shannon volunteered on a number on non-profit projects before re-entering the workforce in 2003 to become a certified DONA Birth Doula. This career has evolved into a lifelong passion and helped bring over 450 babies into the world. Shannon cherishes all her clients as she works with them to create special birth experiences. You can find her online at www.holdinghandsdoula.ca