Debbie Coleman and Nicole Lorrain | 2018 Women of Excellence Nominees

Wow, I cannot believe another week has flown by!!  This Wednesday I would to introduce you to two wonderful women: Debbie Coleman, Deb is a registered nurse in emergency and endoscopy at the Red Deer Regional hospital. She is an incredible leader; her spirit, engagement and dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring. Deb has been a volunteer with the Red Deer festival of trees for over 20 years. She has been involved in various capacities throughout the years; most recently, as a member of the board of directors, the co-chair of the facilities committee and Chairperson of the Decorating and Trees committee. Deb is always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the event, and believes that seeing the patients and communities benefit from the donations raised is priceless. She believes wonderful things comes from volunteering, and that there is something in it for everyone. 

AND Nicole Lorrain!  A graduate of Red Deer College, Nicole started her professional career as a nurse, focusing on providing support for the elderly. Nicole has lived and worked in Red Deer for more than 20 years, while raising three boys with her husband. With over 16 years in leadership roles, with the Government of Alberta, Nicole is experienced in all areas of human resources and people management. Nicole is currently a board member for the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society and has a lengthy history of volunteering across Alberta. Nicole has also served as an elected School Board Trustee, Greater North Central School Division and as president of l'Association Canadienne Francaise de l'Alberta Regional de Red Deer.

#WCW Breanna Fitzpatrick + Lisa Nicholson

It's #WCW!! And I'm very excited to introduce you to Breanna Fitzpatrick. Bre is a leader and creator in the nonprofit community. She is constantly pushing for the small initiatives to grow with her involvement. She is a very busy woman who outside of her full-time schedule at Red Deer College has the alumni development coordinator, volunteers on numerous boards and committees. Her active life doesn't stop her from taking on new projects, or sway her from supporting local businesses. You will find her at the local coffee shop mentoring others or paying it forward by buying strangers coffee. She believes women should help one another out and not be competitive with each other she is here to make red deer a better place by creating a movement in the nonprofit community. AND Lisa Nicholson. Lisa founded Hope4MVCKids Society in 2013, out of a need for children with medical needs support, financially and emotionally. Her own children, biological and adopted, have special medical needs that were not easily met. She knew things had to change. The 'Pay It Forward' attitude that she possesses spread quickly and soon and an entire Society was created. She stepped up to challenges and overcame unfair regulations and laws. Lisa has become highly involved in the Alberta Provincial Parent Advisory Committee to the Alberta Ministry of Health and continues to give to the community by being an advocate for those without a voice. Her empathy and understanding is without comparison. Accomplishments aside, her biggest success is enriching the lives of everyone around her.

Poppy Barley Fall Launch

When Jane from Poppy Barley emailed me about attending their Fall Launch event, I thought for sure she had made a mistake.  I'm a full-time mom/photographer who lives in the middle of nowhere, I don't get invited to fashion launches!  Soooo naturally, I quickly wrote back so that she couldn't change her mind lol!!  But in all seriousness, I cannot tell you how happy I was to celebrate Poppy Barley's new store and their 2018 fall line-up.  You see, Poppy Barley was my VERY FIRST responsible shoe purchase and it was scary because, as we all know by now, responsible fashion costs more.  And spending money stresses me out friends.  I usually have to mull over purchases for weeks to months, and in this case YEARS.  Ya, that's right, it took me 2 whole years to finally purchase my ankle boots, and I have zero regrets.  In fact, I went back the next year for a pair of mules!!  To put it simply, I wear them All. The. Time.  They are comfortable and seriously level-up my outfits!I really want to to say a huge thank to the Poppy Barley ladies for having me, and for putting on such an intimate event.  I had so much fun hanging out with some of Edmonton's best humans!  And you guys I brought home a pair of the leopard print flats (which was a prettty bold move for me)!!  Eeee, I love them so much and cannot believe how many garments I can pair them with.  I had to turn down the most comfortable pair of oxfords I've ever had my foot in, but I just love how this pair of D'orsay flats completely changes the look of my outfits.  I swear, it's the shoe I didn't know I needed! If you haven't already, I can't encourage you enough to check out this Women-run Edmonton-based company, they are a dream.  If you have any questions about my experiences with them and their shoes ask away below!  I genuinely love chatting slow-fashion with y'all!

Warmly,

Karmen 

PS.  If you could have any pair of shoes from the Poppy Barley fall line, what would you get?!? 

And We're Back! | #WCW with Lane Tamalty, Anna Morgan-Wold, Jaycee Bourke

HELLO!! Oh my word it has been so long.  If you follow me on Instagram you probably have already heard that the hard-drive on my computer crashed while were gone to be BC, quite the welcome home gift, UGH.  That combined with a lot of my out-of-town family being home for my sisters wedding has meant an unintended break from blogging/social media and from #WomenCrushWednesday.  But I'm back baby (so lame lol). But seriously, so excited to have my computer running and to start sharing again!  So today I'm playing a little catch-up and sharing THREE awesome ladies. First up, I'd like you to meet Lane Tamalty, born and raised in Red Deer.  She is the owner of Copper Lane Hair Studio, which she opened in 2010 in Red Deer and has been innovating the industry ever since.  Since then, she has opened a second salon in Lacombe in 2015.  Hungry for experience and education at a young age, Lane began travelling independently and has since been to over thirty countries.  As a nominee in the 2017 Matrix hair colour competition, she was voted the winner by her peers across the country demonstrating her talent and the respect she has earned in the industry.  With a passion for her employees, her clients, and her community, Lane has set a new standard for what it means to be an entrepreneur.

Meet Anna Morgan-Wold. Anna was born and raised in Alberta by a family of passionate educators. A graduate of Trinity Western University with a BA in Humanities, she held various positions related to her love of cultural anthropology and teaching before finding her place at Central Alberta Refugee Effort where she shared her talents for over 10 years. Anna taught english as a second language to adult immigrants before lending her gifts to the role of ESL manager. Anna fosters a positive work environment by being an exemplary role model and champion for staff and students alike. She is instrumental in the expansion of existing programs and the creation of programs such as Women of the World and Community Based Care for Newcomer Children

And last but no least for today, one the youngest 

#womenofexcellence

 nominess, Jaycee Bourke. Jaycee is a highly motivated young lady who loves assisting people when she has the opportunity, she is currently 17 years old and an honour student in Grade 12 at LTCHS. Jaycee is actively involved as VP of the leadership program at her school, and is in charge of Student Community 

Involvement. During the summer break, Jaycee is a volunteer camp counselor at Camp Alexo where she makes a positive impact on the youth attending the camp. Jaycee is looking forward to a career in nursing and has applied at Red Deer College nursing program. Jaycee has volunteered with many organizations including the Kinsmen club and the Kinette clubs at many community events, the Red Deer Boys & Girls Club, youth HQ and Festival of Trees.

Lynne Mulder | Women of Excellence Awards

LYNNE MULDER! Born into a family who believes in hard work, education, compassion and community, Lynn's commitment and passion to ensure all the citizens of Red Deer are offered the best quality of life possible comes naturally.  With a Masters in Education, Lynne continues to support and volunteer with various organizations such as Vantage Community Services, United Way Of Central Alberta and the Canadian Mental Health Association.  She is a strong community supporter, animal lover and a generous soul.  Lynne displays compassion, kindness, determination and dedication to creating a vibrant Central Alberta.  A strong, determined leader from nurse to Vice president of Red Deer College to Red Deer City Councillor, Lynne continues to make a positive impact in our community, no matter what capacity!

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!

Kyrstin Woods | Women of Excellence Awards

 Kyrstin Woods received her diploma in disability studies at Mount Royal University and has been teaming up with families for the past 7 years. She is also working towards finishing her undergrad in Psychology in her spare time. She currently teaches kids of all ages yoga at The Breathing Room Yoga Studio, in five schools and in family homes. She also runs the Adapted Yoga (for families and aides) and Self-Care Yoga (for parents). Along with this, she works one-on-one with children with special needs as a behavioural aide, community aide and respite worker. Kyrstin is an incredible light to everyone she meets and she has and continues to impact the lives of every child she works with. She is a strong advocate for children of all abilities.