Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024: Winners & Finalists!

WEYA 2024 Winners:

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro

BIPOC Nominee Award: Christa Guenther, Feast Cafe Bistro

Rural Award: Elizabeth Andree, Sunset Veterinary Care

Emerging Business Award: Denise Turanli & Fran Hiebert, Lullaland Sensory

Gig Economy Award: Lana Bakun, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures

Contribution to the Community Award: Amanda Buhse, Coal and Canary

Congratulations to all WEYA 2024 finalists!

We received nominations for and applications from many women entrepreneurs with thriving business operations and meaningful contributions to the Manitoba business community. Your efforts and achievements are recognized. Take a moment to enjoy and reflect on the recognition!

Announcement of the 2024 award winners was held during the WEYA 2024 Gala dinner at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on January 23rd, 2025.

Alana Fiks
Black Market Provisions

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.blackmarketwpg.com/
Alyson Shane
Starling Social

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://starling.social/
Amanda Buhse
Coal & Canary

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.coalandcanary.com/
Ann Nzeruem
Mara Home and Health Services Inc.

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.marahomeandhealthservices.com/
Chantelle Enns
Chantelle Dione Photography

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.chantelledione.com/
Christa Bruneau-Guenther
Feast Café Bistro

WEYA 2024 Finalist

http://www.feastcafebistro.com/
Demetra Hajidiacos
The Prep Montessori

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://theprepmontessori.ca/
Diana Morales Valenzuela
Foundation for the Empowerment and Development of Latin Americans in Canada

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.instagram.com/fedlatam_corp/
Elizabeth (Buffy) Cancade
Living Simply Kitchen

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.livingsimplykitchen.com/
Elizabeth Andree
Sunset Veterinary Care

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.sunsetvetcare.ca/
Fran Hiebert & Denise Turanli
Lullaland Sensory Ltd.

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.lullalandsensory.ca/
Jane Helbrecht
Uplift Engagement

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.upliftengagement.com/
Julie Guevarra
JEM Insurance Group Inc.

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://jeminsurance.ca/
Katherine McIntosh
Live Love Lash

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.livelovelashwinnipeg.com/
Kristina McWilliams
Clearwater Country Market, Cakes & Catering

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.instagram.com/clearwatercountrymarket/
Lana Bakun
Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures Inc.

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.kendricksoutdooradventures.com/
Louanne Vermette
Jacked Up Jill Coffee

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.jackedupjill.com/
Marcede Sebelius
Lavanda, Muse Café, Spreads by Cede

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.lavandawpg.com/https://www.instagram.com/musecafewpghttps://spreadsbycede.com/
Mckye Hildebrand
Mckye Music

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.mckyemusic.com/
Melissa Giller
The Mindful Boss Academy

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://www.mindfulbossacademy.com/
Priti Shah
PRAXIS Consulting

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://praxisconsulting.ca/
Sheri Atchison
Accurate Drafting Inc.

WEYA 2024 Finalist

https://accuratedrafting.ca/

In Memoriam:
Alyson Shane (1987-2024)

As many in our community know, Alyson Shane of Starling Social tragically passed away earlier this month. In light of this loss, we have worked closely with Alyson’s team, her husband, our Board of Directors, and the Judging Panel to ensure her nomination was handled with the utmost care and respect.

Together, we made the decision to keep Alyson’s submission under review, and as a result, she has been named a 2024 Finalist for the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

During the Gala event, we will take a moment to honour Alyson’s memory, celebrate her outstanding contributions to business, and reflect on the importance of caring for ourselves and one another. It is our hope that this tribute not only commemorates Alyson’s remarkable legacy but also fosters a sense of connection and well-being within our community.