OLDS — Women were chosen winners in six categories during the second annual Mountain View & Neighbours Women In Business luncheon on March 7.
Those winners are:
• Woman in Agricuture -- Tietsia Huyzer, Huntcliff Dairy;
• Woman in Hospitality & Tourism – Dawn Stewart, Didsbury & District Historical Society;
• Woman in Energy --Jennifer Shillam, FortisAlberta;
• Woman in Business (Not for Profit) – Lisa Nicholson, Hope 4 MVC Kids Society;
• Woman in Business – Rebecca Henderson, Collegiate Sports Medicine;
• Woman of Influence – Stacey Stilling, Mountain View Seniors' Housing.
The packed event at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites was held not only to celebrate these ladies, but also International Women’s Day, held the next day.
Woman in Agriculture
After emigrating from Holland in 2001, Huyzer and her family built Huntcliff Dairy outside of Olds, where they successfully ran a robotic dairy farm until 2024.
“Passionate about educating the public and advocating for the industry, Tietsia played a key role in launching Breakfast on the Dairy, an event that welcomed hundreds of visitors to learn firsthand where their milk comes from, the crowd was told.
“She has consistently opened her farm to students, agricultural professionals and community members, fostering a deeper appreciation for modern dairy farming.”
Huyzer has also served as a delegate for Alberta Milk, chair of the Mountain View County agricultural services board and has been a longtime contributor to the Western Canadian Dairy Symposium.
Woman in Hospitality & Tourism
The crowd was told that Stewart is a “welcoming presence” at the Didsbury & District Museum.
“She has a natural ability to engage with visitors, making each experience memorable through storytelling and genuine connections.
“Her approachable nature and commitment to exceptional service make her a trusted guide for those considering donating their heirlooms, ensuring their history is preserved with care.
“With a sense of humour, unwavering dedication and focus on community growth, Dawn continues to make a lasting impact, bringing history to life while leading with heart.”
Woman in Energy
The crowd was told that Shillam “leads by example, always looking ahead to identify emerging trends and working collaboratively to create meaningful solutions that benefit both customers and the industry.
“Jennifer’s support for employee-driven sustainability initiatives has helped integrate environmental and social responsibility into the company's core values, encouraging a culture where creativity and new ideas thrive.”
Woman in Business (Not-for-profit)
It was noted that Nicholson was “a driving force” behind creation of the Hope for MVC Kids Society, “transforming it into a beacon of hope for families facing medical challenges.”
“Through her unwavering dedication over the past 12 years, she has built meaningful relationships and inspired collaboration and strengthened community support, ensuring that over 175 families receive the assistance they need,” the crowd was told.
After receiving her award, Nicholson took to the mic.
“I do want to say this isn't my award,” she said. “This is the community’s award. This is my board award.”
Woman in Business (For-profit)
The crowd was told that “by pioneering cutting-edge injury prevention rehabilitation programs,” Henderson has “dramatically enhanced recovery times and optimized performances, blending advanced technology with evidence-based practices.
“She cultivates a culture of continuous learning, empowering her team through mentorship and training to stay at the forefront of sports medicine.”
Woman of Influence
Stilling was described as “a powerhouse of vision, strategy and compassion, leading a team of over 160 professionals to provide exceptional care and housing to more than 450 Albertans.”
“Her influence extends far beyond administration. She is a change-maker, a trailblazer and an architect of progress, redefining excellence in a heavily regulated and complex industry.
“Her leadership is bold, fearless and deeply impactful.
“She fosters a culture of excellence, inclusivity and respect, ensuring that her teams, residents and community thrive under her leadership.”
Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen
Dreeshen told the crowd that throughout his life he has been surrounded by strong, powerful and effective women.
He included in that group, his mother, his wife and their daughter, who have not only operated the family farm but also served as community leaders.
Dreeshen addressed Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers.
I know how hard you work for this community, and I'm inspired by every story of every leader in this room today,” he said.
Dreeshen said as a math and physics teacher, he “encouraged my female students to overcome hurdles and barriers, and I quietly sat back and marvelled in their accomplishments.”
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper, the speaker of the legislature, noted that several pioneering Albertan women “have literally changed the face of our nation,” including Roberta McAdams, the first woman to ever have a piece of legislation passed in her name anywhere in the British Empire.
“What an incredible testament and story that even today, we see women building a better community, a better business, a better non-profit, a better Alberta, and by extension, a better Canada,” Cooper said.
“Thank you so much for everything you do to make a difference in our community. You truly are inspiring others to be their best.”
Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers
“Congratulations, you are truly women worthy of the recognition today is a testament to you and your hard work, your perseverance and the positive impact you have in your communities,” Aalbers said in her speech.
“If we're realizing one thing, it's that Canadian-made is so important and buying local is equally as important.
“This is such an exciting day. It's a day to reflect our accomplishments and celebrate our successes with other women who are driven to embrace challenge, never accept defeat, and to and to adapt to the ever-changing environments, support the growth of others and show their love for their communities in countless ways.
“You are innovators, creators, mentors, role models and trailblazers, and you inspire all of us.”
She also paid tribute to the men who support women in business, several of whom were in the crowd.
Anna Dau, Olds College
Dau, president of the Students' Association of Olds College, spoke about the importance of mentorship.
“Many of the women be honoured here today have had mentors who have played incredible roles in their journeys,” Dau said.
“For those of us just starting out, seeking mentorship can be one of the most valuable things we do, not only for our careers, but for our personal growth as well.
“Mentorship is not just about career advice. It's about finding someone who believes in you, even when you might not fully believe in yourself yet.
“It's about having someone who pushes you to take chances, to speak up and to see yourself as a leader.”
Businesswoman Tanya Koshowski and Michelle Swanson, reeve of Clearwater County, also addressed the crowd as did Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz via a video.
