Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Luminary Awards Nominees for Women in Business

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The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Luminary Awards for Women in Business, celebrating women whose leadership, innovation and generosity are strengthening the region’s economy and community.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Established to shine a light on women whose contributions are often overlooked, the Luminary Awards recognize leadership across entrepreneurship, employment, community service and long-term impact. The awards honour women who lead visibly and behind the scenes in business, non-profit and community settings, and who create opportunities for others through their work.

The inaugural Luminary Awards sold out in 2025, drawing more than 200 attendees and recognizing five outstanding recipients: Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari and Jeannine Taylor. Taylor received the first-ever Legacy Award, which recognizes a lifetime of excellence, generosity and community impact.

“The Legacy Award reflects the heart of what the Luminary Awards stand for,” said Chair of the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Board Susan Dunkley. “It honours women whose careers have not only achieved success but have changed lives and strengthened our community over time.”

The following five categories introduced in the inaugural year return for 2026:

Legacy

Honouring a woman whose career is defined by excellence, generosity and community impact. Her vision and success have created opportunities for others through employment, mentorship, philanthropy or long-term influence; leaving an enduring mark.

Nominees:

  • Judy Byrne

  • Monika Carmichael

  • Dr. Kristy Hiltz

  • Vanessa Oake Hogan

  • Dr. Jenny Ingram

  • Jenni Johnston

  • Cathy Olley

  • Anne Ryan

  • Susan Tung

  • Wendy Kelly

  • Betty Halman-Plumley

Trailblazer (Entrepreneur)

Celebrating a business owner whose leadership, ingenuity and boldness have sparked success and inspired others.

Nominees:

  • Winter Barringer

  • Kinjal Shukla Clement

  • Lisa Couture

  • Leanne Crump

  • Marsha Gaulton

  • Richa Grover

  • Catherine Hanrahan

  • Tracy Minnema

  • Ashley Flynn

  • Danielle Turpin

  • Rebecca O'Rourke

Emerging Entrepreneur

Celebrating a rising business owner who has launched a fresh, innovative venture that is already making its mark and shows exciting potential for the future.

Nominees:

  • Kara Ainsworth

  • Chasley Keepfer

  • Karen Kerr

  • Erin Shannon

  • Elena Thomas

  • Ashley Woollacott

  • Ashley Flynn

  • Marsha Gaulton

One to Watch (Employee)

Recognizing an emerging leader whose innovative ideas, meaningful contributions and proven success show outstanding potential for the future. Nominees may hold entry to mid-level management roles.

Nominees:

  • Allison Adam

  • Bethan Bates

  • Amanda Bedford

  • Lindsey Brodie

  • Michelle Nguyen

  • Rosalea Terry

“It still continues to be a big deal for women to be recognized and I think the Chamber’s doing an amazing thing with this,” said The Ten Spot’s Lindsey Brodie. “When you are being validated by other women it is so much more impactful.”

Barrier Buster

Celebrating a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field by breaking through barriers. She has faced challenges, whether gender-based, systemic, cultural, language, disability-related, or otherwise; and risen above them with skill, creativity and perseverance.

Nominees:

  • Ashley Flynn

  • Bridget McCluckie

  • Jane Bischoff

  • Jordan Lyall

  • Kayley Duggan

  • Nour Mazloum

  • Stephanie Wilson

  • Tori Silvera

  • Marsha Gaulton

New for 2026, the Chamber has expanded the awards to include two additional categories:

Building Belonging

Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation has reshaped how business is done, demonstrating that building for belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic advantage. Nominees may focus on workplace culture, employee experience and/or customer-facing innovation.

Nominees:

  • Mackenzie Annis

  • Akshana Katoch

  • Jennifer Lawson

  • Peggy Shaughnessy

  • Danielle Turpin

  • Patricia Wilson

  • Marsha Gaulton

Community Catalyst

Celebrating a woman whose leadership, collaboration and vision have sparked positive change in the community. A Community Catalyst brings people together, builds partnerships and drives meaningful progress on local priorities. Nominees can be paid staff or volunteers of a not-for-profit organization, or be an employee or owner of a business or enterprise.

Nominees:

  • Ashley Woollacott

  • Abby Zotz

  • Ashley Collins

  • Betty Halman-Plumley

  • Chelsey Carberry

  • Dana Hetherton

  • Emma Featherstone

  • Michelle Ferreri

  • Sheridan Graham

  • Tonya Kraan

  • Kat McCartie

  • Amy Muir

  • Marcia Steeves

  • Meryn Steeves

  • Rosalea Terry

  • Lois Tuffin

  • Susan Zambonin

  • Rebecca O'Rourke

  • Nour Mazloum

“I’m a female-owned business in the boxing industry, which isn’t the norm,” said Marsha Gaulton of Eastside Boxing and Wellness, who was nominated for four Luminary Awards this year. “This is a huge honour for me to be recognized for what I’m doing. Just to be seen like this in the community, it feels like my heart is exploding.”

The 2026 Luminary Award Ceremony will take place on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Great Hall, Trent University (1600 West Bank Dr.).

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