Ottawa’s business community gathered at the Infinity Convention Centre to celebrate the annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards (BYAs), a distinguished event presented by the Women’s Business Network (WBN). Since 1983, this signature event has celebrated the city’s most inspiring women leaders, recognizing their achievements across industries and their impact in the community.
Guests were treated to an elegant evening of connection, recognition, and celebration as five exceptional women were honoured for their accomplishments. This year’s recipients include Christine Crump (Enterprise Leader), Jill Fratpietro (Emerging Entrepreneur), Carley Schelck (Established Entrepreneur), Lisa Anna Palmer (Community Impact), and Bree Jamieson-Holloway (Lifetime Achievement).
From heartfelt speeches to joyful celebrations, this year’s gala shined a spotlight on the women who not only excel in their respective industries but also inspire others through their accomplishments, leadership, and community involvement.
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Co-Chairs Caitlin Spearing (founder of OMG Social Media Agency) and Jennifer Reynolds (founder of Fresh Legal) at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025.Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees: Mary Gunaratnam (Northern Credit Union), Deirdre Freiheit (Freiheit Consulting Inc.) and Bree Jamieson-Holloway (Canadian International Trade Tribunal) at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025.So grateful to have met these two amazing ladies! Friends Soula Burrell (Director of Membership & Business Development at GOHBA) and Delphine Hasle (Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of the Perley Health Foundation and BYA Award recipient) Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalEmerging Entrepreneur Leader finalist and winner Jill Fratpietro (OneLife Benefits & Consulting) surrounded by her colleagues (left to right: Adam Skube, Jennifer Irvine, Jake Skube, Jill Fratpietro, Andrew Fratpietro, Kyra Marks and Meghan Manion) at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalAnd the winner is … Lisa Anna Palmer (Light Your Leadership), seen here in the middle with fellow nominees; Emily Jones Joanisse (Connected Canadians), and Julie Findlay (Mom in the Know), at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025.Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalKaren Wilson (President of the Women’s Business Network) recognizing previous recipients attending the evening, at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalShirley Westeinde (Chair, Westeinde Group of Companies) standing with others for a beautiful moment of applause and recognition, at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalRuth Lewis-Tratch (Owner and President, Radiant Horizons), Nancy Graham (Former Partner PWL Capital Inc. and Chapter Chair, Women Presidents Organization), and Gile Beaudoin (Ripples to Wellness) at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalKatie Faloon-Drew (Owner of Healthy Confident You), Christine Harrison (Psychotherapist, Focus Forward Therapy Group) with Rachel Roesner (Director of Sales, Le Germain Hotels) at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalGinny Sutcliffe, Established Entrepreneur recipient Christine Crump and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business JournalCarley Schelck (CEO at Urban Element) with her family before the award ceremony, unaware she would be named recipient in the Established Entrepreneur category at Businesswoman of the Year Awards at the Infinity Centre, October 17th, 2025. Photo Credit: Tia MacPherson of Ottawa Business Journal
