This fall I attended the Women of Excellence Awards in Halifax for the first time.  Sometimes it`s a little difficult not to grow weary of awards shows and fundraisers.  But this time was it was different.  It was personal.  And it was inspiring!

It was personal because our own excellent woman (Donna Alteen) was receiving an award that recognizes her courage, vision and compassion.   At an age when most 20-something’s were just starting their careers, Donna was starting her own business.  Not because she wanted to get rich.  But because she had the vision to see an opportunity gap in our market and she wanted to be able to contribute to her community on her terms.

But perhaps more importantly, it was inspiring.  There was a young woman who stood alone at the podium and shared her life story with hundreds of strangers.  Imagine the courage that would require for any one of us.  Homeless as a teenager after years of personal struggles and unimaginable challenges, this young women was able to realize her true potential because Phoenix Youth exists.  It is the courage of people like her and the compassion of others like Phoenix Youth that reminded me that each person is unique and has the potential to be amazing.

Thank-you Halifax Cornwallis Progress Club and Phoenix Youth for reminding me what is important in life.