Women of Distinction 2019 Nominees
Shannon Shivers
Sharp Image Salon and Spa
https://www.facebook.com/sharpimagesalonspa/
https://sharpimagesalonspa.ca/
Shannon gives back to the community as much as possible every year by:
- Makes countless donations to charities, businesses, clients and members of the community in need each year
- Provides Jack & Jill donations
- Sponsors a local family each year, raises $2,000 to purchase Christmas gifts for all family members
- Creates events to improve mental health in our community (e.g. Anti-Bullying event to inspire local youth)
- If a client tells Shannon a story about a local family in need or going through a rough time, she will donate services to them just to make them feel good and lift their spirits
- Hosts volunteer run client loyalty events at salon to give back to our clients
- Donates gift cards to many local charities for silent auctions/fundraisers
- Donates her time, and inspires her staff to donate their time to do hair and make-up at non-profit events (e.g. women’s day event in Rama, Daffodil Fashion Show, Dress for Success events)
- Shannon supports women run businesses in our area as a mentor (e.g Aviva Spa) Shannon has been a mentor and continuously connects with business women sharing business tips, cross promoting opportunities and is always there to support other local business women
- Shannon supports Elizabeth Fry with silent auction items, door prizes and buys tables at fundraising events for staff
- Shannon supports Dress for Success by providing hair and make up at events, providing Live Auction items for fundraising events in Orillia and Barrie, buys tables at events for staff to attend
- Shannon has volunteered since 2017 in empowering local women looking to get back into the workforce by providing hair and make-up for Dress for Success Breakfast Club clients. The Make-Overs are the highlight of the program for these local women, some who have never been in a salon like Sharp Image. Shannon allows Dress for Success to come into the salon for a morning to have clients enjoy free make-overs and professional headshots for their LinkedIn profiles
- Shannon is currently working on realizing a dream she has had for the past few years. Shannon is planning a big Inspiring Women event on June 2, 2019. Shannon has recruited a volunteer team to help support her efforts in executing this inaugural event. The event will be free to all women in our community and is sure to be a great success!
Tammy Kirkwood
FAIR (Fair Association of Victims for Accident Insurance Reform)
http://www.fairassociation.ca/
To understand how Tammy has and is continually achieving excellence and is an innovator for the work that she does, I would like to say a bit about what happened to Tammy to bring her to the point she is at today. On October 24th 2008 Tammy was T-Boned by a dump truck on her way to work.
The injuries she sustained were catastrophic including a severe brain injury and many permanent physical injuries. The crash changed her life completely and her recovery was nothing short of a miracle as the doctors did not give much hope to her family for her recovery. However, Tammy,
being the determined and amazingly strong willed person she is, did recover. Over time, and with much rehabilitation and determination on Tammy's part, she has accomplished so much. She continues to live with the injuries she sustained, both physical and mental and has thrived in her
‘new’ life giving back to all who come not only come in contact with her but the community and all those that can't speak for themselves.
She currently works for FAIR which is the Association for Accident Victims and Accident Insurance Reform. In her role she does many administrative duties, but where she really shines is her advocating with government bodies and the public at large for fair treatment and access to benefits that survivors of serious injury so desperately need. Since her accident, insurance companies and the government have cut settlement monies for rehabilitation and on- going life management and Tammy has been vocal about what is needed and necessary for individuals to recover, flourish and in many cases such as hers, create a new life while dealing with permanent life changes. She attends budget meetings, speaks at government committees, writes numerous letters to MPP's and anyone who will listen including the press about survivors' plights and rights, and tries to make the
insurance companies and the government accountable to some of the most vulnerable members of society. Ail of this she does without expecting a thing. She does not look for accolades or pats on the back. She does this because she believes that everyone is entitled to a good life.
Allison Abbott
Dragonfly Room Salon Spa
https://www.facebook.com/thedragonflyroom/
https://www.thedragonflyroom.ca/
Allison is a true feminist, is competitive, has a big personality and is NEVER afraid to speak up or stand up for what she feels is right. Being an individual with all those strong characteristics she often times plays more of a strong supporting role when helping with local charities and events. Allison never hesitates when asked to donate gift bags or baskets as silent auction items. She has volunteered at many a Diva Day, ran events to raised funds for cancer and equipment for the Neo-natal unit at Soldiers Memorial Hospital. When the Dragonfly Room was transitioning
to their new product line, Allison donated the old stock to the Orillia Youth Center.
Allison has a real passion for her profession and beliefs. She is not JUST a stylist. She is an intelligent business woman that encourages and empowers all women to be strong and be their own super hero. Allison uses her skills and experience as a stylist to make the client feel better about your physical appearance, gives you the space to unload your cares and worries as well as offers suggestions to problem solve and uplift you. I know
this sounds much like many stylists but Allison being a 6 foot tall woman with a large energy and that feels that she can achieve anything (especially anything that any man can do!), during each and every client’s treatment she tries to bring every one them up to her super hero status.
Sheelagh Gunn
Juice Plus+ and Seers Sight
https://www.facebook.com/sheelaghgunnvisionaries/
http://seersight.ca/
Whether Sheelagh is providing a consult, facilitating, or teaching a workshop, is assisting someone in a crisis, she gives of herself 100%. She listens to her clients and their concerns or requests and always follows through. Her degree of professionalism is above par. She is humble in her accomplishments but thorough in her work.
Sheelagh is always available to assist those in need, particularly vulnerable women, children and animals, although not limited to.
- ‘Break the Silence’ advocate for abused women
- A former co-founder in the early 80’s for a women’s safe refuge
- Counselled abused victims in the court system to assist in testifying against their perpetrators
- Founding President of Charter Branch of Optimist
- Past Executive of the Lion’s Club of Washago and is still an active volunteer
- A strong voice for abused animals and puppy mills, “Ruby’s Red Letter Campaign”
- Sat on several Boards as an advocate for the vulnerable, VCARS and Animal Rescues
- Founding member of Georgian Bay Women’s Networking Group
