Kaella Carr,
Young Woman of Distinction

Although just 25 years old, Kaella has a significant list of achievements.  She has been a reporter and backup anchor at CTV, Lethbridge for almost four years, making her one of the youngest reporters ever hired by CTV.  Her journalism career began at age 16, as host and field reporter for a youth program called “Backstreet”.  The show featured interviews ranging from discovering how gelato is made, to exploring one man’s fight against bullying and suicide.  Kaella believes that the media and broadcasters have an obligation to give back to the community.

Kaella was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2004 and is passionate about finding a cure and is dedicated to volunteering to help achieve that goal.  She has served on the Chapter Executive for the Lethbridge Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation since 2005.  Also the first Chair of the Youth Advisory Council for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada; Kaella was named Alberta’s “Gutsiest Citizen” by that foundation for her commit-ment to the Foundation and her many contributions to the community and lives of others.  Her outstanding commitment and enthusiasm and positive attitude are an inspiration and role model for the young people of Alberta.

Equal rights for women is the core of Lisa Lambert’s life work; academic, employment and volunteer. As an activist, leader and commentator on issues related to women’s equality, Lisa combines graduate work, first at the University of Lethbridge and now at the University of Calgary with public speaking and writing, providing a feminist voice and analysis of public policy in Alberta.

Lisa started working with Womanspace Lethbridge in 1997 and has been advocating for women’s equality in the areas of civic engagement and politics ever since.  Delivering lectures, organizing events and founding (plus editing) Martha’s Monthly website, a province wide online political newsletter hosted by Womanspace Resource Centre, keeps her busy.  Lisa co-founded the Equal Voice – Alberta South chapter of the Equal Voice national organization, dedicated to ensuring more women in elected office.  She recently received Equal Voice’s Champion Award. While pursuing her Ph.D., she won the prestigious Person’s Case scholarship due to her outstanding work on women’s issues in Alberta.  

Lisa (Lois Ann) Lambert Woman of Distinction

Bridget A. Pastoor 
Woman of Distinction

Bridget is currently the MLA for Lethbridge East Constituency and the first woman to be elected as an MLA for Lethbridge.  She was a City of Lethbridge Alderman for two terms (1998 – 2004) and, as such, was an outspoken voice for the enrichment of Lethbridge.  Her community involvement has also included: Member of the University of Lethbridge Senate and Member of the Pension Appeals Board.

Bridget became a community organizer and advocate while pursuing her nursing career, specializing in geriatric nursing at Edith Cavell.  She particularly advocates for seniors and their rights and care, especially for widows living on fixed incomes. Over the years, she has volunteered her time, energy and experience to support the activities of many organizations including the YWCA Lethbridge and District, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, Big Sisters and Big Brothers, and the Boys and Girls Club.  In 1993, she was awarded the Government of Canada Commemorative Gold Medal for community service.  Bridget actively works towards empowering women and has been the guest speaker at many middle schools and at Junior Achievement World of Choices conferences – encouraging young people to get involved and to continue their education. 

Renae Peterson cares for her community on two different yet parallel levels.  Her career (R.N. providing home care for the elderly) and her passion (mentoring young people) both serve our community by promoting wellness of mind, body and spirit.   Renae’s program, “Beauty from the Inside Out”, is designed to empower young women to take responsibility for their own self-development.  It’s a ten week course for 12-18 years old young women where they explore the science of modelling, the art of communication, and the influence of the media on girls’ self esteem.   The program provides girls with tools that help them live up to their potential and encourages the participants to validate and support each other in their journey to become healthy human beings, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Renae also presents workshops and speeches at local public schools that provide self- development tools to help all high school students to become more responsible, self-confident and resourceful individuals.

Renae Peterson 
Woman of Distinction

Val Pinnock 
Woman of Distinction

Val is a Certified Management Accountant and the Regional Agriculture Leader at Meyers Norris Penny and the first woman CMA in Lethbridge to become a partner in a Chartered Accountancy firm.  She is a community leader and mentor for other women in the business community, although in her role of business advisor, her clientele consists only of Hutterite Colonies. She is the first female business advisor ever to be accepted by the Ministers and as a result of their respect for her expertise has been invited to lobby for the Hutterite Colonies in Ottawa. 

Val received her Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge and went on to earn her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation in 1992.  In her career, Val is a CMA, a partner, and the Regional Agriculture Leader for Southern Alberta at Meyers Norris Penny.  She is responsible for coordination of all agricultural services provided to MNP clients.   With over 15 years of experience in public practice, Val takes great pride in providing excellent client service through business planning sessions, assisting with daily issues and concerns and providing customized business solutions to help her clients achieve their goals.