Nominations Now Open for the 2018 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards:
Top 20 Under 40
#LSN_News SHIFT'S NOVAs Awards
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO September 8th, 2017, - (LSN) SHIFT: Thunder Bay’s Young Professionals Network announces today the 4th Bi-Annual Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards (NOVAs). The gala event will take place on January 27th, 2018, at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and celebrates Northwestern Ontario’s brightest young stars less than 40 years of age. Awards will be presented to recognize and honour the top 20 under 40 from Manitouwadge to Kenora. A diverse group of talented, accomplished, and very involved young leaders are chosen from nominations received.
NO-VA [noh-vuh]: a young professional recognized for their captivating brilliance as a result of their leadership, community engagement, professional achievement, volunteerism, and mentorship in our community
“We’re looking for the most exceptional young professionals in Northwestern Ontario,” tells SHIFT President, Samantha Mihalus. “It is our vibrant youth that are investing in their communities, advancing their fields of work, and driving positive change on a monumental scale. The NOVAs are a way to recognize the contributions of the under forty demographic and send the message that their work matters and is valued. SHIFT works to create an environment that nurtures young professionals and encourages them to realize their potential.”
Over the past eight years, the NOVAs have recognized over 200 nominees with 60 award winning young professionals from across Northwestern Ontario. For the first time, award categories are being introduced:
Community Champion (5 Awards)
Awarded to the most dedicated volunteers, activists, and altruists, these young professionals donate their time and resources to charitable causes and non-profit initiatives. They lead, guide, and inspire others and are the driving force behind positive change through activism.
Leadership (5 Awards)
Awarded to well-rounded young professionals who most strongly exemplify characteristics of great leaders, are engaged in their communities, and who mentor others.
Business and/or Professional Achievement (5 Awards)
Awarded to the most significant movers and shakers in their fields, these young professionals excel in business and/or their careers. Their work is impactful – creating jobs, improving quality of life, driving innovation, and propelling advancement.
Civic Pride (1 Award)
Awarded to the young professional who shows the most ‘heart’ for their community through their efforts in community improvement and instilling civic pride in others.
Rising Star (1 Award)
Awarded to a dynamic up-and-comer under the age of 30. Someone who demonstrates huge potential, this is one to watch.
SHIFT Disturber (1 Award)
Awarded to a game changer; disrupter; someone who is unafraid to challenge the norm. This young professional is making waves by doing things differently.
People’s Choice (1 Award)
Awarded to a young professional chosen by the public and their peers via online voting.
- (1 Award)
Awarded to a young professional who has achieved international recognition for their work. The winner is hand selected by the NOVA Committee.
Nominations are open until October 6th and can be made at www.shiftnetwork.ca/nova.
- 30 -