• Algoma Visionary Awards

    The Algoma Visionary Awards Gala, a cherished occasion dedicated to honouring the outstanding contributions and achievements of young leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, volunteers, and mentors throughout the Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region.

    At AVA's, we proudly spotlight 17 remarkable young professionals who exemplify excellence in leadership, community engagement, professional achievement, volunteerism, and mentorship. These individuals are the driving force behind positive change and innovation in our community, inspiring others through their dedication, passion, and vision.

    Our award categories encompass both the Awards of Distinction, recognizing overall excellence and outstanding contributions, and Industry Awards, highlighting achievements within specific sectors.

    Join us as we come together to celebrate the spirit of innovation, service, and leadership that defines the Algoma region. Together, let's honor and applaud the incredible accomplishments of our young professionals and pave the way for a brighter, more vibrant future for all.

     

    Congratulations to this year's award recipients!

  • PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

  • 2025 2025

    Award recipients of the Algoma Visionary Awards 2025:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award sponsored by the Strive Young Professionals Group – Lucia Laford
    • Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Steph Luciani
    • Consumer & Retail Industry Award sponsored by the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area – Sophia Stone
    • Environment & Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by Sault College – Stevie Luzzi
    • Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Sault Area Hospital – Sheena Erhardt
    • Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Chad Coombs
    • Lifestyle & Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists/Straight Smile – Erin Mezzomo
    • Public & Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Stone’s Office Supply Inc.  – Mansi Goyal
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award sponsored by PUC Services Inc. – Nikki Bouchard
    • Business/Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction sponsored by Algoma Steel Inc. – Elise Schofield
    • Community Champion and Civic Pride Award of Distinction sponsored by Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) – Luis Moreno
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award of Distinction sponsored by Rogers Sports & Media – Robin Sutherland
    • Leadership Award of Distinction sponsored by the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Michela Febbraro
    • Newcomer Achievement Award of Distinction sponsored by InterCultural Avec Immigration Inc. (iCA) – Mayesha Verma
    • Indigenous Visionary Award of Distinction sponsored by Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) – Jonathan Boyer-Nolan
    • ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award of Distinction sponsored by Enbridge Inc. – Meaghan Kent
    • Young Professional of the Year Award of Distinction sponsored by Algoma University – Lucia Laford

     

  • 2024 2024

    Award recipients of the Algoma Visionary Awards 2024:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award sponsored by Skeggs Paciocco Lawyers – Taylor Jolin 
    • Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Lallemand Plant Care – Ashley Valela 
    • Consumer & Retail Industry Award sponsored by The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie – Connie Carello 
    • Environment & Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by BrandHNB Consulting Inc. – Emily Cormier 
    • Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Health & Safety Professionals Inc. – Ashley Irwin 
    • Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Julia Bungay 
    • Lifestyle & Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists - Maria Coccimiglio 
    • Public & Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Stone’s Office Supply Inc.  – Samantha Boyer 
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award sponsored by PUC Services – Krishna Bharatia 
    • Business Professional Development Achievement sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Spencer Hogan 
    • Community Champion and Civic Pride presented by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) – Erica Hogan 
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship sponsored by Rogers Sports and Media – Brittany Kennedy 
    • Leadership sponsored by the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Piyush Shukla 
    • Young ATHENA presented by the 2000 – 2023 ATHENA Recipients – Erica Hogan 
    • Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Algoma University – Ashley Irwin 
  • 2023 2023

    Award recipients of the Algoma Visionary Awards 2023:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award sponsored by Skeggs Paciocco Lawyers – Patrick Hunter 
    • Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Lallemand Plant Care – Brianne Pringle
    • Consumer & Retail Industry Award sponsored by The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie – Robin Weber
    • Environment & Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by Lajoie Bros. Contracting. – Carter Dorscht  
    • Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Health & Safety Professionals Inc. – Danielle Ritsema 
    • Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Jamie Hilsinger 
    • Information Technology Industry Award Sponsored by Algoma Technology Solutions - Bassel Alksani
    • Lifestyle & Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole & Dool Orthodontists - Shawna Mornix
    • Public & Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services – Naomi Sayers
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award sponsored by PUC Services – Matthew Jakibchuk  
    • Business Professional Development Achievement sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Taylor Trecroce 
    • Community Champion and Civic Pride presented by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) – Jarius Patterson
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Jane McGoldrick
    • Leadership sponsored by the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Meaghan Kent
    • Young Professional of the Year sponsored by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Lovleen Sharma
  • 2022 2022

    Algoma Visionary Award Recipients 2022:

    • Arts, Music and Culture Industry Award sponsored by Skeggs Paciocco LawyersMeaghan Kent
    • Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Lallemand Plant Care – Carly Creagh
    • Consumer and Retail Industry Award sponsored by The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie – John Findlay
    • Environment and Natural Resources Industry Award sponsored by N1 Solutions – Elaine Ho-Tassone
    • Health Sciences Industry Award sponsored by Health and Safety Professionals Inc. – Nirosha Murugan
    • Hospitality and Tourism Industry Award sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – Harsh Goyal
    • Information Technology Industry Award sponsored by Cavera – Steeson Mathew
    • Lifestyle and Wellness Industry Award sponsored by Dr. Floreani, O'Toole and Dool Orthodontists – Ali Greco
    • Public and Social Services Industry Award sponsored by Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services – Mitch Case
    • Trades and Labour Industry Award sponsored by Wardlaw Heating and Cooling – Kurtis McDermid
    • Business Professional Development Achievement sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Carly Dool
    • Community Champion and Civic Pride sponsored by The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Marissa Ditoro
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship sponsored by Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre – Meaghan Kent
    • Leadership sponsored by Success with Digital – Harsh Goyal
    • Young Professional of the Year sponsored by Algoma University – Elaine Ho-Tassone
    • Strive Member of the Year the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce – Katrina McMeeken
  • 2021 2021

    Algoma Visionary Award Recipients 2021:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award Sponsored by Naomi Sayers, Barrister/Solicitor & Notary Public - Miranda Bouchard
    • Business Administration Industry Award Sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Sophie Mackey
    • Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Award Sponsored by Lallemand – Peter Greve
    • Health Sciences Industry Award Sponsored by Cavera Inc. – Amanda Lambert
    • Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award Sponsored by Destination Northern Ontario – John Armstrong
    • Lifestyle and Wellness Industry Award Sponsored by Dr. Floreani & The Straightsmile Team - Katrina Francella
    • Information Technology Industry Award Sponsored by Norpro Company - Tony Cavaliere
    • Public & Social Services Industry Award Sponosred by Property One Management- Ashley Caceila Trahan
    • Consumer & Retail Industry Award Sponsored by Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area – Lauren DeVito
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award Sponsored by Wardlaw Heating & Cooling - Travis Seabrook
    • Community Champion Award of Distinction Sponsored Soo Mill - Krista Bissiallon
    • Leadership Award of Distinction Sponsored by Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation – Liliana Bressan
    • Business & Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction Sponsored by Jeronamo Solutions – David Thompson
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award of Distinction Sponsored by Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre – Lauren DeVito
    • Strive Member of the Year Award – Emily Cormier
    • Strive Young Professional of the Year – Matthew Scott
  • 2020 2020

    Algoma Visionary Award Recipients 2020:

    • Arts, Music & Culture - Andrea Pinheiro
    • Business Administration - Lacey Petingalo
    • Consumer & Retail - Anthony Alfano
    • Environment & Natural Resources - Sandy Holmberg
    • Health Sciences - Amanda Richard
    • Hospitality & Tourism - Josh Ingram
    • Information Technology - Monique Morrison
    • Lifestyle & Wellness - Kyla Flaganely
    • Public & Social Services - Heather MacLary
    • Trades & Labour - Chad Leask
    • Business or Professional Development Achievement - Jennifer Matthewson
    • Civic Pride - Katrina Francella
    • Community Champion - Caceila Trahan
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship - Diana Petainen
    • Leadership - Bridget Lamberts
    • Strive YPG Member of the Year - Patrick Lo
    • Strive YPG Game Changer - Katie Elliot
    • Striving Star - Erica Hogan
    • Strive YPG Male of the Year - Jeff Greco
    • Strive YPG Female of the Year - Jessica Belisle
  • 2019 2019

    Algoma Visionary Award Recipients 2019:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award - Miranda Bouchard
    • Business Administration Industry Award - Derek Jackson
    • Environmental &Natural Resources Industry Award - Josh Ingribelli
    • Health Sciences Industry Award - Tyler Onofrio
    • Hospitality & Tourism Industry Award - Lindsey Ackland
    • Lifestyle and Wellness Industry Award - Alysia Mitchell
    • Information Technology Industry Award - Ryan Creagh
    • Public & Social Services Industry Award - Ashley Daybutch-Bell
    • Consumer & Retail Industry Award - Kristina Koprash
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award - Kourtney Greco
    • Community Champion Award of Distinction - Katrina Francella
    • Leadership Award of Distinction – Jillian Sauerzopf
    • Business & Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction – Jane McGoldrick
    • Civic Pride Award of Distinction – Sandy Holmberg
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award of Distinction - Kevin Rusnell
    • Striving Star Award – Sarah Hollingsworth
    • Strive Game Changer Award – Will Hollingshead
    • Strive Member of the Year Award – Matthew Lance
    • Strive Male Young Professional of the Year Award – Ty Onofrio
    • Female Young Professional Of The Year Award - Ashley Daybutch-Bell
  • 2018 2018

    Algoma Visionary Award Recipients 2018:

    • Arts, Music & Culture Industry Award sponsored by Cavera Inc. - Julia Piskiewicz
    • Business Administration Industry Award sponsored by Algoma Insurance Brokers - Luke Stilin
    • Education Industry Award Sponsored by Sovereign Communications - 99.5 YES FM - Micaela Mansfield
    • Environmental Science Industry Award Sponsored by Giordan Zin, Supervisor of Customer Engagement, PUC Services Inc. - Michael Pratt
    • Health & Wellness Industry Award Sponsored by Floreani, O’Toole & Dool Orthodontists - Jillian Ingribelli
    • Hospitality & Leisure Sponsored by Rob LaRue, Marketing Manager, Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association - Erinn Esklisson
    • Public Service Industry Award Sponsored by Michael Parlow, Associate Partner, Intact Insurance - Tessa Vecchio
    • Sales & Retail Industry Award Sponsored by Sovereign Communications - Rock 101 - Allison Kantovaara
    • Science & Technology Industry Award Sponsored By BioForest Technologies Inc. - Jeff Greco
    • Trades & Labour Industry Award Sponsored by Winmar - Tyler Rains
    • Community Champion Award of Distinction Sponsored by Property One Management Inc. - Katie Blunt
    • Leadership Award of Distinction Sponsored by Norpro - Matthew Shoemaker
    • Business/Professional Development Achievement Award of Distinction Sponsored by Matthew Lance, Office Administrator, Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation - Angela Caputo
    • Civic Pride Award of Distinction Sponsored by Joe Ruscio Professional Corporation - Jasmyn Rowley
    • Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award of Distinction Sponsored by KPMG LLP - Katrina Thibodeau
    • Striving Star Award Sponsored by Greg Lefave, President, Superior Auto Group - Brianne Veale
    • Strive Game Changer Award Sponsored by Rogers Radio Group - Country 104.3 - Robin Sutherland
    • Strive Member of the Year Award Sponsored by Rogers Radio Group - Kiss 100.3 - Nelson Grant
    • Strive Male Young Professional of the Year Award Sponsored by Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) - Paul Caputo
    • Female Young Professional Of The Year Award Sponsored by Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG) - Karen Lefave