Volunteer Corner
Celebrating Our Volunteers
We proudly share our recent Volunteer Award Winners, women whose passion and generosity have not only shaped our group, but also inspired us all to lead with heart, serve with joy, and grow together in our AWN community..
Recipient: Kathleen Rivera, Mahjong Coordinator

Volunteer of the Month Award
Kathleen has been an outstanding coordinator running the Mahjong group for more than 4 years. She has significantly increased the group's membership through her infectious enthusiasm and organizational skills. She has been responsible for teaching countless members to play, always with humor and patience. Her Christmas mahjong parties are legendary. Additionally, she’s also run multiple art workshops with her camel decoupage. We thank her for her commitment and outstanding contribution to AWN.
Recipients: Gina Woodhouse, Mahani Beer, Karyn Stark, Michele Fortin, Jojo Rochow

Team Excellent Award
It is AWN’s great honor to present five exceptional women who are the foundation of our Membership Team. Since the team’s creation, about a year ago, each of these ladies has shown remarkable dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to our members and to one another. Through their actions, their ideas, and their character, they have shaped this team into what it is today. They greet our members with a warm smile and a genuine willingness to help. They provide information, answer questions, resolve concerns, and handle even the most challenging situations with calm, poise, and the utmost grace and class. Their consistently positive attitude and deep commitment to upholding the values of AWN have been essential to the smooth and successful operation of
Membership Services.
Recipient: Rebekah Kidd, Website Assistant

Behind the Scenes Hero Award – for honoring
the unsung heroes who keep everything running smoothly
Rebekah has dedicated her time to the new look of our website and newsletter. She has consistently provided detailed and thoughtful suggestions on the layout, font styles, picture framing, and overall visual presentation. Her keen eye for design, commitment to quality, and willingness to invest her time have significantly enhanced the new look of our websites and newsletter
Recipient: Shivani Wanchoo, Secretary
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Behind the Scenes Hero Award – for honoring the unsung heroes who keep everything running smoothly
Shivani's devotion to the women who work as volunteers knows no bounds. She is the first to offer a ride, make a phone call, send in a request to make things happen. Shivani also steps up in all areas - you may see her coordinating a bridge game, collecting money at a coffee morning, or signing in ladies for an activity. AWN works due to women like Shivani who always answer the call to lend that helping hand.
Recipient: Michelle Charnley, Events Chair

Grace in Action Award: Honoring Calm, Thoughtful Leadership
Michelle’s leadership has been a shining example of grace under pressure and purposeful organization. She has spearheaded two of AWN’s most successful events, the Spring Fling, focused on Women’s Health and Well-being, and the Fall Activity Fair, a celebration of creativity, connection, and community. Michelle’s ability to bring people together, balance logistics with warmth, and guide every project with a steady hand embodies the very essence of “grace in action.”
Recipient: Reena Yang, Social Media Coordinator

Technical Warrior Award
We are proud to honor Reena, as our most recent recipient of the Technical Warrior Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions, innovation and dedication in supporting our mission through technology. Since joining as a volunteer, Reena has consistently gone above and beyond, leveraging her technical expertise to solve challenges, streamline operations and build tools that we all benefit from. Renna was instrumental in our successful roll-out of the AWN WhatsApp Community
Recipient: Qurat Umar, Art Coordinator

2025 May Volunteer of the Month Award
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on a truly inspiring volunteer. Qurat, recipient of our May Volunteer of the Month Award. Her creativity, passion, and dedication have not only enriched AWN’s artistic initiatives but have also uplifted the spirits of everyone around her. From leading AWN Art workshops to designing beautiful event decor and coordinating a desert art trip using art as a tool for connecting and empowerment in women. Thank you, Qurat, for your extraordinary service. Your artistry and generosity continue to inspire us all!!
Recipient: Claire Friedenthal, Padel Coordinator

Rising Star Award
We are thrilled to recognize Claire for her outstanding contributions to our all-female padel community. From the moment she joined AWN, Claire has brought unmatched enthusiasm, positivity, and a can-do spirit that has lifted both our events and members. Whether she’s helping organize lessons, play days or our first social padel tournament, or stepping in wherever a hand is needed, Claire has shown remarkable initiative and commitment. Her passion for the sport and her belief in the power of women supporting women on and off the court has made a lasting impact.
Recipient: Wendy Pearce, Golf Coordinator

Behind the Scenes Hero Award
Wendy is the steady presence working diligently in the background. From coordinating tee times to tournaments and organizing scorecards, to ensuring refreshments are ready and signage is perfectly placed, her dedication ensures our events are seamless and enjoyed for all. Though she never seeks the spotlight, Wendy’s commitment to the golf club, her fellow members, and the spirit for the game exemplifies what makes community so special. Your behind-the-scenes work is deeply appreciated and our Golf club is better because of you!
Recipient: Jane Marie Pugh, Treasure Assistant

Most Versatile Award
Jane Marie has been an indispensable part of our team, stepping into multiple roles with grace, skill, and unwavering commitment. Whether assisting our Treasurer with financial tasks, supporting the Secretary with essential administrative work, or coordinating our ever-popular afternoon Mahjong sessions, She has shown exceptional adaptability and dedication. Her ability to seamlessly transition between responsibility and ensure each one is handled with care and precision has made a tremendous impact on our organization. More than just filling roles, Jane Marie brings enthusiasm, dependability, and a true spirit of community to everything she does.
