(Grande Prairie, Alta. – March 5, 2026) – The City of Grande Prairie proudly congratulates the 2026 recipients of the Women of Influence Awards.
Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the awards celebrate women whose leadership, dedication and achievements are helping shape Grande Prairie’s future. From emerging leaders to those whose decades of commitment have left a lasting legacy, the recipients reflect the many ways women contribute to the strength and growth of the community.
The 2026 Women of Influence Award recipients are:
Next Generation Award: Grace Larson
The Next Generation Award recognizes young women demonstrating exceptional promise, leadership and impact in their community or field.
Grace Larson receives the award in recognition of her growing leadership across northern Alberta. Through her work in economic development, she supports entrepreneurs, small businesses and youth while helping strengthen the region’s business community. Larson has also played a key role in initiatives such as the Hyper Drive Women in Business Summit, helping create opportunities for mentorship, professional development and women’s leadership. Her dedication to supporting others and fostering new opportunities reflects the spirit of the Next Generation Award.
Game Changer Award: Dr. Vanessa Sheane
The Game Changer Award celebrates women disrupting norms, challenging the status quo and paving the way in their field or community.
Dr. Vanessa Sheane receives the award in recognition of her leadership in transforming post-secondary education in Northwestern Alberta. Through a clear vision for the future of learning, she has helped shift the focus toward applied education and stronger connections between students, industry and community.
Under her leadership, Northwestern Polytechnic has expanded programs, strengthened partnerships and introduced new opportunities for students across the region, including the development of the Northern Alberta Medical Program. Her work is helping ensure students can access high-quality education close to home while supporting the region’s long-term workforce needs.
Workplace Leadership Award: Rochelle Schamehorn
The Workplace Leadership Award honours women who excel in leadership roles, fostering growth and inclusion within the workplace.
Rochelle Schamehorn receives the award in recognition of her leadership at Mission Thrift Store, where she has helped create a workplace rooted in dignity, collaboration and support. In just two years as Store Manager, she has cultivated an environment where staff and volunteers feel valued while guiding the store through meaningful growth and stronger connections with the community it serves.
Her leadership has strengthened the store’s impact locally while supporting programs that assist people in need both within the community and around the world.
Community Leadership Award: Lois Duke
The Community Leadership Award recognizes women making significant contributions to the betterment of their community.
Lois Duke receives the award in recognition of her years of volunteer leadership and advocacy. As President of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, she has helped guide programs and partnerships that support Indigenous communities while strengthening relationships across the region.
Her leadership extends beyond the local level. Duke advocates nationally for Indigenous rights, equitable access to services and continued support for Friendship Centres, while also speaking publicly and engaging leaders on the calls to action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. Through this work, she continues to foster understanding, strengthen communities and inspire others to take action.
Lifetime Impact Award: Angie Peters
The Lifetime Impact Award honours women whose enduring contributions have left a lasting legacy in their field or community.
Angie Peters receives the award in recognition of decades of leadership, mentorship and community service that have helped shape both the business community and the broader Grande Prairie region. Through her work in real estate and entrepreneurship, she has supported and guided countless professionals, intentionally mentoring women and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Her commitment to lifting others up extends far beyond business. For more than three decades, Peters has been a dedicated supporter of initiatives addressing housing insecurity, family violence, mental health and access to the arts. Through her leadership and fundraising with organizations such as Odyssey House and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, she has helped strengthen supports for families across the region. Through mentorship, generosity and a deep commitment to community, her impact continues to shape Grande Prairie in lasting ways.
Together, these awards highlight the many ways women lead and contribute to the strength and growth of the Grande Prairie community.
“With a record number of nominations this year, it’s clear how many women are helping shape the future of our community,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients and all those nominated. The Women of Influence Awards highlight the leadership and generosity that reflect the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain.”
The Women of Influence Awards were created to commemorate International Women’s Day while celebrating women’s achievements and promoting opportunity for all.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, highlights how investing time, knowledge and leadership into others strengthens communities and creates new opportunities for everyone.
The 2026 Women of Influence Awards are presented by Peace Diagnostic Imaging.