2022 Skills Society Citizenship & Education Award Winners
Priyanka receiving the Leadership Award. Presented by Awards Committee Members Debbie Royer and Levi Lawton, and Executive Director, Ben Weinlick.
In 2022 Skills Society launched the Skills Society Citizenship Awards, a new award that recognizes and celebrates the efforts of individuals and organizations in our community who are working towards our shared vision of a community where everyone is valued and belongs.
Skills Society congratulates the winners of the 2022 Skills Society Citizenship and Education awards. The awards were handed out at the Skills Society Annual General Meeting on June 28th, 2023.
Engaged Citizenship Award
The Engaged Citizenship Award is given to an individual supported by Skills Society whose actions demonstrate active participation in their community and efforts towards contributing to and fostering a vibrant community.
Winner - Michelle Arklie
Michelle was nominated for her contributions and efforts towards making her community a safe and welcoming place. Michelle is an engaged citizen who takes great pride in her community - participating in community clean ups and connecting with community members and local businesses. Michelle is always willing to give back to others by helping her neighbours or donating food and clothes to those in need. In addition, Michelle is a strong self-advocate, advocating for not only herself, but others as well; voicing her concerns and advocating for rights, access, and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Honorable Mention - Barbara Lagrelle
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award is given to a Skills Society employee or volunteer who demonstrates leadership in the pursuit of our shared vision of a community where all individuals are valued citizens deserving respect, dignity and rights.
Winner - Priyanka Priyanka
Priyanka was nominated for her demonstrated leadership in supporting rights, participation, relationships and belonging in the lives of the people she supports. Priyanka is a compassionate person who cares deeply and centres relationships in her approach - both with the people she serves and her colleagues. Engaging a rights-based approach Priyanka works to ensure that the people she supports have equal access to opportunities, their wishes and hopes. She demonstrates leadership through her creativity in supporting people’s participation, having opportunities to share their gifts and talents and meaningful things to do.
Community Belonging Award
The Community Belonging Award is given to a business, community organization, or group whose actions support the inclusion and belonging of people with developmental disabilities.
Winner - David Mitton, President, Leston Holdings
David was nominated for his exemplary efforts in striving to make housing more affordable, accessible and inclusive of people with disabilities receiving support from PDD. Of particular note, this past year David has worked on making 12 suites accessible and affordable to the people we serve in a forthcoming development in Edmonton and is partnering with Skills Society to pilot a new community connecting role, the “Community Concierge” within the building. This innovative service will help people with disabilities we serve to be connected with others in their community and lead to a deeper sense of belonging over time.
Honorable Mention - Rising Sun Theater
Skills Society Employee Education Awards
In 2022 we launched the Skills Society Employee Education Awards with the purpose of fostering leadership development by supporting employees in participating in formal post-secondary education programs that further their learning and growth in the field of disability studies and/or leadership. With an aim of equity, half of all Employee Education Awards are reserved for employees who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC). Skills Society values diversity, equity and social justice. As part of this value we strive to boost and support BIPOC leaders within our community, continue to learn and work together on anti-racist allyship, and actively participate in systems change initiatives.
2022 Award Winners
Jade Asangbe-Atawah
Award supports their pursuit of a Master of Social Work, University of Calgary
Stephen Dufe
Award supports their pursuit of a Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba