Game Changers: Women in Leadership

Women leaders of today spoke to women leaders of tomorrow this week in the Border City.

The Rustlers women's hockey team hosted the community again with their annual fundraising gala Game Changers: Women in Leadership. Featuring a keynote speaker, three panelists, a silent auction and luncheon, the event drew more than a hundred community members out to the Gold Horse Casino to support the team.

"I thought it went really well," Assistant coach Erin Lundrigan said. "There was lots of support, good numbers from the public."

The day's keynote speaker was Lakeland's President and CEO Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, who hammered home the importance of being able to embrace the challenges that come before you. She was followed by three panelists: Rena Simons, owner of Heritage Optical, Melissa Wright, clinical nurse educator and horsemanship enthusiast, and Elenee Young, Lakleand alumn, Juno nominated artists and third generation co-owner of Spiros Restaurant.

"Dr. Wainwright-Stewart had some really good takeaway points for some of our younger players," Lundrigan said. "Our panel was also incredible, lots of different perspectives and tidbits of information that anybody could relate to."

"Really empowering stuff that they had to say and as young female getting into our professions, there were a lot of valuable tips and info on how to be successful and manage that life," fifth year forward Aasha Petrie said. "Being a student athlete right now, it was even more helpful."

Petrie along with Kylie Perry and Olivia Mann, were the emcees. The veteran forward said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

"I'm in my education degree, so just having the opportunity to speak in front of people gets me out there and more prepared for what my future is going to be like," she said.

Another key element that came up throughout the gala was embracing change when it occurs. Lundigran said the team often has first year players come into the program with their mindset on one thing, before their path changes.

"That's more geared to their career, but I think it's important that they realize it's OK, that it's part of the journey," she said. "It's not the end of the world to change your mind, you need to find something you're super passionate about and it might take some different decisions to get there, but it's OK to do that."

Sponsors for the event included Red Bicycle Communications, Ram, Jostens, The Corner Boutique, L & L Oilfield and Hot Peppers Clothing. The women's hockey team has a bye weekend, before hosting the Olds Broncos in a three-game homestand Oct. 17-19.