By Lubhavni Otwal, editorial intern
For more than 20 years, airdrielife Magazine has been a cornerstone of the Airdrie community, shining a spotlight on vibrant local culture, arts, small businesses and inspiring individuals. Since 2011, the magazine has also recognized remarkable women of Airdrie through the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards, which celebrates women in the city. The event pays tribute to women who are an inspiration, who champion causes close to their heart, inspire others to get involved and make positive impacts locally.
Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, publisher and owner of airdrielife, began the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards when she realized so many of the stories in the magazine centred on interesting women.
“[It] was so amazing, I was like, I’m going to own that word,” she said, adding, “I wanted to start celebrating women, and it just kind of hit me how many amazing women were in the community. Plus I love alliteration.”
The original program was a sold-out luncheon for 80, that presented three awards. By the next year the categories grew to five.
“I’d wanted to recognize women not just for the traditional titles of leader or volunteer, but instead recognize the whole gamut of roles women play, hence the categories of courage, heart, determination, mentor and promise.”
The awards not only tell stories and celebrate women, they also strengthen Airdrie and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of exceptional work in the community.
As the city grew, so did the awards, expanding to 10 then 15 categories and held annually at the Bert Church Theatre as a now highly anticipated sold out gala each spring.
Next April, the Amazing Airdrie Women Awards celebrate their 15th anniversary. “We’re hoping to make it a really big celebration,” Shaw-Froggatt said.
Nominations for the 2025 Amazing Airdrie Women Awards are open now and will be accepted until midnight November 1, 2024. The award’s 2025 categories include amazing advocate, athlete, coach, courage, cultural ambassador, determination, entrepreneur, employee, heart, mentor, legend, legacy, rural rep, promise and workplace.
The magazine has celebrated people, places and events that make Airdrie a great place to live, work and play since 2004. Its coverage includes events, business, arts, lifestyle and inspiring personalities. airdrielife connects with their audience through award-winning articles, photos in 100+ pages each quarter plus 24/7 digital content including their growing newsletter, the alist.
