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Delta CEO wins Women of Distinction award

Nicole Stefenelli of Urban Impact Recyclers one of 12 honoured at annual ceremony.
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Nicole Stefenelli

Delta's Nicole Stefenelli was honoured for her contributions to community at the 29th annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards last week.

Stefenelli, the CEO of Urban Impact Recyclers, won in the Entrepreneurship category.

She is described as having pioneering spirit in the sustainability sector, and introduced the first multi-material recycling companies in Metro Vancouver. She has proven a commitment to zero waste is financially and environmentally possible.

In 2011, Urban Impact diverted more than 95 per cent of the 100,000 metric tonnes of materials collected and processed from landfill. Active in the community, Stefenelli leads school tours to inspire environmental stewardship, mentors women entrepreneurs in the environmental sector and serves on multiple boards, including as President of the Waste Management Association of B.C.

Stefenelli and 10 other women were recognized at a ceremony Thursday (May 24).

Five Surrey women – Penny Priddy, Joanne Curry, Sandra Hentzen, Jude Grass and Sunpreet Bains-Dahia – and one company were also nominated in various categories.

The other winners were: Violet Goosen, general manager, Vancouver Chamber Choir; Patricia Graham, vice-president, digital, Pacific Newspaper Group; Ginny Dennehy, co-founder, the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation; Catherine Vertesi, vice-president, international, external relations and new initiatives, Capilano University; Louise Schwarz, founder, Recycling Alternative; Ann Meraw, professional swimmer and coach, Vancouver board of parks and recreation; Wendy Au, assistant city manager, City of Vancouver; Dianne Miller, head of division of gynecological oncology, department of obstetrics and gynecology, VGH and UBC; Alison Lee, medical student, UBC; and SAP Canada.

Since 1984 the YWCA awards group has paid tribute to more than 300 deserving women and workplaces. In addition to recognizing the nominees, this event raises funds for that help improve the lives of more than 50,000 women and children each year.