ESTEVAN — Seven women from across southeast Saskatchewan have been recognized as nominees for the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, one of the honours to be presented at the 2025 小蓝视频east Women of Distinction Awards.
Nominees for the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award, presented by Steam Est. Industries, are recognized for their exceptional service — whether through a paid role or volunteer work — that has created, enhanced or improved programs and quality of life in southeast Saskatchewan, with long-term efforts that have made a clearly recognized and positive community impact.
In this largest category, Rebecca Fedyk, Sydney Wanner, Maureen Ulrich, Debbie Wade, Crystal Ross, Brittany Brokenshire and Shannon Culy were nominated.
(Introductions are based on the nominations submitted).
Rebecca Fedyk
Fedyk is a passionate coach, mentor, mother and community leader who has played a foundational role in developing competitive gymnastics in Estevan. As a wife and mom, she balances family life with her dedication to the sport, always showing up with positivity, patience and drive.
Fedyk helped build the competitive gymnastics program in Estevan from the ground up. She has served on the board of directors, led fundraising efforts, and was instrumental in securing a permanent facility — giving athletes a stable, safe and inspiring place to train and grow. Her love for gymnastics is matched only by her commitment to the young girls she coaches, mentoring them in sport and in life.
As both a leader and a role model, Fedyk continues to grow as a coach and person, setting a powerful example for the athletes she works with. Her work doesn’t stop when practice ends — she is deeply invested in the future of her club and community, and it shows in every interaction.
Sydney Wanner
Born and raised in Estevan, Wanner has always had a passion for wellness, sport, and working with children and youth. She is currently the executive director of the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre (EEYFRC) and also serves the community as a CanFit Pro certified personal trainer, Yinyasa Yoga for Youth teacher, and reiki practitioner.
鈥婳ver the past decade, Wanner has shared her skills in schools, day cares and community spaces across Estevan. She coaches girls’ basketball from Grade 8 to senior high, serves as a dryland coach for multiple teams, and runs a reiki practice for both kids and adults. She’s also created inclusive programs like Stroller Squad and Skate with Syd, and implemented a lending library of sports equipment to promote equity in access to play.
Beyond her roles at the centre, Wanner is a dedicated volunteer and an integral part of countless community efforts. She sits on the Community Wellness Board, attends interagency meetings, and consistently steps up to support causes and initiatives that make Estevan stronger. Her energy, leadership and compassion make her not only a mentor to youth but a connector and changemaker for the broader community.
Maureen Ulrich
Ulrich, an educator, author, playwright and all-around sports enthusiast, joined the Lampman community in 1980. With the support of her family - Randy, Robin and Blaire - Ulrich has shared her talents with various organizations while teaching in a full-time capacity.
Lampman Community Theatre was born in 1997 and in 2024 staged its 20th production, with original scripts featuring local talent that has blossomed under Ulrich's mentorship. She has also shared these gifts with Souris Valley Theatre, developing the next generation of performers.
Her musical talent extends beyond theatre to include her church community as organist along with spearheading the lay services. Lampman local library is fortunate to have Ulrich serve on their board, providing an author's voice in board matters and book club.
During the pandemic, Ulrich was part of a group that saw a need and established the Lampman Food Bank for those in the community that were struggling.
Her commitment to the community is inspiring. If there is a job to do, whether it is fundraiser for recreation facilities or mentoring young readers, Ulrich is all in. She is community.
Debbie Wade
Wade is an individual who has demonstrated exceptional involvement and commitment to the southeast Saskatchewan community of Estevan.
Wade moved to Estevan in the summer of 2013 and quickly became involved in many activities and organizations. Through her continuous volunteer efforts across various sectors, including athletics, the arts, community fundraising, the Estevan Bruins and the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Wade has significantly enhanced the experiences of many, the vitality of our city and served as an example of selflessness and kindness.
Crystal Ross
Ross is the kind of person who makes a community stronger just by 小蓝视频 in it. A proud mother of two daughters and wife to Chad Ross, she helps run their fourth-generation cattle ranch near Estevan.
Deeply rooted in agriculture, she is a fierce advocate for sustainable ranching and the Canadian beef industry. As president of the Estevan Exhibition Association, and volunteer for so much more, Crystal pours her heart into organizing events that bring people together. But beyond titles and roles, she is a giver—someone who steps up whenever there’s a need, dedicating her life to helping others and strengthening her community.
Brittney Brokenshire
Brokenshire lives in Estevan with her husband Ben and their two daughters, Grace and Olivia. She works at Kingston Midstream and enjoys reading, travelling, spending time outdoors, and 小蓝视频 with her animals and family. While her personal and professional lives are full, Brokenshire still makes giving back to her community a top priority.
A passionate volunteer and community builder, Brokenshire actively supports and leads numerous local initiatives. She serves on several boards, including the United Way Estevan, where she currently sits as president. She’s also a key leader with the Hillcrest School Breakfast Program and serves as vice-chairwoman of the school community council.
Brokenshire is known for stepping up wherever she’s needed — often without recognition or praise. Her values of compassion, humility and hard work shine through in everything she does, and her commitment continues to inspire others across Estevan to do the same.
Shannon Culy
Culy is currently the program manager and interventionist for the Early Childhood Intervention Program, focusing on families with children under six years of age who are at risk of developmental delays. Culy visits many homes and works with families, not only in Estevan, but throughout the southeast. She assists pre-school-aged children in order to maximize the development prior to entering the school system.
Culy is also heavily involved with the Estevan aquatics programs. As a volunteer coach for the Estevan Mermaids, she spends countless hours devoted to the empowerment and development of the girls in the program.
The 小蓝视频east Women of Distinction Awards luncheon will take place May 2 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
