International Women's Day Award Ceremony
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is a significant global event, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere. This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction.
Hon. Rajan Sawhney, MLA, Calgary-North West wished to recognize outstanding women in the Calgary North-West constituency by holding an Awards ceremony on March 8, 2025.
Helen Villaraza Ostrowski
“Tell Story. Listen to Story. Live Story”
Helen Villaraza Ostrowski, an architect from the Philippines, immigrated to Canada in 1976. Alongside her late husband, Jorg Dietram Ostrowski, she shared a passion for ecological change and mentored many university students. Helen continues their legacy with the Trans-Canada “Pathway to Peace: Biosphere Leapfrog Around the World” project, aiming to build harmonious communities and a green economy in her husband’s memory.
For over 50 years, Helen and Jorg have turned their dreams into reality. Their Scenic Acres Sustainability Hub (The SASH) celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2024. Since 1994, they’ve welcomed over 300,000 visitors of all ages from around the world. They look forward to another 30 years of connecting people, reducing ecological footprints, celebrating Indigenous history, and growing a local economy that works for everyone.
Peggy Flanigan
“Leading people is the hardest work. Even though you are also a human, people expect their leaders to get it right 100% of the time, every time. So how you handle setbacks is critical”
Peggy Flanigan thrives on bringing ideas to life, with a career spanning 25 years in Energy, five in law enforcement, and a doctorate in Business focused on workplace bullying. Passionate about youth development, she has mentored through Scouts Canada, Girl Guides, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. As Operations Manager at the Scenic Acres Community Association and Executive Director of the Bowness Seniors’ Centre, she fosters community engagement. She and her husband Gordon, longtime Scenic Acres residents, enjoy supporting local sports and walking their dog, Henny.
