Three Indigenous students with bright educational and professional futures have been recognized with 2021 Michelle Pockey Leadership Awards.
Megan Newman, a single mother of three studying criminology at Douglas College, is the recipient of a $5,000 award established in honour of 2016 Influential Women in Business Award winner Michelle Pockey – a prominent lawyer and community activist who was dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. Pockey was an inspiration to others every day of her life until passing away from cancer in June 2016.
Newman works as a case manager with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver’s Hotels to Homes shelter diversion program. After completing her diploma, she intends to complete her bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University. Her goal is to become a lawyer who can represent Indigenous people who lack legal support.
The Michelle Pockey Leadership Award, presented in partnership by Business in Vancouver and Minerva BC, with support from Vancity, gives first priority to Indigenous women and single parents and second priority to women pursing law, justice, Indigenous or environmental studies.
Due to the strength of this year’s award submissions, BIV and Minerva BC recognized two additional women with awards and $1,500 bursaries.
Katelyn Beale, who is raising a dependent, is in her third year of law school at the University of Victoria. Beale intends to pursue a PhD with the goal of working in First Nations communities.
Nikki Fraser is a single mother of two and a sociology student at Thompson Rivers University. She intends to pursue a PhD focused on Indigenous research.
Awards were presented to Newman, Beale and Fraser at BIV’s virtual Influential Women in Business Awards luncheon.
Donations to the Michelle Pockey Leadership Award program can be made at biv.com/leadership-award.
A video of this year's virtual awards gala can be viewed at biv.com/iwib starting March 8.
