The Cold Lake Women of Influence (WOI) awards have always celebrated women who excelled in competitive fields, who overcame personal or societal obstacles, and who came out on top.

But this year’s keynote speaker is a fighter. Literally—she’s a fighter.

Jelena Mrdjenovich is a professional boxer and a former world champion in three different weight classes. She has won 42 of her 56 fights, including 19 by knockout. She has never been knocked out in her 12 losses. She has also fought to two draws.

“That’s why we wanted her to come—because she does represent an unusual field for women to excel in, and I think that’s always inspiring when we see that,” said WOI organizer Audrey McFarlane.

The awards night is March 7, the day before International Women’s Day. Every year the WOI event celebrates local women for their achievements in six categories: arts and culture, business and professionalism, community and volunteerism, health and wellness, science and technology, and the Older Woman of Influence award.

In addition to these six categories, one woman is selected as the Overall Woman of Influence. Nominations are open until Friday, February 7.

McFarlane says the depth of the field of nominees is always inspiring.  “We always have so many great nominees, so many women in Cold Lake that are doing amazing things,” she said.

“We love that. We love showcasing them the most of everything in the evening,  and making it all about them.”

Rather than a sit-down dinner format, the evening offers hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, a cash bar and an exciting selection of mocktails. It’s an excellent opportunity to circulate and visit before the presentations, and then again afterwards over desserts.

In keeping with the boxing theme, the pre-presentation entertainment will be a demonstration from the local Titans Fight Club.

McFarlane says celebrating influential and successful women is as important as ever.

“Women still have a lot to achieve in society. Even in Canada, in one of the richest and liberal countries in the world, where women can excel and they’re not openly oppressed, there are still lots of things to achieve,” she said.

“In light of some of the things that are happening in the U.S. and the scaling back of women’s rights and reproductive rights, it’s something that we need to keep on the radar in Canada. And continue to showcase the amazing work women do so we don’t lose any ground that we’ve gained.”