Minerva Awards
According to legend, ‘Minerva’ was the goddess of warriors, poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, and craft.
The Minerva Award is presented annually to recognize a member of the Women’s Business Network who gives freely of her experience, time and energy to the organization, its members, and our community.
This individual is someone who has been instrumental in the growth of the CVWBN, who has assisted others in the membership and is a well-respected member of the business community.
The presentation of the award is made at the Annual General Meeting, which is held on the second Wednesday in May each year.
2026 Minerva Awards Nominations are now open! Deadline April 30th, 2026.
Honouring Minerva Award Recpients
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Chrissie Bowker is the founder of CB Projects, a creative studio specializing in branding, web development, and event production. With more than 25 years in print and digital media, she helps businesses refine their story, elevate their presence, and attract the clients they’re meant to serve.
Before launching CB Projects in 2020, Chrissie worked across Western Canada as a publisher and later as Director of Product Development and Digital Media, supporting more than 100 locations in strengthening their online presence.
A long-time community contributor, Chrissie has served on several local boards, including the Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and Business Improvement Association, and previously chaired a major community gala.
Whether developing a brand, building a website, or producing a standout event, Chrissie is known for bringing the right people together to create thoughtful, memorable experiences.
CB Projects has been recognized with the Small Business of the Year award from the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and has been voted a Readers’ Choice Top Three for Best Web/Graphic Designer for three consecutive years.
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You don’t get into business because you want to spend hours tinkering with your website, trying to create a unique logo or trying to grow your social media presence. You do it because you’ve found a way to make the thing you love a reality.
Just like a prism, thoughtful branding and web design disperse your business’ light and vibrancy from all angles. It channels the direction of your brand’s identity, displaying it in the most beautiful and strategic way possible. My expertise in web design, branding and social media marketing allow me to help small to medium sized businesses reach their goals—by translating their brand mission and values into a beautiful online presence.
With Prismatic Creative Co, you’re encouraged to step outside the box while encapsulating your vision at the same time. All while receiving an affordable solution that’s tailored to small business owners. -
Kelly Phillips is a business and performance coach with the Conscious Coaching Collective. She has been mentored by, and is now working alongside one of the worlds most refined multi-spectrum self development experts, Rhiannon Rees.
Kelly works with people to transform their businesses and their lives. She feels her success is attributed to helping clients to break free of conscious and subconscious self-limiting beliefs around money, wealth, health, success and freedom. This is accomplished through a structured, proven process from the Conscious Coaching Collective.Kelly is in the business of growing champions with a particular interest in helping those interested in combining business success with self development and ethical actions. This is reflected in her long-time interest working in partnerships helping woman that struggle to access the social determinants of health successfully keep and parent their children.
How would you like to double or triple your income while experiencing more free time, working less, and spending more time doing the things you love?What’s holding you back from living your best life and stepping into your greatness?
Take this opportunity if you are sick of where you are and ready to start the life you know you deserve with income worthy of who you are.
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Carol Elliott
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Deanna Papineau
Deanna is a Registered Aromatherapist with the (CAOA) Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy and a member of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. Deanna helps her clients experience the healing flow of energy, through the power of custom blended Essential Oils and Reiki.
Her clinical assessment and intuition assist each client’s individual needs. By stress reduction, calming and balancing their emotional, physical and spiritual self.
Her blending is through professional training and energy communication directly inspired by the plant's chemistry.
Deanna has over 20 years experience, 900 hrs. of clinical study, and a juried research paper, at one of Canada's accepted schools, West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. Also, qualified training in Chakra’s and Meridians with Essential Oil use.
Deanna is a Master Level Reiki practitioner and teacher in Usui Reiki. She is a passionate home-based entrepreneur who also enjoys teaching local workshops by bringing awareness, safety, fun and blending with purpose.
Deanna is a knowledgeable “Hydrosol Distiller”, distilling live plant material for adding to her apothecary collection.
Interested in Astrology and your true potential? A “Gene Key Aromatic Session” with Deanna is profound, fun, eye opening and will assist you on your journey to self discovery.
Deanna is a Level 3 ski instructor teaching at Mount Washington, and a super mom, living in the beautiful Comox Valley.
Deanna Papineau RA EOT, Registered Aromatherapist, Essential Oil Therapist, Usui Reiki Master Practitioner / Teacher / Hydrosol Distiller / Gene Key Aromatic Blender
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Her life’s purpose is to wholeheartedly support you to experience your life in the best way possible. We experience so much in our lives.
Sometimes life’s momentum is so fast that we miss the joy in the present moment. We don’t know what our future holds, but what we do know is there will be many expected and unexpected challenges we will face.
She has experienced many challenges and meditation has helped her work through them to find joy, hope and possibility. Meditation cultivates self awareness, and self acceptance. This practice helps us to embrace our imperfections so we can learn, grow and evolve into the brightest version of ourselves.She can help you build a successful daily practice with guidance and tips so you can have a better relationship with your busy mind, while cultivating love and self compassion. These offerings range from daily meditation practices online or in person to one-on-one coaching and more.
Let me support U…every step of the way.
Dennyse is a Chopra certified, Meditation & Wellness Coach and Ayurveda Wellness instructor, and Yin Yoga Instructor.
In 2016, she founded uBlossom Wellness, a community that supports and brings people together through a variety of events, online meditation groups, one on one coaching, in-person retreats and gatherings. Dennyse also teaches Yin Yoga at Broken Squirrel Wellness.
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Having always loved Fashion, Bobbie has recently partnered with Silver Icing. They are a fashion company reinventing the business of online shopping.
Discover online shopping that actually fits. Silver Icing was born when we put the right people, products and technology together. At Silver Icing, we're all about blending tech with a personal touch to give you a shopping experience that’s anything but ordinary. Delivering exceptional customer experience is our guarantee.
Inspiring confidence through fashion.
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2014 - Maureen Glowasky
2013 - Liz Tribe
2012 - Debi Genereux
2011 - Julie Watkins
2010 - Maggie Komar
2009 - Emma Payton
2008 - Brenda Kelm
2007 - Lara Austin
2006 - Karen McKinnon
2005 - Deb Dewar
2004 - Barb Greenwood
2003 - Audrey Stewart
2002 - Linda Oprica
2001 - Linda Oprica
2000 - Cindy Steuart
1999 - Donna Stevenson
1998 - Marcia Allardice
Business Development Bursary
WBN Membership Bursary – Up to $500
The CVWBN offers an annual bursary of up to $500 to support members in enhancing skills and professional development. Eligible courses must be from accredited institutions or recognized professional associations. Members may only receive the bursary once every two years, at the Board’s discretion.
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility & Requirements:
CVWBN member in good standing for at least 1 year
Complete the online bursary application
Present a brief summary to members on what you learned
Submit a written statement on how the bursary will benefit your work/business
Volunteer on the Bursary Selection Committee the following year
Honouring Past Recpients
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Kayleigh McDonald
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Deanna Papineau
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Monica Parkin
Gaetane Palardy
Carol Elliott
Terri Perrin
Lifetime Membership Award
Inaugural Lifetime Member Award
Maureen Glowasky of Grace Cosmetics was awarded the first “Lifetime Membership Award”. At our June 13, 2018 meeting Linda Graceffo presented the award to Maureen in honour of her dedication to the WBN.
Maureen has been a member since the organization was created more than 30 years ago. She is an inspiration to all of us and is well-deserving of the recognition. Congratulations Maureen!
Boost Organization
Building Opportunities for Organizations Using Our Strengths & Talents (B.O.O.S.T.)
Since 2011, the B.O.O.S.T. program supports a local non-profit each year by providing funds, skills, and talents that help fulfill their mission and wish list.
Each September, we announce the year’s recipient and raise funds monthly through 50/50 draws and member-hosted events. In December, we donate requested items, and throughout the year, we contribute volunteer hours—from building projects to hosting workshops.
Know a non-profit that deserves B.O.O.S.T.?
Nominate them for next year!
Honouring Past Recpients
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Comox Valley Family Services Association
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Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society
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Comox Valley Transition Society
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2019/2020 - Comox Valley Transition Society
2018/2019 - Soroptimist Internation
2017/2018 - Habitat for Humanity North Island
2016/2017 - Habitat for Humanity North Island
2015/2016 - 4Rs Education
2014/2015 - Children’s Health Foundation Vancouver Island
2013/2014 - Double Waters
2012/2013 - Today N Tomorrow Learning Society
2011/2012 - Comox Valley Transition Society
Nominate a fellow member
Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce - Business Excellence Awards
The Comox Valley Chamber has put in place a grassroots nomination process that does not allow for self-nominations. All nominations come from businesses and individuals in the community that feel the nominee needs to be recognized. The Chamber Awards are open to chamber and non-chamber members.

