Twelve local women were celebrated this week for how they make their lives — not their living. On Monday, June 6, members of the community gathered at the Victoria Conference Centre for the 2016 Unlimited Awards.

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Roxanne Low, finalist for Unlimited Woman of Love and Friendship, Taryn Strong, winner of Unlimited Woman of Health & Wellness, and Julie Atkinson, yoUnlimited leader for the Mentoring Program. (Photo by Leona Fowler Photography.)

Monday night’s event, hosted by a women’s community building organization yoUnlimited, welcomed over 200 guests to enjoy the awards as well as dance, vocal, and comedy performances from local female artists. The crowd also enjoyed art displays before and after the ceremony.

“Since the birth of the Unlimited Woman Awards three years ago, I am always in awe of the number of people who are eager recognize the women in their life for all the roles they play and contributions they make,” says awards creator and yoUnlimited founder Carolyne Taylor. “The energy in the room on awards night serves as a reminder of the importance of celebration and acknowledgement; of saying ‘I see you’, ‘I acknowledge you’, and ‘I appreciate you.’”

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Unlimited awards creator and yoUnlimited founder Carolyne Taylor. (Photo by Leona Fowler Photography.)

Winners of the 2016 Unlimited Awards:

Unlimited Woman of Adventure: Amy Cooper (Westshore) sponsored by Page Rossiter

Unlimited Woman of Awesome Mom: Rebecca Kirstein (Oak Bay) sponsored by Double Tree Hilton

Unlimited Woman of Community: Debra Barrlett (Sidney) sponsored by WCG

Unlimited Woman of Creativity: Janet Walmsley (Vancouver) sponsored by Brand Brilliant

Unlimited Woman of Health & Wellness: Taryn Strong (James Bay) sponsored by Sapphire Day Spa

Unlimited Woman of Love & Friendship: Colleen Spier (Colwood) sponsored by Love School

Unlimited Woman of Mentorship & Leadership: Lucy Price (Saanich) sponsored by Royal Roads University

Unlimited Woman of New Beginnings: Dena Carroll (Saanich East) sponsored by Cedars at Cobble Hill

Unlimited Woman of Potential: Lily Cote and Ella Stanger (both Victoria) sponsored by Elate Cosmetics

Unlimited Woman of Style: Teresa Lindsay (Saanich) sponsored by Leka Design

Unlimited Woman of Wisdom: Flo-Elle Watsonn (Oak Bay) sponsored by Ally & Dennis

**Special Award** Unlimited Woman of Grace: Grace Thomas sponsored by yoUnlimited

Local artist and yoUnlimited leader Shauna Janz wrote and performed an original piece “Unlimited” at the Unlimited Woman Awards. Listen here: https://younlimited.bandcamp.com/track/unlimited.