Manitoba’s Nursing Community Celebrates Excellence at ARNM Awards Gala
The Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) gathered nurses, health-care leaders and community partners under one roof last Thursday for its annual Celebration of Excellence, an evening devoted to honouring the people who keep Manitobans healthy every day.
Held at Canad Inns Polo Park, the gala spotlighted recipients of ARNM’s Professional Nursing Awards, presented each year to individuals and teams who set the bar for practice, leadership, education and collaboration. From rural clinics to urban critical-care units, this year’s honourees share a common commitment: advancing the profession while improving patient care across the province.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba’s Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, who thanked nurses for their compassion, innovation and resilience. Throughout the evening, heartfelt introductions and stories highlighted how nursing expertise powerfully shapes health outcomes for Manitobans of every age and background.
Guests celebrated alongside colleagues, mentors and family members, raising a glass to achievements that ranged from pioneering clinical research to creative community-health partnerships. Generous support from Amy Oliver + Co and jeweller Hilary Druxman added to the festivities with door-prize donations, while the team at Canad Inns Polo Park ensured a seamless guest experience.
“This evening is about honouring the heart of health care - nurses,” said ARNM Executive Director Joyce Kristjansson. “Each recipient recognized tonight represents a powerful example of how nursing transforms lives, workplaces, and entire communities. We are proud to celebrate their incredible impact.”
Relive the Night - View and download photos from the 2025 Celebration of Excellence here.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Award Recipients
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Administration: Tracey Schlamb
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Administration: Rhonda D. Campbell
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Administration: Dr. Nicole Harder
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Administration: Joanna Simmons-Swinden
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Research: Joanne Loughery
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Research: Dr. Kim Mitchell
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Research: Dr. Vanessa Van Bewer
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Education: Dr. Asha Pereira
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Education: Brenda Dafoe Enns
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Education: Dr. Diana E. McMillan
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Education: Andrew Kerr
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Education: Rinautta McConnell
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Clinical Practice Community Care: Gale Bonin
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Clinical Practice Acute Care: Andrea Kidd
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Clinical Practice Long-Term Care: Sarah J. Brown
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Clinical Practice Long-Term Care: Tara Schmitz Forsyth
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Legacy: Kathy Ward
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Legacy: Dr. Elaine Mordoch
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Outstanding Nursing Unit, Program or Interprofessional Team: Rehabilitation Centre for Children Neuromuscular Clinic
2025 Professional Nursing Award of Excellence – Outstanding Nursing Unit, Program or Interprofessional Team: St. Amant Community Nurse Consultants
ARNM extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, nominated colleagues and supported the event. Together we continue to champion a profession that changes lives one patient, one policy and one innovation at a time.