Rain was falling and dark clouds consumed Victoria, but the inside of the Parkside Hotel was lit up influential and awe-inspiring women from across the region Thursday afternoon.

Women from across the region are connecting at the Women in Business event at the Parkside Hotel in downtown today. Stay tuned for pictures of some of these inspiring local leaders.

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·” Victoria B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ· (@VictoriaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·)

The Black Press Media annual Women in Business Gala brought local leaders together for an afternoon of networking, mingling and entertainment in the form of Ken Lavigne, who crooned the sweet melodies of Elton John and Leonard Cohen.

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In a room full of motivating women, three were highlighted for their business accomplishments.

Kirsten Kost, vice president of sales and marketing at Mairet Hotels received the Rising Star Award; Hazel Braithwaite, director and donor at United Way Greater Victoria received the Community Initiative Award and Shannon Drew, vice president of community initiatives and corporate affairs with Ecoasis Developments, won the Business Leader Award.

Thanks to and for sponsoring this event!

B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·” Victoria B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ· (@VictoriaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·)

Gala attendees heard more about these women, learning about some of the hurdles they overcame on their path to success and the causes or goals that drive them forward.

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