MATT PREPROST Enlarge Image

Wolseley resident Sebrina Woligroski was nominated for her advocacy work for women’s rights.

It took awhile, but Sebrina Woligroski’s life compass has finally pointed her towards her calling.

The 30-year-old Wolseley resident only began speaking out on social justice issues — particularly on women’s rights and equality —in 2008, but already has a long list of accomplishments.

In fact, they earned her a nomination for a 2011 Women of Distinction award, handed out by the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg.

"It’s funny, a little bit surreal," said Woligroski, who works as the interim co-ordinator for UNPAC, a women’s equality organization based in Wolseley. "There are so many fantastic women doing so many fantastic things, I’m humbled."

Her path began in 2009, when Woligroski was one of a small team that addressed the United Nations’ 53rd Commission on the Status of Women.

"If I had a turning point it was that. Getting to know women across the world working for equality, I saw a lot of issues that exist for women," she said. "I came home and started getting involved in whatever I could."

So, she founded the Social Justice Fair at Menno Simons College, helped co-ordinate a peace gathering for youth, and has organized a community economic development conference for 600 people.

And while it may have taken her some time to find her voice, the seeds were planted in her childhood, she said, being involved in a very conservative church, and growing up in a home with strict gender roles.

In all, 73 women were nominated in 12 categories, including arts, education training, mentorship leadership, management, and science and technology.

Betty Black, chair of the 2011 steering committee, said the awards are a critical continuation of its tradition of recognizing women since the first awards were handed out in 1977.

"They’re unsung heroes, ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their community, but they don’t have their stories told," she said. "It’s an opportunity for us to share it."

Woligroski, meanwhile, hopes her voice becomes loud enough to help shape government policy.

"Here in Canada, women are protected by a lot of laws, but I want to make sure those social policies are realized. It’s a good place, but we can be in a better place," she said.

"Globally, as a Canadian…I want to be a voice that just won’t stop talking."

The awards will be given out Wed., May 4, at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Tickets are $125 each and include a tax-deductible receipt for the donation portion. For more information, call Arianne Solis at 831-3157.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com