Gibsons Coun. Charlene SanJenko has been nominated for a YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Award for her dedication and leadership in health and wellness.
In addition to being a Coast politician, SanJenko is a personal trainer and lifestyle coach who recently launched a new business called PowHERhouse — a leadership and wellness community for women.
“Charlene embodies leadership, initiative and vision in every activity in which she participates,” a press release from the YWCA said. “She trains women in her studio, motivates through her YouTube channel, organizes networking and motivational events and retreats and manages daily online forums for her members to feel supported and to lead meaningful, healthy and active lives.”
SanJenko is one of six nominees vying for the award in the health and wellness category.
The YWCA Women of Distinction awards honour those women who have shown an outstanding commitment to the future and well-being of their communities.
There are 10 different nomination categories. This year marks the 31st annual awards celebration on June 3 in Vancouver.
“I’m really excited and honoured,” SanJenko said. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this program and the upcoming event on June 3.”
SanJenko will find out if she won at the awards banquet next month, but until then she’ll try to win another special award being offered.
This year the YWCA is offering nominees the chance to win $10,000 for a YWCA program of their choice through the Connecting the Community Award.
Nominees must pick a YWCA program area they support and then promote it throughout social media.
People can then vote daily for the nominee and program area of their choice at www.ywcavan.org/content/Connecting_the_Community_Award_
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SanJenko picked the YWCA’s healthy choices for youth category to support.
“I have dedicated my entrepreneurial life to helping women internationally integrate lifestyle and leadership so they can reach their ultimate potential and lead vibrant lives,” SanJenko said. “I support healthy choices for youth programs like Welcome to My Life and That’s Just Me because they give girls the tools to practise a balanced life and become leaders in their community.”
Learn more about the awards at www.ywcawomenofdistinction.org/.
