Passion awarded

A local woman has turned her passion into an award-winning career.

Marijah Harp was one of three women in the region to win an award at the 14th annual Influential Woman of Northern Ontario Awards Tuesday at Valhalla Inn. Harp, who won the young entrepreneur award, said the best part about the win is the fact that is came from other Northern Ontario women.

"It feels wonderful absolutely wonderful it’s an honour to be recognized by your peers and by other women here in northern Ontario," Harp said.

She started her business, Sweet Peas Home Catering, three years ago at the encouragement of her partner. After financial help from the government, including tremendous support from the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Harp said she’s ready to open a restaurant by next month.

"From a love of food and a want in the end to be able to have a restaurant," Harp said. "It’s a wonderful feeling."

Northern Ontario Business operations manager Kimberley Wahamaa said honouring people like Harp and other women in the region is what the awards are all about.

"This is the only program of its kind in Northern Ontario," she said. "It is really a chance to celebrate success."

More than 300 people attended the event.

Nipigon’s Levina Collins won the private sector award while Lakehead University professor Nancy Luckai won the public sector award.

The Northeastern Ontario awards will be celebrated in North Bay Thursday.