Green Haven Shelter executive director Linda Reid named Nelle Carter Woman of the Year

Linda Reid, executive director of Green Haven Shelter for Women, was named the Nelle Carter Woman of the Year during the 34th annual Orillia Business Women's Association (OBWA) gala

Linda Reid, executive director of Green Haven Shelter for Women, was named the Nelle Carter Woman of the Year during the 34th annual Orillia Business Women’s Association (OBWA) gala, held Wednesday night at Hawk Ridge Golf Club.

Reid, visibly shocked and holding back tears, made her way to the podium to accept the honour to the sound of sustained applause.

"I'm very honoured that my staff nominated me and the community that supports me in my work," Reid told OrilliaMatters. "I'm very grateful. I was not expecting this at all. It's a lovely surprise."

Reid was one of five nominees for the award, alongside Kelsea Dale, Laura Clayton Dickson, Raquel Ness, and Pamela Paylor.

Reid has led efforts to raise awareness of the shelter’s services for those in need, as well as those who wish to help. Under her leadership, the shelter has secured funding, improved its facilities, and strengthened community partnerships. Her staff describe her as a mentor and a dependable leader.

Reid also founded Dress for Success Orillia/Barrie, which has supported over 4,000 women across Simcoe County and Muskoka. Although she no longer leads the organization, she remains actively involved as a volunteer.

A passionate advocate for social justice, Reid ensured that Dress for Success became one of the first certified living wage employers in Simcoe County. She also promotes hiring local students in roles that enhance their education and career goals.

Her impact has rippled through the community. The women she’s supported have gained confidence, which in turn has positively influenced their families, especially their children and other young women.

The gala also marked the 20th anniversary of the Lisa Brooking Young Woman of the Year Award. This year’s nominees included three Grade 12 students: Molly Hazel and Rebecca Matthews from Twin Lakes Secondary School, and award recipient Jyllian Jenkins of Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School.

All three nominees were celebrated for their academic excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, and commitment to community service.

"I think this is a really exciting opportunity for me for my future," said Jenkins. "It shows me that I am capable of many things, and I am ready to do more."

Jenkins has demonstrated exceptional academic dedication, maintaining an average above 92 per cent while completing a rigorous course load of math and science classes. She will be attending the University of Guelph this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

"School work has always come first for me, and my drive to work harder and do better is never-ending," she said.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Jenkins participates in her school’s specialist high skills major in arts and culture, which focuses on leadership development and community engagement. She also serves as a sectional lead in the senior and jazz bands, mentors junior musicians, and conducted last year’s Christmas concert.

Outside of school, Jenkins has volunteered for the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Scottish Festival, and her family’s annual Farmfest Canada Day event. As president of PF's social activism club, she led fundraising efforts for the Lighthouse through the Coldest Night of the Year, raising over $2,000.

Betsy Gross, founder of the OBWA, was in attendance and reflected proudly on how the organization has grown since its inception.

"This is awesome. Every year, I am just overwhelmed that something I started that long ago is still going," she said. "Not only is it still going, but it's so successful."