The WEtech Alliance has kicked off Tech Week with its second annual Tech Awards.
12 awards were handed out Monday night at the J.P. Wiser's Experience Centre on Riverside Dr. E. near Walker Rd.
Sheri Lynn Koscielski was presented the Mentor of the Year Award for her work with FIRST Robotics Canada, which prepares youth for STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs.
Koscielski, who was selected through a combination of public voting and a panel of judges, calls volunteering her passion.
"Love getting the kids involved in STEM programs at such a young age so that they can figure out where they want to go in the future and in their careers," she says.
She says being able to help kids make good choices is also rewarding.
"It's really important having adults to mentor the kids and to show them the way, just guiding them with new skills, challenges and keeping them steering forward so that they can make the right selections as they grow old," says Koscielski.
The winners of this year's Tech Awards include:
· Aphria - Tech Company of the Year
· Janice Kaffer - Tech CEO of the Year
· Dr. Tricia Carmichael - Tech Researcher of the Year
· Renee Pare - Tech Professional of the Year
· Noah Campbell - Young Tech Professional of the Year
· Fouda Hamzeh - Tech Teacher of the Year
· Sherri Lynn Koscielski - Tech Mentor of the Year
· Orangeline Farms - Technology Adoption
· Scribendi - Technology Innovation
· Deliverbae - Tech Startup of the Year
· Paul Riser - WEtech Choice Award (Individual)
· Libro Credit Union - WEtech Choice Award (Organization/Company)