Recipients of the Woman and Young Woman of the Year Awards 2017


Orillia Business Women’s Association Women Of the Year Awards Gala 2017


The Orillia Business Women’s Association would like to Congratulate the 2017 Nelle Carter Woman of the Year Award recipient, Danielle Tisi, Principle Broker at McLean & Dickey Ltd. (Right) & Congratulations to the recipient of the 2017 Lisa Brooking Young Woman of the Year, Hong Xiao (Sarah) Gao of Twin Lakes Secondary School!

Here is the LINK to the gala photos on Facebook!


Danielle Tisi

Danielle is the Principal Broker, President and part-owner of McLean & Dickey Ltd since 2006. She completed her studies at the University of Ottawa, obtaining her Bachelor degree in Social Science and then in Law. In the past, Danielle practiced Corporate Commercial Law focusing on Insurance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, and has provided consulting services for various insurance companies.

Always willing to volunteer, Danielle is currently completing her 10th year on the board of the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation. She is involved in the Community Development Corporation (CDC) Mentorship program. In addition, she sponsors or volunteers in many community initiatives, including Orillia Big Brothers and Sisters, Terriers, Predators and Minor Hockey, Chamber of Commerce, Couchiching Jubilee House, The Sharing Place and Helping Hands.

Danielle strongly believes in both professional and personal growth, promoting life balance. She promotes a flexible work environment which allows employees to maximize family time and manage personal obligations while maintaining a successful career. She believes in equality and understands that success is built on the people around you.

Nominated submitted by: McLean & Dickey Ltd., Marlene Francis


Hong Xiao (Sarah) Gao – Twin Lakes Secondary School

Sarah is a student of no limits. She maintains an above 90% average at Twin Lakes, in addition to balancing a number of social, athletic, volunteer and musical pursuits. Sarah is a young woman who loves challenges, works tirelessly at finding alternate solutions to complicated situations, and excels in Biology, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Math. She is an accomplished musician, who has earned her A.R.C.T. diploma after six years of piano with the Royal Conservatory.

In addition to all her academic and musical success, Sarah volunteers extensively within her school as well as in the community. She participates as a school Link Crew Member, helping other students comfortably adjust to high school. She is involved and helps organize school green team projects, dances, assemblies and events. Outside of school, Sarah actively participates and volunteers with volleyball tournaments, retirement homes, gift wrapping, and in many capacities at the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital. She is currently working on Relay for Life and ColorMeTwin fundraisers.

For the future, Sarah says that there are a number of goals she is aiming to complete before and after university. She is planning a career in neuroscience or medicine, as she is interested is understanding how music affects the brain. Sarah would like to continue to pursue her interest in music and according to her, “will ultimately pursue what interests her and makes her happy”.

Nomination submitted by: Twin Lakes Secondary School, Kerrie Pellarin, Guidance Councillor


The Orillia Business Women’s Association would like to congratulate the 5 women Nominated for the 2017 Nelle Carter Woman of the Year Award: Kathryn Kaiser of KMKDesign.ca & Verity Blue Studio ~ Gaia Orion of Gaia Orion Art ~ Paula Hill-Coulson, Reflexologist & Juice Plus Sr. Coordinator ~ Danielle Tisi, Principle Broker at McLean & Dickey Ltd. ~ Sher McNulty of Green Haven Shelter for Women! This was the Orillia Business Women’s Association’s 30th Anniversary & the 26th Anniversary of the OBWA Woman of the Year Awards Gala 2017 Dinner. The awards were presented at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre on Wed. May 10th, 2017.


Congratulations to the 3 nominees of the 2017 Lisa Brooking Young Woman of the Year: Cassandra Reynolds of Orillia Secondary School ~ Hong Xiao (Sarah) Gao of Twin Lakes Secondary School ~ Matilda Wilson of Patrick Fogarty Secondary School. This was the Orillia Business Women’s Association’s 30th Anniversary & the 26th Anniversary of the OBWA Woman of the Year Awards Gala 2017 Dinner. The awards were presented at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre on Wed. May 10th, 2017.