Women in Business names Tracy Stroud winner of Inspire Award

By Peggy Revell on April 20, 2018.

The Medicine Hat Women in Business Committee has named Tracy Stroud the winner of its 2018 Inspire Award.

“I look back at those who have won before me, all of those women I admire so much,” said Stroud of the annual WiB award. “They’ve inspired me to go out and do more for my community, and give back that way.”

Stroud is the manager of business development at Medicine Hat College, where she oversees the Entrepreneur Development Centre, the 3D additive manufacturing and printing lab, and has worked on innovation projects such as the Community Renewable Energy Microgrid Demonstration Project announced earlier this year. Before this, she was with the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta and the Government of Alberta.

“This past year has just been incredible for our team,” Stroud said when asked of the high points so far in her career.

“This past year … working at the college, my team brought in over $1 million worth of entrepreneurship and innovation projects,” she said, adding that it’s a small team she works with in doing all the good they can for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand.

“And some of the innovations are huge to the community,” she said, such as the microgrid announced earlier this year. “That’s something that hasn’t existed in our community before that’s going to be an asset for entrepreneurs in that area, and for our students to learn as well.”

The Inspire Award is now in its sixth year, with 11 nominees this year.

“I’m so appreciative of everything the Women in Business Community has done,” said Stroud. “Not just for me, but to put a spotlight on all the nominees is just wonderful.”

She’s honoured, humbled and shocked at being named this year’s winner, she said, extending many thank-yous — including those who nominated her, her colleagues and those she’s worked with throughout the years, and family who have helped her along the way.

“I come from entrepreneurial parents and I know how hard it is,” she said. “I’m just so thankful for the work my team has done, especially this past year, to be able to help more entrepreneurs.

“For anyone who is thinking of starting their own business, there’s lots of resources available in the community, and we’d be happy to help.”

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