Inspiring Island Women

CHEK News at 5 anchor Stacy Ross features stories of amazing Vancouver Island women from both past and present in the new weekly series “Inspiring Island Women.”

Watch the segment live Fridays on CHEK News at 5, or find it below after it’s aired.

If you’d like to nominate someone to be featured in the series, email sross@cheknews.ca.

4 days A 'giant geek' shares her love of science with kindergarten kids Tonight we meet Nora Carlson, a behavioural ecologist who has a passion for animals and teaching children.

4 weeks Embrace the stilettos! Heels Dancing is as much about healing as heels This week on Inspiring Island Women we'll learn more about heels, a unique dance genre, and we'll meet the founder of 'Collective Heeling,' a studio where stilettos are so much more than shoes.

1 month Duncan woman pursues laughter and art From her, "Grandpa is an Alien" series to her time as a deckhand there have been two constants in Elly Mossman's life.. laughter and art.

1 month A mother of two manages large Vancouver Island recycling facilities by treating her staff like family Jacqueline Tudor-Jones is lovely. She's kind, smart, and well-spoken, and even before she slips on her safety vest, you can tell she's in charge at Cascades Recovery.

2 months International Women's Day Collection 2024 A collection of Inspiring Island Women stories from CHEK News hosted by Stacy Ross in celebration of International Women's Day 2024.

2 months An out-of-this-world volunteer answers the question, "Are there aliens?" What she does is out of this world. So much so that in November, an asteroid was named after her.

2 months A Parksville woman takes in and cares for as many as 250 cats and kittens a year Some are in a spare bedroom, and almost all have spent time in the bathroom of her Parksville home. Cats. Hundreds of them every year are placed into the care of Kathy Robinson.

2 months Osteofitness instructor helping seniors in James Bay It's an exercise class that not only makes a physical difference but can actually help some seniors live independently longer. At one particular Osteofit class, it's the instructor who makes the difference.

3 months Nanaimo Women of Influence awards to recognize those who impact the world "Breathe Fire" and "Fan the Flame" are just two categories in Nanaimo's inaugural Women of Influence awards. The Feb. 7 event features 300 nominees in 11 different categories, 620 attendees, and it's all to raise money for infertility and loss support.

3 months Late-blooming comedian finds success on stage She's a home support worker by day, comedian by night, and grandmother of three; Syd Bosel says to bring your panty-liners to her show cause you'll be laughing...a lot. Stacy Ross has more.

3 months Karmen McNamara with Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Whether explaining payroll taxes, handing out food or co-directing a world premiere play, Karmen McNamara jumps in with both feet to support Ukranian refugees. Stacy Ross has more.

3 months Seeing Canada through the eyes of artist Susan Schaefer in her latest exhibit 18,000 km and 18 months of feverish work are proudly displayed on the walls of a Parksville resort. Stacy Ross has the story.