This year's Women of Courage recipients are the late RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough, and Captain Jenn Casey with the Snowbirds.

Women's Executive Network's (WXN) Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 list is revealed, showcasing women as leaders in categories such as Arts, Sports & Entertainment, Entrepreneurial, Skilled Trades and other sectors. 

The three Women of Courage recipients are all women who died in 2020 while at work. Captain Jenn Casey was flying with the Snowbirds during Operation INSPIRATION. Casey was a radio reporter, anchor and producer before joining the forces as a Public Affairs Officer.

Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough as a Marine Systems Engineering Officer who dies while posted on HMCS Fredericton during a retrieval exercise with CH-148 Cyclone Stalker 822.

Constable Heidi Stevenson, a member of the RCMP for 23 years, died on the line of duty during Nova Scotia's deadly shootings in April.

Three researchers with the University of Manitoba (UM) are being recognized this year by WXN.

“In a difficult year, we’ve been inspired by Canada’s highest achieving women who unite those around them and help us all rise above our challenges,” Sherri Stevens, owner and CEO of WXN says in a UM press release. “These powerful women continue to lead the way, which is why it’s important to celebrate their achievements.”

Drs. Meghan Azad, Sara Israels and Soheila Karimi, all with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, were nominated.

“Their diligent, passion-fueled activities are innovative and impactful, and they have each transformed research, medical education and care in our province and around the globe," Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and UM Distinguished Professor says.

Azad specializes in human milk science and leads a team studying studies infant nutrition and the microbiome.

meghan azadDr. Meghan Azad. (UM/Supplied)

She works in pediatrics and child health at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

Azad was recognized as an Emerging Leader.

Israels also works in pediatrics and child health, as well as cell biology.

sara IsraelsDr. Sara Israels. (UM/Supplied)

She works at the Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology at the Health Sciences Centre.

Israels is the Vice-Dean of the University of Manitoba. She is recognized in the Professionals category.

Karimi specializes in physiology and pathophysiology, looking at therapeutic development for multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

Soheila KarimiDr. Soheila Karimi (UM/Supplied)

Also focussing on the health of children, she works at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

She is recognized in the Science and Technology category.

Andrea Menard, originally from Flin Flon, Manitoba, was recognized for her creative work and efforts in feminine leadership. She is a Metis singer, songwriter, actress, and business owner. She was recognized in Arts, Sports & Entertainment.

The Top 100 list was announced ahead of WXN's virtual summit.