"Little ways you can work and use your passion; eventually it will grow and you can make a large impact."

That's what Abigail Olfert, 17, has learned through her vast volunteer experience.

The Women of Distinction Awards serve to recognize Manitoban women who have made exceptional and noteworthy contributions towards the development of others and their communities.

"I was totally surprised!", Olfert exclaimed when asked about her nomination. "I couldn't even imagine, I didn't even know they had such a thing."

The Niverville Collegiate student is involved in a variety of activities, and spends her time volunteering within her school and community in areas of student leadership, athletics, music and art. Olfert also works as an art teacher with This Little Light Artistry, an art ministry she is extremely passionate about.

"We have students coming from all over from different backgrounds, and we just want to build them up and have an environment of love and acceptance for them," Olfert explained. "We teach art, but then use that as a way to reach out to them and just bring hope and love and peace into their daily lives, while they just have fun and learn to explore creativity."

"What's most important to me is that people feel valued," Olfert stated. "I feel like these days so many people are always constantly, especially women I know and young girls are just tearing themselves down, and something I'm really passionate about is being able to encourage them and being able to show them that they are beautiful, and they are wonderful and that they are masterfully created."

Olfert encourages everyone to find something they are passionate about, and use that to make a difference in the lives of others, even through the smallest steps. "For me, it's just smiling or encouraging, or boosting up somebody before a test," Olfert shared.

Following her high school graduation this June, Olfert hopes to continue working and volunteering in her community. Her dream is to attend Capernwray Hall in England.

The YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala will take place on Wednesday, May 3, at the RBC Convention Centre.