Kayla Gillis is a busy woman.
On top of her full-time job at RBC in Dauphin, Kayla is always the first one to offer a lending hand throughout the community. As president of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF), Gillis works around the clock year-round to ensure that the annual festival just south of Dauphin is always one to remember.
Gillis volunteers her time with Dauphin Tourism and she is also vice-chair for the Manitoba Farm Women's Conference. These are just a few of the things Kayla volunteers countless hours towards and it's something that she has been doing her entire life.
Kayla grew up always wanting to lend a helping hand. Gillis has always been front and centre and eager to help with big jobs, small ones, or anything in between.
"It's something that I love doing, it's been a passion of mine from a very young age," said Gillis. "My parents helped get me started volunteering with local groups when I was growing up. Just to see the looks on everyone's faces when you show up to volunteer and give back, it's incredible."
2023 was a big year for Kayla as she won a couple of prestigious awards through RBC. She was presented with the Global Citizen Award and the Community Leadership Award and now that we are five months into 2024, Kayla has once again been recognized for her incredible work.
Through YMCA Westman, she is a nominee for the Community Leadership and Social Action Award. Kayla will be in attendance for the 2024 Women of Distinction Awards and she is going up against six other nominees.
"It feels phenomanal, I am very surprised to be nominated, I didn't even know I was until everything was released," ended Gillis. "Whether I am successful with the nomination or not, I am very happy and proud to have been nominated. I am grateful."
When Kayla returns from the awards banquet, she will continue to focus on the CNUF Kick-off Party which is slated for June 8 at Obsolete Brewing Company. More details on that event will be coming shortly and of course, CNUF will once again take place at the beginning of August.
