The Sarnia Community Foundation's (SCF) executive director says this year's Women of Excellence keynote speaker will have an inspiring story to share that will resonate with guests.
Award-winning culinary author Irene Matys will be the featured speaker during the 10th annual Women of Excellence luncheon on June 4.
SCF Executive Director Mike Barron said the Women of Excellence committee recommended Matys, given her success and connection to Sarnia-Lambton.
Matys immigrated to Canada from Cyprus in 1976 and spent much of her childhood working in her parents' restaurant, Ciccio's Pizza.
"She went away, got a degree, and worked in the private sector and then at mid-life decided that she'd get back into her passion," Barron said.
Matys released her book, My Cypriot Table: Mediterranean Recipes for Gathering, Sharing, and Savoring, in 2025. It was recognized as a Globe and Mail bestseller and earned her a World Gourmand Award.
"I think talking about that whole journey from childhood to where she is today and her book ... I think her story is just so inspiring," Barron said.
As part of a partnership with Lambton College, this year's Women of Excellence luncheon will be held at the Andy S. Brandt Event Centre.
Tickets are currently on sale for $65 each or $500 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased by calling the SCF office at 519-332-2588.
This year's honourees have yet to be announced.
Barron said the committee will present their recommendations to the SCF Board, and from there, he expects the five recipients to be announced at the beginning of May.
Eleven nominations were received this year, which Barron said is on par with recent years.
