Delphine Melchert (centre) is shown with the photo that will hang in city hall beside previous inductees into the Prince Albert Women's Hall of Fame. Left is Mayor Greg Dionne and right is Chrissy Halliday of the Prince Albert Council of Women. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Women's Day

A woman who inspires: Delphine Melchert inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame

Mar 8, 2022 | 6:00 PM

Delphine Melchert will have her photo added to a wall in city hall along with other inductees from previous years into the Prince Albert Women’s Hall of Fame.

Melchert was honoured in a small ceremony at city hall as part of local acknowledgement of International Women’s Day

One of the many people who nominated her was Dr. Chad Nilson, who said he first met Melchert about 15 years ago in many of her volunteer initiatives.

“I think Delphine motivates others to get behind a cause and that is a true leader that and that is someone that I think that should be acknowledged in the Women’s Hall of Fame,” said Nilson.

Melchert’s name often comes up when any work involving volunteerism happens in the city, particularly in areas she is passionate about, such as inclusiveness.

Crime

Man, 23, sent to hospital after weekend shooting

13m ago

Nursing education

New early admission option to help alleviate tight timeline for nursing students

1h ago

On the ice

Weekend rink report: Mintos split in Southern Sask., Northern Bears swept by Regina

15h ago

Nilson said that Melchert helps organizations recognize barriers that people face.

“A practical example is when she spearheaded work to remove literacy barriers for women and men to work in childcare or work in security. Those are huge,” he said.

Many residents are not even aware a barrier exists until Melchert takes action to address it. This is something that has inspired Nilson, with a small twist on this year’s theme of Women Inspiring Women.

“Even myself as a man to grow and be inspired by a woman like Delphine, it’s been wonderful,” he said.

Melchert, who was watched at her induction by her husband and some of her family members, said she could only think of what is happening to women and girls in places like Ukraine, currently battling an invasion by Russia as she received her honour.

“I was thinking about the women not only our own community but the women and girls around the world and the images that we’re seeing of people having to flee their homes,” she said.

Melchert talked about her passion for helping those who are oppressed and that is who was on her mind as she received accolades from the mayor, the Prince Albert Council of Women and Nilson.

“We know that there is oppression and inequality everywhere and I was thinking of those women and children today,” she said.

Melchert herself finds inspiration in other women, those that are leaders, those in business and more personally, those in her family.

“I’m inspired by my mom, my sister who recently passed away and all of my sister-in-laws and all of the women in my family,” she said.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow