On International Women’s Day, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) pledged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of individuals in the community (Medicine Hat & surrounding area) who lead, inspire, and motivate women and who work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity.

This month as our community is celebrating our western heritage through our annual Stampede, we are celebrating a remarkable cowgirl, Brittney Chomistek as our July recipient of “Be the Change Award.”  Brittney was born and raised northeast of Medicine Hat on land that has been in her family for four generations. Her family on both sides, have always been involved in rodeo, whether as a competitor, promoter, rodeo queen, committee member or spectator. Brittney and her family have been long time volunteers at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede she is one of the many that is working to change the landscape and demographics of the organization to this day.

In 2016, Brittney was crowned the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Queen and throughout her reign she focused on being a role model for young girls as well as an ambassador for the western way of life. As the Medicine Hat Stampede royalty, she had the unique opportunity to collaborate with community organizations and be an ambassador for the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede as well as the City of Medicine Hat. At the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton Brittney competed and won the title of 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada. Making Chomistek and her mother, Shelley Sodero the first mother-daughter duo to both hold the prestige title. Throughout her reign as Miss Rodeo Canada, Brittney toured extensively as Canadian rodeo’s most active ambassador; meeting, greeting, riding, and carrying the Canadian flag in countless arenas in front of thousands of people. Using her unique platform to encourage and inspire young girls as she visited communities across Canada, United States and Australia.

Brittney recently graduated with her Bachelor of Education and has a goal of teaching grade one. From a young age Brittney has volunteered with numerous local organizations. She was named the Southeast Alberta United Way Youth Ambassador in 2017 and said that it was “an honour” to the spokesperson for such an amazing organization. These duties complement Brittney’s desire to make a difference with children, as many of the United Way programs focus on helping vulnerable families through difficult times. Two of her favourite projects include” Tools for School” and “Brown Bag Lunch,” both of which assist children of economically challenged families to receive proper tools and nourishment to be successful in school. She also has volunteered her time doing agricultural classroom presentations, as an athletic coach, and founding the Dunmore Equestrian Centre Little Britches Rodeo Sweetheart queen competition. The program allows girls between the ages of 9-12 years old to compete in public speaking, modeling, and horsemanship. Brittney’s focus was to create a competition that will allow young girls to compete in a supportive and learning environment. Girls in the competition come out with strong mentors and friends that will carry them into future endeavours.

We are excited to see the lives she will impact as she embarks on her teaching career and her continued work in the community. Currently in her spare time you will find Brittney around the rodeo arena with camera in hand or in front of the camera showing off her unique style on @canadiancowgirlcloset Instagram page. From vintage to quirky, from the big city to the rodeo arena Brittney encourages women to show off their unique styles and personalities through clothing. The empowerment of women is a great responsibility of all women, and the world becomes a better place when women do not feel the hardships to exist. Congratulations Brittney on being a woman of change!