Barbara Lee

Founder and President, Vancouver Asian Film Festival

Barbara Lee is the Founder and President of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, which launched in 1995 and is the first of its kind in Canada. Over the last 30 years, the festival has cultivated talent, fostered creativity, provided mentorship and created opportunities for racialized artists across Canada. Barbara is a recognized advocate for racialized communities, serving on the Anti-Asian Racism steering committee for the Canada Race Relations Foundation. She founded the Racial Equity Screen Office, Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon, Asians in Movies, Music and Media, and created East by Northwest Global Creative Summit to share Canadian racialized stories with the world. Barbara is the recipient of numerous awards, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 and Reelword’s Trailblazer Award in 2022.

Camilla Tibbs

Executive Director, Pacific Screenwriting Program

Camilla Tibbs is the Executive Director of the Pacific Screenwriting Program, where she builds capacity in BC’s screenwriting sector. Camilla has more than 30 years of experience in cultural management in Metro Vancouver and the UK, and her career has spanned classical music, theatre, literary arts and festivals. In her previous role as Executive Director at Gateway Theatre, Camilla broadened the organization’s focus, which diversified audiences and strengthened connection to the community. Camilla also served on Vancouver’s PuSh Festival Board of Directors and on funding adjudication committees for the BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts and the City of Vancouver. Camilla is recognized for her ability to increase organizational impact and prioritize the voices of historically marginalized artists.

Carly Steiman

Founder, Tradeswomen Exhibit

Carly Steiman is the Founder of the Tradeswomen Exhibit, a community-driven art project that documents and highlights women and non-binary people in the skilled trades. Through portraiture and participant-led storytelling, she brings an overlooked workforce into public view and connects arts spaces with trades communities. An electrician herself, Carly has built partnerships with employers, unions, training organizations and community groups to support and showcase the project. She volunteers as a skilled trades representative with Junior Achievement BC, mentoring youth and promoting the trades to young women. Carly has been recognized by SkilledTradesBC, TradeUpBC and BC Centre for Women in the Trades for her contributions to inclusivity in the industry. Her work has been featured by CBC, HGTV and Build a Dream.

Kate Armstrong

Artist, Writer, Curator and Cultural Leader

Kate Armstrong is an artist, writer, curator and cultural leader whose work bridges art, technology and education. She has exhibited her work and developed curatorial projects internationally, exploring the evolving relationship between art and technology. As Artistic Director of the International Symposium on Electronic Arts, she helped bring the event to Vancouver for the first time. She founded the Shumka Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship at Emily Carr University, supporting emerging artists and designers in developing initiatives with industry and community partners. A Trustee and Acquisitions Chair of the Vancouver Art Gallery and volunteer with organizations including New Forms Festival and Western Front, she has been active in sector development and devoted to the advancement of contemporary art in Canada throughout her career.

Lynn Yingying Liu

Founder and President, Canada International Arts and Music Society

Lynn Liu is the Founder and President of the Canada International Arts and Music Society and Chair of the Vancouver International Music Competition and Festival. Since 2017, she has created internationally recognized platforms uniting Western, Chinese, Indigenous, African and South Asian traditions, advancing intercultural dialogue through music. A seasoned educator, she founded the Vancouver Central School of Music and later served as Principal and Artistic Director at Tom Lee Music Academy, overseeing six campuses and 600 students. She volunteers hundreds of hours annually producing cultural events, mentoring youth and leading international competitions. Her contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Medal (2024) and multiple recognitions as an Outstanding Chinese Canadian Woman, affirming her impact on arts, culture and design.

Marta Kasha

Founder and Artistic Director, Mriya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

Marta Kasha is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Mriya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. After relocating from Ukraine in 2022 after Russia’s invasion, she identified the need for newcomer support and created a Ukrainian dance program focused on cultural continuity and integration. Under her leadership, the ensemble expanded to four Metro Vancouver locations, engaging dozens of participants of all ages. Recognized as a community leader in cultural education and inclusion, Marta volunteers significant hours with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Vancouver Branch and the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival, coordinating cultural and fundraising initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized with awards and certificates from the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival, the Folk Star Arts Academy and the Canada Chain Commerce and Culture Association.

Neesha Hothi

Founder and CEO, Neesh Communications

Neesha Hothi is the Founder and CEO of Neesh Communications, which advocates for cultural storytelling across Canada’s entertainment industry. She served as Director of Marketing for the 2025 JUNOS Host Committee, advancing the South Asian Recording of the Year category and creating Women Behind the Sound Day, a civic proclamation now expanding nationally. Neesha strengthens artist pathways including through BC’s Year of Music and South Asian Music Accelerator. A champion of South Asian arts, she has contributed to VIBC/5X Fest for more than 20 years and serves on advisory boards for Women in Music BC and Guru Nanak Institute. Her work has been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40, and Times of Canada Arts and Culture Award.

Rachel Bahika Matembe

Founder and Director of Celebrating our Ugandan Heritage Exhibit

Rachel Matembe is the creator of Museum of Surrey’s Celebrating Our Ugandan Heritage exhibit, which expands cultural understanding and champions representation. As an award-winning curator and advocate for diversity, representation and inclusion of women and African-Canadians, Rachel has been a leader in various multi-cultural organizations in the Lower Mainland, a youth mentor, and a role model for emerging storytellers and cultural workers. While on City of New Westminster's Multiculturalism Advisory Committee, Rachel advocated for the city to play an active role in recognizing and celebrating Black History Month through song-dance workshops and exhibits promoting Canadian Black history. In 2025, Rachel was awarded Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch under the Arts and Media category, in recognition of her sustained commitment to representation, creativity and empowerment.

Steffanie Love

Co-Founder, Astro Club Artist Facility & Opal Projects Inc.

Steffanie Love is an award-winning arts producer and a Co-Founder of Astro Club Artist Facility, an artists’ studio and collective in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant. With expertise in project management, municipal coordination and creative operations, she bridges artistic vision with the realities of bringing complex art projects to life and sustaining them. Steffanie has supported hundreds of artists through roles with the Vancouver Mural Festival and Opal Projects Inc. She champions equity and accessibility in the arts, developing pathways for emerging and racialized artists to secure paid opportunities, partnerships and community representation. A strong advocate for the arts at the municipal level, Steffanie led the effort for the City of Vancouver to proclaim the second weekend of August as the “Weekend of Murals.”

This category is sponsored by

Caterina Papadakos

Partner, Fort Capital

Caterina Papadakos is a Partner at Fort Capital, advising technology companies on growth financing and mergers and acquisitions. She previously led Silicon Valley Bank’s expansion in Western Canada, providing capital and connecting founders with global investors and industry expertise. Before that, she led Espresso Capital’s private-credit presence across Western Canada and parts of the United States. Earlier, at BMO, she established the bank’s Western Canada tech platform, bringing growth financing to a region long underserved by institutional lenders. A trusted leader in the tech community, Caterina mentors women in the early stages of their venture capital careers through the Canadian Women in Venture Capital network. She has also served on the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum Board and volunteered as Treasurer of the Documentary Media Society.

Elva Kim

Chief Operating Officer, Anthem Properties Group and President, Anthem Realty

Elva Kim is the Chief Operating Officer of Anthem Properties Group Ltd. and the President of Anthem Realty, which operates in BC, Alberta, Ontario and California. As Vancouver’s youngest racialized woman COO in real estate, she has supported Anthem’s eightfold growth in the past decade, including growing a team that is 80% women and led its first environmental, social and governance report. An advocate for women in the otherwise male-dominated real estate industry, Elva invests in employees’ professional development and leadership potential, resulting in multiple internal career advancements. She serves as a board member for the International Women’s Forum BC Chapter, was previously Board Chair for Atira Women’s Resource Society and has been recognized as an Influential Woman in Canadian New Development Real Estate.

Kam Raman

Regional Head, Retail Markets at RBC

Kam Raman is RBC's Regional Head, Retail Markets and was RBC’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion in BC. Kam created RBC’s Employee Listening Circles, which enhanced workplace inclusivity and, under her leadership, the percentage of women and racialized people in executive roles both increased. Kam serves as Chair of the Board for DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society and was a volunteer with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, where she participated in the Women’s Leadership Circle. In 2025, she was named in Business in Vancouver’s BC500 as one of the 500 most influential business leaders. She was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Finance by The Women We Admire and awarded RBC Global Citizen for exceptional leadership and community commitment.

Lilian Kan

Senior Director, Housing Strategy at Canada Lands Company

Lilian Kan, RPP, is Senior Director, Housing Strategy at Canada Lands Company, leading affordable housing initiatives on federally owned, underutilized lands. In her previous role at Colliers Strategy and Consulting, Lilian oversaw high-density, transit-oriented planning leading to the creation of more than 5,000 homes across multiple municipalities. She serves as Board Chair of Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society and as a Director with the Burnaby Housing Authority, supporting the delivery of secure, purpose-built rental housing. As the past-Chair of ULI BC’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, she led programs and partnerships that elevate women’s leadership and expand representation in the real estate and development sector. She was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 and received the Connect CRE Women in Real Estate Award.

Mandy Bhullar

Director, External Advisory and Policy at Lululemon

Mandy Bhullar is Director of External Advisory and Policy at Lululemon. In her role, she created the company’s first demographics survey and the Inclusive and Equitable Design Certification, completed by more than 500 professionals. She also built the “Women Of” leadership initiative, supporting women from marginalized communities across four regions. Mandy has guest lectured at UBC, BCIT and University of Washington, and developed industry-adopted curriculum on inclusive product design, responsible technology and equity-centred leadership. She has contributed to open-source inclusion standards, advised cross-sector organizations and mentored emerging leaders through multiple formal programs. Mandy was recognized nationally as a Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Rising Star finalist, a three-time Top 10 Diversity and Inclusion Leader in Canada, and as the 2024 OnCon Top DEI Professional.

Parinaaz Udwadia

Director, HR Consulting at Seaspan ULC

Parinaaz Udwadia is the Director, HR Consulting at Seaspan ULC. In her role, she led multiple diversity and inclusion initiatives, including the creation of the company’s New Mother Program, which involved establishing nursing rooms for returning mothers. Parinaaz also launched the Women in Engineering Program to improve gender representation, leading to a 75% year-over-year increase in women in the engineering department. Through coaching vice-presidents and directors, Parinaaz supported a 50% success rate in Performance Improvement Plans and helped influence an increase in companywide retention. She has supported more than 500 newcomers by volunteering hundreds of hours in resume consulting. Her work to foster a healthy, engaged, and high-performing workplace culture was recognized with a Blue Zone Culture Award at Opus International.

Dr. Prabhjot Kahlon

Multicultural Media Lead, City of Surrey

Dr. Prabhjot Kahlon is the City of Surrey’s first Multicultural Media Lead. In her role, she contributed significantly to the city’s first Multilingual Communications Policy and built a data-driven framework that embeds equity into every public message and now shapes national standards. She has also led translations of city materials, including daily media releases and the Seniors’ Healthy Living Guide, reaching thousands of multilingual seniors. Prabhjot identified gaps in emergency preparedness information for immigrant seniors and launched Surrey’s culturally adapted alert-communication project. A former OMNI TV journalist with 16 years of experience, she amplified underrepresented voices, reporting on domestic violence, gender inequality, gang violence and immigrant-community challenges. In 2025, Drishti Magazine recognized Prabhjot as one of 30 Most Influential Women, recognizing her mentorship of younger generations.

Selena Woo

Vice President, Private Wealth Associates at Nicola Wealth

Selena Woo is Vice President, Private Wealth Associates at Nicola Wealth. She leads a national team of more than 90 associates and created the firm’s Private Wealth Flywheel, a scalable model for career pathways and next-generation talent development. Selena established key roles and development opportunities such as the Senior Wealth Planning Associate, the Private Wealth Internship Program and the Administrative Associate role, strengthening the pipeline of future advisors and leaders. A dedicated community advocate, Selena serves on the Board of Junior Achievement BC, supports Dress for Success Vancouver, the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, The Forum, and is a mentor with VersaFi. In 2024 she was recognized with a VersaFi Transformational Leadership Award for her work to advance gender equity and diversity in finance.

Shannon Salter, KC

Deputy Minister, Office of the Premier and King’s Counsel

Shannon Salter, KC, is Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the BC Public Service. She leads BC’s 39,000-person public service focusing on empathy, connection and modernizing how government works for people. Previously, she served as one of the youngest Deputy Attorney General in the province’s history, where she implemented the Indigenous Justice Strategy. Shannon also served as the founding Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Canada’s first online tribunal, where she helped initiate technology that makes justice more accessible. Today, she’s advancing creation of Connected Services BC, a new model that simplifies how people interact with government. Appointed as King’s Counsel and named to Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 and Business in Vancouver’s BC500, Shannon is recognized for leading with integrity and vision.

This category is sponsored by

Amber Moon

Youth Advisory Member, Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society

Amber Moon is a long-standing youth leader within Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society’s Youth Advisory Committee. In their role, Amber contributes to systems advocacy, community engagement and peer mentorship for Indigenous youth in and from care. Amber has provided formal recommendations on post-majority services for youth aging out of foster care including speaking before a Senate Committee in Ottawa. They represented the advisory committee internationally in Australia and Taiwan, sharing Indigenous youth perspectives on child welfare reform. Amber also helped implement the Supportive Indigenous Brothers and Sisters mentorship program and regularly facilitates youth-driven consultations and planning sessions. Amber's leadership is grounded in lived experience and contributes to improved policy awareness and culturally responsible support systems for Indigenous youth.

Candace Knoll

Founder and President, Junior Black Achievement Awards Society

Candace Knoll is the Founder and President of the Junior Black Achievement Awards Society. In her role, she has developed programs that build skills, confidence and access to training and education to empower Black youth and their families. Since 2022, she has delivered more than 30 programs, $35,000 in scholarships, and reached more than 2,000 people. As a Director on the Hogan’s Alley Society Board, she works to revitalize the historic Hogan’s Alley area, creating a community hub and advocating for the preservation of Black history. Her dedication has strengthened community connections and created meaningful opportunities that uplift and empower the Black community in Vancouver. Candace was recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal, a United Way Labour Appreciation Award and a Telus Community Champion Award.

Carey Tśisxamia McBeth

Founder and CEO, HERO DAWGS Pet Therapy Society

Carey McBeth, Tśisxamia of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, is the Founder and CEO of HERO DAWGS Pet Therapy Society. After volunteering in the COVID-19 Critical Care Unit at VGH during the pandemic and witnessing the emotional toll on staff, Carey drew on 20 years of pet-therapy experience to build a dedicated canine-assisted wellness program for frontline health care workers and first responders. Through her deep, trusted partnerships with hospitals, emergency services and industry leaders, HERO DAWGS is now the leading canine wellness organization often called upon for critical-incident support. Honouring her Indigenous heritage, she incorporates traditional healing practices of cedar brushing into her wellness visits. Carey and HERO DAWGS have been recognized with commemorative plaques in the Burn Unit Healing Garden at Vancouver General Hospital and by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

Christie Garofalo

Co-Chair, Smash Out Vancouver and Board Director, Arts Umbrella

Christie Garofalo is the Co-Chair of the inaugural Smash Out Vancouver, a celebrity pickleball tournament that raises awareness about skin cancer. Through the event, she publicly shared her own melanoma story, which sparked vital conversations about prevention and early detection. Christie is also the Co-Chair of the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR)’s first West Coast gala, Vancouver Entertains. In creating the new gala, she united leaders in arts, business and philanthropy. Christie is a long-time Arts Umbrella Board Director and Splash Art Auction Co-Chair. In that role, she has helped raise more than $11 million for the Arts Umbrella and transformed Splash into a nationally recognized fundraiser. In 2022, Christie was recognized as an Inspiring Volunteer with Arts Umbrella’s Inspiring Creativity for Good Award.

Crystal Hung

Founder and CEO, ICON Marketing

Crystal Hung, Founder and CEO of ICON Marketing, is a community leader whose work spans mental-health advocacy, education and public engagement. She co-founded Pixel Moments, Western Canada’s first augmented reality micro-philanthropy initiative, which has raised over $400,000 for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. Extending this vision, Crystal commissioned “Breathe,” an Indigenous-led artwork by trans-Indigiqueer Musqueam/Tsimshian artist Chase Gray, and integrated it into the augmented-reality platform. Crystal served on the UBC Sauder Powerhouse Expansion Committee, contributing to a $120 million project supporting accessible, future-focused business education. She serves on the Board of Junior Achievement BC and was Vice-Chair on the City of Vancouver Heritage Commission. Crystal has been recognized through the BC Medal of Good Citizenship, Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 and the Top 25 Immigrants in Canada.

Danielle Main

Co-Founder, Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs

Danielle Main is the Co-Founder of Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs, which supports people with disabilities to build independent lives alongside assistance dogs trained from rescues. Danielle was inspired to co-found Leash of Hope through her background in registered massage therapy, therapeutic riding and her work in the dog industry. She supports a wide variety of people through the program with sight loss, mobility challenges and invisible disabilities. A long-time advocate for the disability community, she has used her personal experience with blindness by working with businesses to improve accessibility in both physical and virtual spaces. In her spare time, she continues to advocate and represent the disability community through adaptive sport as a para rower on Canada’s Para-National Rowing team.

Friba Rezayee

Executive Director, Women Leaders of Tomorrow

Friba Rezayee is the Founder and Executive Director of Women Leaders of Tomorrow, a non-profit dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities and breaking barriers for Afghan women and girls through access to higher education and sport. Raised in Kabul, she made history as Afghanistan's first woman Olympian in 2004 competing in Judo. She came to Canada in 2011 and earned her degree in Political Science at UBC. She has been a tireless advocate for women's rights in Canada and, since 2021, she has been working to provide Afghan women and girls with access to Canadian scholarships to both post-secondary institutions and secondary institutions while also helping them arrive and settle in BC and across Canada. In 2024, Friba received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Queen Auntie Jacky

Founder and Executive Director, African Friendship Society

Jacky “Queen Auntie Jacky” Essombe is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Friendship Society, where she leads cultural, wellness and community-building programs across Metro Vancouver. She created Africa with the Masters, a multi-day learning festival that increases access to African arts, dance, food and cultural education. Jacky has developed several province-wide initiatives that strengthen collaboration across African and Black communities, including the Africa Day Unity Dinner and a gathering of more than 20 African cultural associations. She is recognized as a mentor and role model, including through her leadership of the Elders of Tomorrow program, which equips Black youth with cultural context, traditional practice and community leadership skills. Her contributions are recognized across community organizations for strengthening representation, cultural literacy and social inclusion.

Jenn Dawkins

President and Founder, Fire Service Women of BC

Jenn Dawkins is the President and Founder of Fire Service Women of BC and a Vancouver Fire Captain. She was also the Founding Director of Camp Ignite, a mentorship and recruitment program for high school girls. Jenn is one of only two women in the 140-year history of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to achieve the confirmed rank of Captain in suppression and to serve as an Acting Battalion Chief. She used her personal journey with occupational breast cancer to raise awareness about early detection, resilience and self-advocacy. An accomplished endurance athlete, Jenn inspires youth and adults alike through her resilience, discipline and passion for athletic empowerment. In 2025 she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Julia Kim

Former Chair, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors

Julia Kim is a strong community advocate, most recently serving as the Chair of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors. In this role, Julia recognized that BC lacked a child health plan and that pediatric care is historically underfunded and overshadowed by adult priorities. She advocated for a long-term vision for child health, helping establish a roadmap to prioritize pediatric health. Julia helped build Minerva BC’s board, evolving it from a volunteer-led group to a structured organization. As Board Chair, she implemented governance structures that enabled Minerva to advance women’s leadership through education, mentorship and advocacy. Julia’s leadership, mentorship and contributions advancing women in finance and business throughout her career led to her being given the PEAK Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Women in Finance.

Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen

Founder and CEO, Face of Today Foundation

Kasondra Herrendorf Cohen is Founder and CEO of Face of Today Foundation, now known as The Landing Youth Centre, a community hub serving vulnerable youth and their families in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and Grandview-Woodland neighbourhoods. She has opened two resource centres since 2019, leading her team to support approximately 200 youth attending Vancouver’s most under-resourced schools. In 2018, Kasondra took over control of the Herrendorf Family Foundation, a foundation named in the legacy of her late father, which advocates for education, empowerment and generational resilience. She also founded Moms Offering More to support single mothers and families with financial assistance and wraparound services. In 2025, Kasondra was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 and received The Zajac Foundation’s Raising the Bar Award.

Lana Marks Pulver

Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver

Lana Marks Pulver is Chair of the Board at Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and has led sustained advocacy efforts to combat antisemitism and ensure Jewish representation in equity and anti-racism dialogues. Lana co-founded Vancouver’s first Jewish Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation, engaging young adults in their 20s and 30s in social, educational and civic life. As YNG Chair and YPO Gold Executive, Lana pioneered experiential learning for next-gen leaders. In the 1990s, after identifying the lack of accessible financial education for women and youth, she developed and led national financial literacy programs, authored First Class and co-authored Dollars and Centsored. Her work has been acknowledged with the Jewish Federation’s Young Leadership Award and the Lou Zimmerman Award.

Liliia Ratushna

Co-organizer, UA Rally – Voice of Ukraine

Liliia Ratushna is a co-organizer of Voice of Ukraine rallies, which raise awareness about Ukraine and advocate for freedom. The weekly rally at Canada Place in Vancouver brings together community members, newcomers and allies. Liliia promotes human rights, democratic values, and public understanding of the ongoing struggle faced by Ukrainians. Her leadership extends beyond advocacy—she supports cultural preservation, coordinates volunteers and helps mobilize resources for humanitarian needs. She also provides hands-on support to Ukrainian newcomers, including connecting families with resources, helping with settlement needs and fostering a welcoming community. Liliia’s efforts to hold the weekly rallies for more than two years were recognized through certificates of appreciation from Ukrainian cultural and advocacy groups, highlighting her leadership and dedication to raising awareness on human rights.

Paola Murillo

Founder and Executive Director, Latincouver Cultural and Business Society

Paola Murillo is the Founder and Executive Director of Latincouver, a non-profit that promotes cultural exchange and community participation between Latin Americans and the Canadian mosaic. As a Marketing and International Business Development executive, she has more than 17 years of global experience in marketing projects, major events, community dialogues, product launches and stakeholder engagement. In her current role, she leads programs including Carnaval del Sol, Latin American Heritage Month, Expoplaza Latina seminars, the Latin Canadian Business Council and the Latin Plaza Hub. Paola has expanded organizational capacity, built partnerships with governments and cultural institutions, and created inclusive spaces for women, youth, seniors and entrepreneurs. Her work has been recognized with a Premio Orgullo Latino, Successful Women Award and a Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award.

Vanessa Wideski

Founder, Low Entropy

Vanessa Wideski is the Founder of Low Entropy, a non-profit that has created accessible spaces and programs for more than 5,000 individuals to explore internal growth and become active contributors in community. Vanessa has mobilized more than 3,000 volunteers and built a diversified funding model that has grown from zero at inception to an average of $1 million annually over the past three years. She is also a co-founder of several community-led initiatives, including the Tri Cities Friendship Center Society, the Xwéwenaqw Xwexwilmexw Cultural Reclamation Society and the Coquitlam North Road Business Improvement Association Society. She also volunteers as Board Chair of Community Action Initiative. In 2022, she delivered a TEDx talk highlighting how intention and lived experience inform her approach to community development.

Dr. Anita Palepu

Professor and Head, UBC Department of Medicine

Dr. Anita Palepu is the Eric W. Hamber Chair and Head, Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, where she leads educational strategy, clinical training programs, and departmental academic development. She develops graduate and micro-credential courses in health data science, strengthens residency pathways across BC, and supports Indigenous and community-focused training streams. As a founding member of the departmental Equity Committee, she advanced policies that support inclusive learning. Her work at Providence Health Care includes creating innovation platforms that enhance clinical learning environments and quality improvement training. She co-founded UBC’s Data Science and Health Research Cluster, where she launched a province-wide initiative to harmonize BC’s health data systems. She has received multiple recognitions including Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Gurminder Kaur Malik

Director of Education, Khalsa Schools of BC and Principal, Khalsa Secondary School

Gurminder Kaur Malik is the Director of Education for Khalsa Schools of BC and Principal of Khalsa Secondary School. In her role, she leads a school system serving Sikh families, many of whom are from modest socioeconomic backgrounds, including many on fee concession support. She has expanded educational programming and student services, creating opportunities not typically available in low-tuition independent schools. Gurminder introduced school-based clinical counselling, Truth and Reconciliation initiatives and a school-wide empathy curriculum, while strengthening instructional consistency and community engagement. She coordinates annual food-bank drives, leads parent-education sessions, and develops partnerships that provide students with meaningful service opportunities. Her contributions have been recognized through ongoing appreciation from students, families, alumni and community organizations, reflecting a long-term commitment to equitable education and student empowerment.

Dr. Kathy Denton

President and CEO, Douglas College

Dr. Kathy Denton is the President and CEO of Douglas College. Her work is recognized as strengthening quality, equity and innovation across BC’s post-secondary system. As Chair of the BC Degree Quality Assessment Board, she has enforced policies to ensure new degrees meet labour-market needs, advance social benefit and are developed through meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples, employers and communities. As co-Chair of EducationPlannerBC, she helped create the centralized application hub that now supports every public institution and improves access for thousands of students. To address BC’s affordable housing crisis, Kathy led Douglas to become the first Metro Vancouver college to build on-campus housing. Recognized for her academic and administrative accomplishments, she has published in top journals and is a regular member on expert panels.

Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew

Executive Vice-President, Provincial Health Services Authority and Chief Medical Officer, BC Cancer

Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew is the Executive Vice-President of the Provincial Health Services Authority and Chief Medical Officer, BC Cancer, and the first woman to hold these roles. Dr. Ingledew is a Clinical Professor of Radiation Oncology at UBC and founded LearnOncology.ca, a web-based education platform used globally to strengthen understanding of oncology principles and patient care. Through her leadership, she has bridged technology and teaching, inspiring thousands of medical students and resident doctors while advancing inclusion and excellence in education. Over the last two years, Dr. Ingledew has worked with medical students to develop ONCARE, an award-winning virtual multidisciplinary course to improve oncology education nationally. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including UBC’s Killam Teaching Award and the John Ruedy Award for Innovation in Medical Education.

Dr. Reetinder Kaur

Project Director, UBC Kidney Transplant Research Program and Instructor at SFU

Dr. Reetinder Kaur is the Project Director at the University of British Columbia's Kidney Transplant Research Program and a Punjabi language instructor at Simon Fraser University. She is recognized for mentoring youth, promoting the Punjabi language, supporting long-term capacity in South Asian health research, and improving access to patient education materials. Reetinder co-leads the Punjabi Translation Framework, a guidance tool for translators to address mistranslations and Al-generated inaccuracies in women’s health materials. She also led the Surviving and Thriving photo exhibit in Surrey libraries, documenting underrepresented stories of living kidney donors and kidney transplant recipients. This work was translated into Punjabi, Mandarin and Japanese. In 2023, she received the Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training Doctoral Fellowship, one of Canada's top fellowships in kidney research.

Dr. Renisa Mawani

UBC Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair (Tier I), Colonial Legal Histories

Dr. Renisa Mawani is a Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair (Tier I) at the University of British Columbia. Since completing her PhD in 2001, she has helped shape the new scholarly field of Colonial Legal Histories. Renisa co-founded the Law and Society Minor Program at UBC, which is the largest minor in the Faculty of Arts. Previously, she served as UBC Faculty of Arts’ Associate Dean of Equity, Innovation and Strategy. She has published two sole-authored books, co-edited four volumes and written 48 sole-authored articles and chapters. In 2023 she received the Killam Research Prize and from 2022 to 2025 she held the British Academy Global Professional Fellowship. In 2025, she was awarded the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Toronto.

Sitora Azimova

Vice-President, Administration, University Canada West

Sitora Azimova is Vice-President, Administration at University Canada West, where she oversees operational, administrative and strategic functions, ensuring the alignment of institutional resources with strategic priorities. She is recognized for modelling inclusive, values-driven leadership and promoting equity, cultural respect and overall well-being for the university’s diverse student body. In her role, she launched the Responsible Campus Program, creating the university’s first socially responsible vendor ecosystem. She led a redesign of the student-support structure, reducing operational fragmentation and achieving a 30% improvement in service response time while student volume grew more than 50%. Sitora introduced multiple global scholarship initiatives, increasing financial accessibility and awarding millions of dollars in student financial support to learners from underserved regions. Passionate about mentorship, Sitora volunteers with the Global Mentorship Circle.

Stephanie Redivo

Employee Experience & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director, TransLink

Stephanie Redivo is Director of Employee Experience and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at TransLink, where she leads enterprise-wide strategies that embed inclusion into culture, leadership and organizational systems. She developed TransLink’s first three-year EDI Framework and Inclusion Survey, advancing the organization from being reactive to proactive. Stephanie also authored the company’s inaugural EDI Vision and Mission and embedded inclusion goals into leadership performance systems. Formerly at SAP, she project led the company’s first Global EDGE Gender Equality Certification across 14 countries. In that role, she also launched the organization’s first mobile microlearning platform for inclusive leadership, making training in inclusive practices accessible globally. She was the former Vice-Chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Diversity Leadership Circle and has mentored over 60+ emerging leaders through Locelle and other programs.

Tamara E. Pongracz

Department Head, Trades Access, BCIT

Tamara Pongracz is the former Department Head of Trades Access at BCIT and a Red Seal-qualified tradeswoman of Indigenous heritage. With over three decades of experience, she has designed and led programs that remove barriers and expand pathways into skilled trades including trades exploration, women in trades, dual credit and international student literacy. Tamara organizes the annual Jill of All Trades and the Sneak Peak for Indigenous Youth, events that introduce underrepresented groups to trades careers. A recognized leader, she has served on BCIT’s Board of Governors and numerous provincial and national committees, including as an inaugural board member for the Aboriginal Careers in Trades Society. Her work has been recognized with BCIT’s Employee Excellence Award and the BC Construction Association’s Outstanding Woman in Construction Award.

Dr. Tricia Tang

Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Experimental Medicine Program, UBC

Dr. Tricia Tang is a Registered Psychologist, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Experimental Medicine Program at the University of British Columbia. She is recognized internationally for her research and advocacy in diabetes, particularly for high-risk and medically underserved communities. Tricia co-chaired the Breakthrough T1D-sponsored Mental Health and Diabetes Training Program and, until recently, was BC’s only mental health specialist with expertise in diabetes care. She created Supporting Physical Activity: A Community Effort (SPACE), a free virtual fitness platform, to increase physical activity and reduce the diabetes burden among South Asian adults. Tricia has received multiple teaching awards including the Faye R. Dirk Award for Teaching Excellence, the UBC Distinguished Achievement Award for Education and the Division of Endocrinology Outstanding Research Mentor Award.

This category is sponsored by:

Carla Guerrera

Founder and CEO, Purpose Driven Development

Carla Guerrera is CEO and Founder of Purpose Driven Development, a real estate development company delivering projects that drive purpose, innovation and positive change across Canada. With more than two decades of leadership in city building, Carla centres community well-being and affordability while advancing the leadership of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. This includes her leadership on North America’s first women-led, women-designed, women-built housing project, Soroptimist House, delivering 135 affordable rental homes for women. Carla also serves on the BC Pavilion Corporation Board and mentors women in leadership and urban development. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Business in Vancouver’s C-Suite Top CEO Award, BC Business’ Woman of the Year in Entrepreneurship, and internationally with the Urban Land Institute’s Global Top 40 Under 40.

Jennifer Zhang

Founder and CEO, Concrete Cashmere

Jennifer Zhang is the Founder and CEO of Concrete Cashmere Designs, a high-growth Vancouver-based firm that integrates design, construction management and brand aesthetics into one service. Through her leadership, Concrete Cashmere has delivered major commercial and residential projects. In 2020, she co-founded the hospitality concept Hello Nori, a dining model centred on elevated hand-roll sushi that now has six locations. Jennifer volunteers as Strategic Alliance Chair for Entrepreneurs’ Organization Vancouver, where she forges partnership opportunities and collaborates with key partners to enhance members’ experience within the organization. She also mentors fellow Entrepreneurs’ Organization Vancouver members. Jennifer’s unique approach to blending design, construction management and brand strategy led to her recognition in BC Business’ Top 30 Under 30 and Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40.

Marissa Grootes

CEO, STIL Classics

Marissa Grootes is the Founder and CEO of STIL, a female-founded planning and lifestyle brand recognized for modernizing stationery. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Marissa’s outlook shifted from relentless hustle to mindful productivity, reshaping both her life and her company. Marissa scaled STIL internationally through innovative product design, operational excellence and a founder-forward approach that has built a highly engaged global community. She has committed to sourcing locally where possible, reinforcing sustainable economic development, while also cultivating collaborations with influencers and lifestyle brands. In 2024, Marissa secured a deal for STIL on Dragon’s Den Season 18 by showcasing her vision and resilience and was recognized for her pitch, leadership and innovation. She was honoured on BC Business’ 30 Under 30 list for her leadership, design innovation and STIL’s rapid growth.

Sarah Bundy

Co-Founder and CEO, Athena Collective

Sarah Bundy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Athena Collective, which addresses systemic gaps for women building businesses. Through curated mentorship, resources, funding pathways and operational support, Athena Collective empowers women entrepreneurs using its proprietary platform and omnichannel community. Previously, she founded and scaled a multi-million-dollar performance marketing agency, which was recognized as Company of the Year by Small Business BC. Sarah was the first woman board member of ACETECH, a CEO-led tech community. She was also recently appointed Program Advisory Committee Chair for BCIT’s School of Business and Media Marketing Program. Sarah’s accomplishments have been recognized with Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40, PROFITguide’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs, Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in Canada and the Global Excellence Award in Performance Marketing.

Simran Kang

Founder and CEO, MyFO

Simran Kang is the Founder and CEO of MyFO, North America’s fastest-growing family office platform, which unites investment tracking, document management and reporting on one secure platform. Through automation and streamlined workflows, MyFO saves family offices more than 40 hours per month and clients can be fully onboarded in less than a week. Under her leadership, MyFO integrated more than 20,000 financial institutions and accounting systems, allowing families to monitor global assets instantly. Simran is a mentor and advocate for diversity in financial technology, supporting emerging women leaders through public speaking and mentorship initiatives. Her work has been recognized through the Wealth for Good Awards 2025 for Reporting Solution and Female Executive, and UBS's top 10 Female Founders in Fintech.

Sumreen Kaur Rattan

Co-Founder and COO, Moment Energy

Sumreen Kaur Rattan is the Co-Founder and COO of Moment Energy, a cleantech company transforming retired electric vehicle batteries into sustainable energy solutions. Moment Energy’s Luna battery energy storage system is the first in the world to be built with repurposed lithium-ion batteries and successfully tested through all key UL safety standards, resulting in the first-ever grid-ready, independently tested system. Sumreen and her team also led the launch of North America’s first UL 1974-certified repurposing facility, forging partnerships with global automotive leaders. Her company has delivered multiple impactful projects, including a landmark contract with Vancouver International Airport. Sumreen also mentors future innovators, volunteers on advisory boards and champions women in STEM. Her work has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Globe and Mail Changemakers, and the Global Cleantech 100.

This category is sponsored by:

Angie Lamarsh

Head of Sustainability, Personal and Commercial Banking, RBC

Angie Lamarsh is Head of Sustainability, Personal and Commercial Banking at RBC. She inspires institutions to approach climate action as a financial wellness strategy. Previously, she was National Head of Sustainable Finance, Commercial Banking at HSBC Canada, where she educated businesses on creating greener economies. Her focus led to building a multi-billion-dollar green finance portfolio, increasing client engagement by 300%, empowering employees to drive climate action and advancing tools that democratize low-carbon solutions for Canadians. Angie previously served as Simon Fraser University’s Chair of the Board of Governors, where she championed sustainability in governance. She was selected as one of Women’s Executive Network’s Top Most Powerful Women in Canada and as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40.

Christine Rigby

Manager, Climate Action and Air Quality, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Christine Rigby is Manager, Climate Action and Air Quality at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, where she leads a team driving port-wide emissions reductions. She introduced the Port’s first environmental standards for container trucks, co-led the Strathcona Area Air Quality Study and launched North America’s first EcoAction vessel incentive program, which offers reduced harbour fees to vessels that use cleaner fuels or meet higher environmental standards. Christine also led the Climate Smart program, helped develop the Port’s Non-Road Diesel Emissions Program, and spearheaded a comprehensive, Port-wide action plan to reduce emissions. Christine’s sustainability work has been recognized internationally, including by leading the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to win the Lighthouse Award from the American Association of Port Authorities for Environmental Improvement and Comprehensive Environmental Management.

Marnie Wu

Director, Commercial Network Operations, HTEC

Marnie Wu is Director, Commercial Network Operations for HTEC. She led the team that created Canada’s first commercially available heavy duty hydrogen-refuelling station in Greater Vancouver, providing trucks with zero emission, green hydrogen fuel. She also co-led a global “Women in Wells” workstream, using data-driven insights on hiring, pay, work-life balance and unconscious bias to highlight inequities through presentations and training. Marnie has been recognized for her leadership in green innovation through invitations to speak at the Canada Clean Energy Conference and Vancouver’s annual hydrogen event on the “Women in Green Hydrogen” panel. A leader in environmental responses for decades, she took on the 20% wildlife response success rate during the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill, significantly advancing wildlife rescue effectiveness during a challenging environmental crisis.

Maura Brown

Department Head, Medical Imaging, BC Cancer

Maura Brown is Department Head of Medical Imaging at BC Cancer and has over two decades of service in the BC health-care system. She champions opportunities for low-carbon, high-quality, climate-resilient health care and leads novel initiatives that reduce the environmental impacts of medical imaging. Maura established and chairs a BC Radiologic Society working group on sustainable medical imaging and has led projects to reduce cost and energy waste in the industry. She collaborated with Cascades Canada and the Canadian Association of Radiology to educate, engage and inspire sustainable practices inclusive of clinical, operational and policy settings with national and international impact. Maura’s paper measuring the energy and cost saved by powering down CT scanners in nonoperational hours was awarded CAR Journal’s 2025 Editors Award.

Dr. Brenda Lau

Medical Director, Changepain Clinic

Dr. Brenda Lau is the medical director of Changepain Clinic, which provides multidisciplinary care by integrating medicine, rehabilitation and education to improve patient outcomes. Brenda facilitated pain care coordination in Vancouver Coastal, Northern and Fraser Health authorities and developed BC's first comprehensive non-hospital medical and surgical facility for the treatment of chronic pain. These initiatives decreased hospital wait times and alleviated the burden of care on primary care centres. She was one of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Founders in establishing pain medicine as a nationally recognized subspecialty. Brenda led a taskforce for the University of British Columbia to establish the Pain Medicine Residency Training Program. Brenda's work was recognized by the Vancouver Medical Association's Primus Inter Pares Award.

Constance Lynn Hummel

Clinical Psychotherapist, Constance Lynn Consulting

Constance Lynn Hummel, MA, RCC, is an awarded Clinical Psychotherapist, Leadership Peak Performance Strategist and Approved Clinical Supervisor who develops integrated approaches to trauma therapy, performance psychology and leadership resilience. She co-developed provincial suicide prevention policy, national guidelines on technology use in counselling and sexual-health curriculum for clinical and medical providers. She served 15 years on Adler University’s Research Ethics Board and as former adjunct faculty. She contributes to provincial regulatory development and clinical capacity building as current Chair of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ Editorial and Education Committee and member of BCACC's Advisory Council. Her work was recognized with the 2025 BC Association of Clinical Counsellors’ Practitioner of the Year Award and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s Private Practitioner Award for Excellence.

Jessica t’łisala Guss

Lead, Strategic Initiatives, Indigenous Health, Health Quality BC

Jessica t’łisala Guss is Lead, Strategic Initiatives, Indigenous Health for Health Quality BC, where she drives province-wide implementation of the BC Cultural Safety and Humility Standard. Guided by her traditional name, t’łisala (brings light to others) transforms how health is understood and practiced by shifting from colonial, disease-focused models to Indigenous-led frameworks. Her influence helped shape a National Diabetes Framework that centres wellness, equity and reconciliation. As a founding member of BC’s AntiRacism Data Committee, Jessica also helps ensure identity data is governed ethically in partnership with communities. She has led major First Nations diabetes-engagement initiatives that informed First Nations Health Authority programs and Squamish Nation’s diabetes education circles. Jessica was recognized by Drishti Magazine as one of BC’s most influential women.

Dr. Lesa Dawson

Founder and Director, Gynecologic Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Program

Dr. Lesa Dawson is Founder and Director of the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Program and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine. She is a nationally recognized physician-scientist in women’s health. As an influential researcher and advocate, her leadership in population-based genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk has shaped national and international dialogue, building evidence to reduce inequities and prevent thousands of cancers. She also broke new ground by leading education, research and knowledge-translation initiatives focused on South Asian women’s health in BC. Her work has improved access and outcomes for women across Canada, advancing inclusive cancer prevention and care. She was recognized as one of Optimyz Magazine’s Top 100 Health and Influencers.

Sally-Anne Stelling

Co-Director, BC Brain Wellness Program and Senior Physiotherapist

Sally-Anne Stelling is Co-Director of the BC Brain Wellness Program at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and is recognized for advancing province-wide, evidence-informed exercise and education initiatives in brain wellness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the transition of BC Brain Wellness’ in-person exercise programs to virtual delivery. She has since led the expansion of free online programming to rural and remote communities, which are underserved for patients with neurological conditions. Sally-Anne also led the development of an educational model that blends interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning across University of British Columbia’s school of Kinesiology and departments of Physical Therapy and Dietetics. These partnerships give students hands-on experience working with exercise patients and learn clinical skills. In 2024, she received the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia Clinical Preceptor Award.

Dr. Shelina Babul

Director and Sports Injury Specialist, BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit

Dr. Shelina Babul is Director and Sports Injury Specialist with the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at BC Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. Focused on identifying gaps in injury prevention, concussion research and strategies to promote uptake of effective interventions, Shelina developed the internationally trusted Concussion Awareness Training Tool. She also co-led the creation of Active and Safe Central, an online resource promoting physical activity to improve the health and well-being of British Columbians. Her work has been recognized through multiple awards including the 2025 Canadian Association for Medical Education Certificate of Merit, the 2025 Alumni UBC Global Citizenship Award and the 2023 UBC Faculty of Medicine Clinical Faculty Award for Excellence in Research.

This category is sponsored by:

Amanda Burrows

Executive Director, First United Church Community Ministry Society

Amanda Burrows is Executive Director of First United Church Community Ministry Society, one of Vancouver’s oldest direct service organizations. She has led the organization through a $92 million redevelopment project delivering four floors of community amenities in the Downtown Eastside and seven floors of deeply affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples. Amanda has guided First United’s law reform and policy advocacy advancing housing justice, tenant protections and dignity-based responses to poverty and homelessness. In 2024, the provincial government announced it would adopt six policy recommendations she championed. Her work bridges frontline service, large-scale community development and systems change, with a focus on ensuring that public policy and city-building decisions centre equity, human rights and the lived experience of people most impacted by Vancouver’s affordability crisis.

Andrea Seale

CEO, Canadian Cancer Society

Andrea Seale is the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Canada’s largest national health charity. Dedicated to building a more compassionate, healthy and just society, Andrea champions transformative initiatives including Canada’s first Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support, partnerships to help people overcome socioeconomic barriers to cancer treatment, and research focusing on transforming the lowest survival cancers. With her leadership, the Canadian Cancer Society achieved fundraising records, raising philanthropic donations of more than $1.2 billion for research and support services. A strong advocate, she has advanced health policy resulting in more equitable cancer care. Andrea was named Outstanding Fundraising Professional at AFP Vancouver’s Giving Hearts Award. She also led the Canadian Cancer Society to receive a Charity Village Award for Best Non-Profit Employer – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Denise Praill

CEO, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice

Denise Praill is the CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and has more than 25 years of leadership experience across philanthropic, non-profit and private sectors in BC. Under her leadership, Canuck Place became the first children’s hospice to earn ChildKind Certification, was awarded Accreditation Canada’s Exemplary Standing, and achieved Imagine Canada accreditation—demonstrating strong governance and operational best practices. Denise also championed the launch of the Canuck Place Research Initiative, breaking barriers between clinical care and research in pediatric settings. Denise is an active member of Children’s Healthcare Canada Executive Network, holds her Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and is a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She led Canuck Place to receive the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Non-Profit of the Year Award in 2024.

Hajar Masoud

Chief Strategy Officer, Atira Women’s Resource Society

Hajar Masoud is the Chief Strategy Officer at Atira Women’s Resource Society, where she leads organizational accountability, housing safety systems, governance process improvements, data-based reporting and sector collaboration. She came to Canada as a refugee with a professional background in international development, including work with the United Nations. Hajar co-led the PanCanadian Voices for Women’s Housing network, bringing together housing providers, researchers, government officials and women with lived experience. She developed Atira’s first safety and complaints accountability model across 48 programs, which integrated tenant safety, staff investigations, incident reporting and corrective actions into a centralized platform. Hajar also initiated the first-ever TEDx in the Downtown Eastside, creating a platform for people with lived expertise to speak about housing, health and safety issues.

Kim Bartley

President of the Board, ALANO Club of Vancouver

Kim Bartley is President of the Board and former Executive Director of the ALANO Club of Vancouver, where she leads community-based recovery services supporting thousands annually. She assumed the Executive Director role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing unpaid stable leadership to reopen the club and modernize financial, administrative and governance systems. Kim strengthened governance, rebuilt administrative systems and led major renovations that improved safety, accessibility and community use. This included expanding meeting options and developing programming that supports individuals of all genders and backgrounds. She established sustainable fundraising initiatives, secured community partnerships and advanced collaboration with organizations such as BCARA and Street to Home. As a member of the Chapleau Cree First Nation, she brings cultural awareness and community-centred values to her work.

Kristina Corpin-Moser

Executive Director, Filipino BC

Kristina Corpin-Moser, Executive Director at Filipino BC, is leading the establishment of Vancouver’s first Filipino Cultural and Community Centre, while strengthening organizational capacity. She has more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors, specializing in relationship-centred leadership, social enterprise and community-based participatory research. Kristina has led community emergency response initiatives, developed culturally responsive mental health and youth programs, and expanded organizational capacity through partnerships and volunteer mobilization. In 2025, she established Metro Vancouver’s first Filipino-led emergency response model following the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy, creating coordinated systems for case management, immediate care support and long-term crisis response. In 2024, she was recognized as one of Canadian Filipino Net’s Outstanding Filipinos for her contributions to Filipino-Canadian cultural preservation and inclusive programming.

Lenya Wilks

Director, Community Inclusion, Health and Equity, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society

Lenya Wilks is Director of Community Inclusion, Health and Equity at DIVERSEcity Community Resources. In her role, she leads transformative initiatives that strengthen newcomer integration, champion mental health, support gender-based violence survivors and empower organizations across BC and Yukon. She has led significant projects including DIVERSEcity’s certification with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the Black Brilliance in BC event and BUILDS, a capacity-building program for grassroots organizations. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards including being named one of Canada’s top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024 by the Canada International Black Women Excellence Organization, a Community Champion Award from Sisters in Canada Safe Haven, and a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant in 2025 by Canadian Immigrant Magazine’s national awards.

Lilian Chau

CEO, Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society

Lilian Chau is CEO of Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society, one of Canada’s first women-led community housing organizations, with a focus on single mothers, seniors, people with disabilities and other equity-deserving groups. Under her leadership, the Society has grown from a single project to more than 500 affordable homes under construction and 1,000 in development. Lilian drives innovative financing strategies, including developing an affordable housing community bond to attract investment and ensure long-term sustainability. She champions gender and social equity, forging partnerships with Indigenous and community organizations to advance equitable access to affordable housing. In 2023, Lilian was appointed by BC's Attorney General as a Governor to the Law Foundation of BC to support legal and racial justice, gender equity and reconciliation.

Martina Meckova

Executive Director, Beedie Luminaries

Martina Meckova is the Executive Director of Beedie Luminaries, a social-profit enterprise designed to help remove barriers to education and provide wraparound support for students who are facing financial adversity. A proven social-profit leader with more than 20 years of experience, Martina helped build Beedie Luminaries from the ground up. Through her leadership, Martina has guided Luminaries to being one of the most innovative and comprehensive scholarship programs in the country. Today, Luminaries offers five scholarships, including ones specifically for refugees and immigrants, single parents, and for students pursuing the trades. A recent social impact report shows Luminaries students have achieved a 95% retention level within post-secondary studies. Before joining Luminaries, Martina served as Executive Director of the Vancouver Police Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Meena Amlani

Executive Director, ASK Friendship Society

Meena Amlani is Executive Director of the ASK Friendship Society, where she leads innovative programs supporting seniors and caregivers. She led the Society through organizational transformation, modernizing operations, expanding staff capacity and introducing performance-based evaluation systems that increased service reach by 40%. Meena also implemented equity, diversity, and inclusion practices across all levels of the organization through policy updates, staff training, and program adaptation. She develops partnerships across sectors to integrate research, evaluation and equity into service delivery. A strong advocate, Meena has actively contributed to provincial discussions on aging and accessibility, representing community-based programs in policy dialogues and helping to shape the future of senior services across BC. Her organizational development was recognized with the Filan Award for Leadership from the Chair Academy.

Dr. Amy Parent, Sigidmnak Noxs Ts’aawit

Associate Professor, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Amy Parent, Sigidimnaḵ' Noxs Ts’aawit of the Nisga’a Nation is the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Governance and Education and UNESCO Co-Chair in Indigenous Knowledge Research Governance and Rematriation. She leads the BC First Nations Women’s, Two-Spirit, Self-Determination, Rematriation and Research Governance Annual Summit and Network. Dr. Parent led a Nisga’a rematriation delegation that set a precedent for the first return of a totem pole from the UK, informing national and international policy on Indigenous cultural treasures and UNDRIP implementation. As Co-Chair of the Tri-Agency Indigenous Leadership Circle in Research, she advances evidence-based reforms to strengthen Indigenous research funding, policy and governance. In 2024, her work on the rematriation of the Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole was recognized as Academic of the Year by the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC.

Denise Williams

Principal, Kinship Studio

Denise Williams is the Principal of Kinship Studio, a First Nations women-led consultancy that centres individuals, organizations and institutions to find a new relationship with self, others, the land and future generations. She is a national leader in Indigenous sovereign futures whose vision moves people into action. Her achievements include building tech pathways for more than 3,000 First Nations learners, shaping Simon Fraser University’s Indigenous student strategies and leading regional economic inclusion through Invest Vancouver. Denise co-designed and led one of Canada’s first Indigenous-centred AI governance dialogues through SFU’s Dialogue on Technology Project. Her achievements have been recognized with SFU’s Outstanding Alumni Award, two-time recognition as one of BC’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders and as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40.

Jayme Gabriel-Chan

Process and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Law Foundation of BC

Jayme Gabriel-Chan is the Process and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist with the Indigenous Justice team at the Law Foundation of BC. Across all her work, she focuses on supporting Indigenous Peoples to reclaim identity and strengthen cultural grounding, and on helping institutions understand how Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews can move together with integrity. Jayme supports organizations in shifting from transactional expectations toward relationship-based and accountable ways of working. She has also helped teams rethink how they engage with Indigenous identity, community accountability, and decolonized practices. Jayme’s approach is shaped by years of learning, unlearning, and walking alongside community in ways that honour responsibility, trust, and relationship. Outside of her professional roles, Jayme volunteers as a Director with Stalew Arts and Cultural Society, supporting cultural programming and community gatherings.

Dr. Krista Stelkia

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University

Dr. Krista Stelkia is Syilx/Tlingit from the Osoyoos Indian Band and an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. She is the inaugural Director of the Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance, a partnership between SFU and the First Nations Health Authority, and a Nominated Principal Applicant for the BC Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research. With more than 15 years of experience working with First Nations communities, Krista’s interdisciplinary work examines the structural determinants of Indigenous Peoples’ health and well-being, including structural racism, Indigenizing health indicators and police accountability. In 2025, her national impact on Indigenous health policy was recognized through an appointment as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Governance.

Tracy Ridler

Founder and CEO, The Centre for Native Nation Builders

Tracy Ridler is CEO and Founder of the Centre for Native Nation Builders and Build Native 2.0, organizations advancing Indigenous-led economic development and reconciliation. She co-led Shopify’s Build Native program and established international partnerships with Hawaii Rising, Mana Up, EntrepreNorth, Pow Wow Pitch and SIIT, helping thousands of Indigenous entrepreneurs start, grow and scale businesses. Tracy advises government and private-sector partners on Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act implementation, including by leading the development of province-wide economic reconciliation strategies that aligned public-sector investments with First Nations’ priorities. She also mentors emerging Indigenous leaders and contributes globally through UN engagements. Her work integrates Indigenous values into policy, governance and business systems, creating practical frameworks for sustained economic sovereignty, equitable partnerships and community-driven impact.

Anne Zhong

Manager, Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement, TELUS

Anne Zhong is Manager of Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement at TELUS, where she leads Indigenous relations, lands solutions and municipal relations. She established relationships across BC and Alberta, serving 239 Indigenous communities, including connecting 308 Indigenous lands with TELUS' PureFibre network. Anne continues to advance reconciliation by creating learning resources, supporting Indigenous team members and extends her impact beyond connectivity through TELUS Wise, Connecting for Good and Health for Good programs. She also championed a verified Indigenous vendor database, significantly boosting Indigenous business opportunities. Anne led multiple emergency responses, providing connectivity and 21,000 pounds of supplies during COVID-19, and 8,600 pounds of essentials during wildfires and floods to more than 50 Indigenous communities. She also facilitated the delivery of thousands of Kits for Kids to Indigenous youth.

Paromita (Mita) Naidu

Director of Content Strategy, BC Housing

Mita Naidu is Director of Content Strategy at BC Housing, where she centres reconciliation in content creation and storytelling. In her role, she emphasizes language, unpacking power and privilege and community engagement in housing narratives. She created in-house trainings centred on reconciliation, anti-racism, storytelling and decolonization in communications work. Mita also amplifies voices of Indigenous housing advocates through BC Housing’s Let’s Talk podcast. She was appointed to BC Housing’s special advisory committee to develop a Reconciliation and Equity Accountability Framework. Outside BC Housing, Mita sparked dialogue about reconciliation at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival by creating dedicated spaces for Indigenous artists and reshaping festival communications. In 2024, Mita was recognized as one of Drishti Magazine's Top 15 Women of Influence, acknowledging her leadership, dedication and service to others.

Winnie Rufaro Chironga

Director of Equity, Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC

Winnie Chironga (LLB, MBA) is the Director of Equity at Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA) of BC, where she leads provincial initiatives in Indigenous relations, decolonization and sector capacity building. She co-developed AMSSA’s Decolonization River framework and Reimagining Belonging publication with Elders, strengthening Indigenous-guided practice across BC’s immigrant- and refugee-serving sector. Winnie advanced Indigenous governance by establishing AMSSA’s Indigenous Advisory Circle and co-developing an e-learning module linking newcomer and Indigenous experiences expanding sector-wide understanding. Her volunteer work includes leadership with Sisters in Canada Wellness Society, participation in the Canadian Network for Equity and Racial Justice, Indigenous community engagement, and contributions to the National Newcomer Collective for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2025, she received the Black Brilliance Trailblazer Award from DIVERSEcity.

Dr. Honglin Luo

Professor at UBC’s Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department and Centre for Heart Lung Innovation

Dr. Honglin Luo is a Professor at UBC’s Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department and one of the first female scientists at UBC’s Centre for Heart Lung Innovation located at St. Paul’s Hospital. She is an internationally recognized expert in the field of viral pathogenesis and virotherapy and has published more than 125 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals. Her research focuses on the development of therapies for viral myocarditis, neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and cancer. Honglin’s laboratory’s pioneering work in oncolytic viral treatment, harnessing engineered or naturally occurring viruses to target and destroy tumour cells, for lung and breast cancer has led to two successful patents. Honglin was recognized as the leading expert in enterovirus research in Canada by Expertscape and in the top 0.21% of 25,997 experts worldwide.

Kathryn Hayashi

Former President and CEO of TRIUMF Innovations

Kathryn Hayashi was the President and CEO of TRIUMF Innovations, which connects Canada's national particle accelerator laboratory with the business world. As Co-Lead of the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem, Kathryn helped TRIUMF deliver new production capacity to BC for rare cancer-fighting isotopes like actinium-225. She served as an Executive Committee Member of the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council and is Co-founder of BioConnect, with 3,000 members today. Kathryn serves on the boards of the Michael Smith Health Foundation, C3i Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy and Discovery Parks/Nimbus Synergies Fund. In 2022, Kathryn and TRIUMF received the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council Not-For-Profit Advocacy Award. Under her leadership, TRIUMF also won the Excellence in Industry Award at the 2024 BC Tech Awards for its record of turning experimental technologies into real-world solutions.

Dr. Mariana Brussoni

Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership and Professor at UBC’s Department of Pediatrics

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) and Professor at UBC’s Department of Pediatrics. Her research on the benefits of unstructured play for children formed the foundation for the Canadian Paediatric Society’s 2024 Position Statement on Outdoor Risky Play, which advocates for equitable access and challenges society’s focus on injury prevention. The research has informed the perspectives of Canada’s Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health and the Canadian Public Health Association. Mariana collaborates with municipalities to redesign outdoor play spaces and advises global bodies like the World Health Organization. In 2023, she won the Outdoor Play Canada Research Award. In 2024, she received the Joe L. Frost Award from the US Play Coalition and the UBC Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award.

This category is sponsored by

Chloe Goodison

Founder and Executive Director, NaloxHome Society

Chloe Goodison is the Founder and Executive Director of NaloxHome, a youth-led organization providing overdose education and naloxone training across BC. She leads 95 volunteers and four part-time staff, helping the organization reach more than 40,000 youth through community programs. Chloe serves on several governance bodies, including the Port Moody Police Board, Coast Mental Health Society Board and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Vancouver Community Board. She also volunteers as a research assistant in Metro Vancouver hospitals. She is completing an Honours BSc in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, where she mentors fellow students. Her leadership has been recognized with the BC Medal of Good Citizenship, BCBusiness 30 Under 30, Mazda Canada Rising Legends, Surrey 25 Under 25, and SFU’s Dr. Jack Uppal Award.

Monika Jandu

Co-Founder, Young Minds Exploring Science

Monika Jandu is the Co-Founder of Young Minds Exploring Science, an education start-up committed to engaging youth in science, technology and math programs without any financial barriers. She has trained four workshop facilitators who have reached more than 100 youth who are newcomers or facing socioeconomic barriers. The program recently expanded from virtual only to offering its first in-person workshop. From 2023 to mid-2025, Monika led weekly wheelchair basketball classes, trained five additional staff, and now serves as a substitute instructor. She is a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia and previously completed her Bachelors of Science and Education. Monika’s commitment to her community was recognized by the Surrey Board of Trade, which gave her a Top 25 Under 25 Award.

Oluchi Adesuwa Flourish Aiwize

Former Acting Vice-President and Fundraising Coordinator, Junior Black Achievement Awards Youth Council

Flourish Aiwize is Former Acting Vice-President and Fundraising Coordinator of Junior Black Achievement Awards Youth Council. She led the successful Picnic at the Park initiative, securing a $5,000 grant and coordinating an event that brought together approximately 300 attendees, 20 vendors, 50 volunteers and three regional mayors. After securing a United Way grant, Flourish independently planned her school’s first Black History Month programming. She previously served as a unified basketball assistant coach supporting students with diverse needs and volunteered for three years in her school’s Athletic Leadership Program, organizing intramurals and supporting athletic events. Flourish also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. She has been recognized with four consecutive basketball awards for growth, leadership and performance.

Rachel Wei

Fundraising Concert Organizer, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice

Rachel Wei organizes fundraising concerts for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice independently handling venue negotiations, technical coordination, marketing and community outreach. Since age 11, she has led six concerts that have raised $85,250 to support pediatric palliative care. She is also the Founder and President of the Beacon of Music Foundation, one of Metro Vancouver’s only youth-led arts non-profits, where she has engaged over 200 volunteers, mentored peer leaders and coordinated more than 120 intergenerational concerts for seniors. Rachel created Musical Ears, a by-donation summer program expanding arts education for people with limited access. A Young Steinway Artist and Southeastern Piano Festival participant, she balances advanced musicianship with community leadership. She has been recognized as a Vancouver Canucks Community Hero and as an AFP National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Youth Philanthropist.

Shivani Jeet

Founder, Survivor Talks

Shivani Jeet is the Founder and Host of Survivor Talks. She leads a team that provides community education on issues related to sexual violence and mental health, including the importance of consent education, trauma, and boundary setting. As the former founder of Sexual Violence Prevention Association BC, Shivani also works as a Community Services Assistant for the City of Surrey and hosts the Survivor Talks podcast, which aims to create a safe space for conversations about sexual violence and mental health. At age 18, she founded Fearless BC to raise awareness about mental health, ecocide, abuse, and colonialism. Shivani’s community work has been recognized with the Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 Award and the Diana Award, founded in honour of the late Princess Diana.

Suhana Gill

Social Media Deputy Director, Climate Cardinals

Suhana Gill is Social Media Deputy Director of Climate Cardinals, a global youth network combating climate change through education and advocacy. As part of a global team, she supports the organization’s growth through communications, outreach, and digital engagement, contributing to a network of over 16,000 volunteers in 134 countries, with work translated into 105 languages. At age 15, she founded the Bluer and Greener Initiative, a youth-led movement focused on climate justice. She was the youngest ever Women’s Representative elected at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. In 2023, she was crowned Miss Fundraiser Canada, contributing to collective fundraising initiatives that raised over $3 million for nonprofit organizations, including Make-A-Wish Canada. As the youngest-ever appointee to the City of Surrey’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, Suhana advocates for transformative sustainability policies and youth perspectives in urban development.

Sukhman Kaur Dhillon

Co-Founder and Lead Instructor, Hands for Life Foundation

Sukhman Dhillon is Co-Founder and Lead Instructor at Hands for Life Foundation, which aims to increase community access to CPR, first aid and heart health education. She founded the organization in response to rising heart-related emergencies in her community and developed an accessible CPR and heart-health education model, creating multilingual, culturally responsive lessons for Punjabi- and Hindi-speaking newcomers. In 2017, she co-founded Youth Helping BC, offering mentorship to youth volunteers and coordinating large-scale fundraisers, care-package distribution, neighbourhood cleanups and youth-led service projects. She is Co-President of University of British Columbia's Medical Understanding & Outreach Pediatrics and former Co-President of the UBC Women’s Health Project, where she has led student teams in delivering children’s health and women’s health programming across campus. Sukhman received the highly competitive Cmolik Foundation Scholarship.

This category is sponsored by 

BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc.  

BC Infrastructure Benefits Inc. (BCIB) is the employer of skilled tradespeople on select public infrastructure projects. BCIB works with contractors and unions to supply workers to these projects, using an equitable hiring system that offers priority job access to qualified locals, Indigenous workers, women and other underrepresented groups. Women hold 62% of the senior leadership roles at BCIB and executive development programs provide pathways for advancement. BCIB delivers a culture change training program to all its employees, including Indigenous history—delivered with local First Nations Knowledge Sharers—and justice, equity, diversity and inclusion training. Corporate staff benefit from employee resource groups, flexible scheduling, volunteer support, cultural leave, inclusive workplace policies and more. BCIB is a multi-year recipient of BC’s Top Employer and Canada’s Best Diversity Employer.  

Concert Properties 

Concert Properties is a real estate developer, owner and manager based in Vancouver. As an employer, Concert Properties integrates employee feedback into progressive workplace practices including flexible spending accounts, hybrid work with formalized remote options, transit subsidies, leadership development, virtual health care and mental health first aid training. Women are supported through a dedicated wellness room and maternity top-ups ensuring 95% of base salary for 16 weeks plus phased return-to-work options. Equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded through annual pay equity reviews, ensuring market competitiveness, and through the Built for Everyone DEI framework and gender diversity education delivered by TransFocus. Last year, Concert Properties launched its Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes employee education, embedding reconciliation actions into onboarding and operational practices, and expanding Indigenous procurement and talent development initiatives. 

Greater Vancouver Food Bank 

Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a non-profit providing food support through direct distribution in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore, and partnerships with agencies across British Columbia. With an 80% organizational health score, competitive benefits and robust support for professional growth, GVFB creates an environment where employees can thrive. GVFB is committed to elevating women, encouraging applicants in underrepresented fields, providing maternity benefits, and maintaining board and leadership teams with over 40% women. In 2024, women accounted for 74% of all promotions and 58% were visible minorities. Dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is demonstrated across the organization through neutral language, consistent hiring practices and transparent analysis of gender and compensation data. GVFB welcomes Indigenous teachings that enrich collective understanding.  

Illuma Law Corporation 

Illuma Family Law is an all-female firm with a mission to increase women’s representation in legal leadership and improve workplace structures within the family law sector. To address systemic barriers for women and caregivers, the firm introduced B.C.’s first known child care top-up program in a law practice and allows its lawyers to use a flexible scheduling model, allowing them to design workweeks that align with caregiving, wellness and commuting needs. Illuma is committed to transparent billable expectations, compensation bands and advancement frameworks. Illuma has implemented equity-focused hiring practices and workplace policies that promote the advancement of women at all career stages. The firm also supports community engagement through pro bono initiatives, participation in legal associations and collaboration with women-centred community programs. 

Microserve 

Microserve is one of BC’s largest tech companies and a 100% Canadian-owned family business. Women and underrepresented groups are supported through maternity top-ups, flexible work programs, leadership development and gender parity initiatives. Microserve is one of only 48 employers in Canada offering paid leave to employees who choose to become living organ donors, making them part of the Living Donor Circle of Excellence partnering with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Society of Transplantation. Beyond the workplace, Microserve invests $40,000 annually in scholarships, pledges $100,000 to cancer foundations and contributes more than 700 volunteer hours. Microserve has been recognized as Canada’s 10th Most Admired Corporate Culture, a two-time CRN Gender Parity finalist, with the Burnaby Business Excellence Community Spirit Award. 

Parq Casino 

Parq Casino is an entertainment and hospitality destination in downtown Vancouver recognized for progressive workplace practices and a strong commitment to employee well-being, equity and community engagement. The organization promotes internal career growth, with over half of its workforce identifying as women and many in leadership roles. Parq Casino models a progressive workplace through its committees that promote belonging, advance employee feedback, ensure workplace safety and support local non-profits. Inclusion is advanced through Indigenous partnerships and collaborations with community partners such as the Dr. Peter Centre, YWCA BC, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, the Kettle Society, Vancouver Firefighter Charities and the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. Employees are encouraged to volunteer, engage in local initiatives and participate in wellness programs including fitness classes, counselling support and annual wellness fairs. 

White Canvas Design Agency 

White Canvas Design Agency is a 100% women-led creative firm. The agency supports women through leadership training, internal mentorship, equitable pay practices and external coaching support. The office environment is both dog-friendly and kid-friendly, recognizing that work life and personal life are interconnected. The agency provides an annual wellness fund, two company-wide rest days each year as well as a day off for employees’ birthdays. White Canvas demonstrates strong commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion through transparent hiring, full-time local employment, community partnerships and donated expertise. The agency also integrates Truth and Reconciliation through client collaborations, education and a roadmap to strengthening Indigenous-inclusive communication practices. White Canvas contributes over $40,000 annually in community give-back, practicum training and volunteer support. 

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