Surrey:The Surrey Board of Trade hosted the 6th Annual Surrey Women in Business Awards Lunch, with Presenting Sponsor Vancity credit union. The sold-out event recognized the hard work of Surrey’s businesswomen and their contributions to Surrey.
“Women are contributing more than ever to B.C.’s economy, but many still face barriers,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancity. “These awards, which recognize the hard work of Surrey’s businesswomen and their contributions to the community, can help inspire women and men of all ages to make meaningful changes when it comes to supporting women in business and leadership.” Master of Ceremonies Steve Darling of Global BC led the afternoon’s program and kept guests laughing.
Keynote Speaker Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and MP for Papineau, Quebec spoke about the value of supporting female entrepreneurship and leadership as significant economic contributors to Surrey and to our nation. And the audience heard that there are 821,000 self-employed women, contributing $18 billion to Canada’s economy. Excitement was contagious throughout the room as winners were announced in four categories.
The winners are: 1. Entrepreneur Category: Angela Herd – The Family Hope Clinic Angela founded The Family Hope Clinic in February 2011, and she is currently the owner and principal Director. Throughout her personal and career experiences, she has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to support people of all ages and abilities in hospitals, schools, the non-profit sector, private practice and public service. Angela’s passion to contribute to the well-being of others in the community began as a volunteer at the age of 12 and has since included multiple agencies and volunteer roles that are active today.
2. Professional Category: Dr. Jane Fee – Kwantlen Polytechnic University Dr. Fee currently serves as the Vice Provost Students and Deputy Provost at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She has been a leader in the post-secondary education sector for over three decades. Her expertise is in the administration of post-secondary learner-focused programs and services, and student success. Dr. Fee’s areas of focus include student affairs, new student transition to first year, student support, and program development. She has served on university and community-based boards at many operational and academic levels.
3. Not-for-Profit Leader Category: Coreen Windbiel – Surrey Association for Community Living Coreen is the Executive Director of the Surrey Association for Community Living, an organization that has been providing services in the community such as residential/home-share living arrangements, social activities, day programs, and employment skills and training, for 57 years. Coreen leads by example and empowers people to feel confident in their abilities – she strives to break down barriers and search for new opportunities.
4. Corporate/Leadership Category: Hanne Madsen – GroYourBiz Hanne is the Chair and Facilitator for GroYourBiz, a peer-to-peer advisory board for women business owners, senior managers, and entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, operational and HR management, and having co-owned and operated a successful business for 24 years, Hanne assists these women in overcoming their challenges, leading them to develop innovative action plans and providing them with support, training, and expert advice.
