PRESENTS
International Women’s Day N
March 8, 2017 Cineplex Cinemas Coquitlam and VIP #TCCIWD #BEBOLDFORCHANGE
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BE BOLD FOR CHANGE
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welcome
11:10AM - 12:20PM: Keynote Address + Q&A, Panel Discussion 12:20PM - 1:15PM: Networking and Lunch
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JANET AUSTIN CEO, YWCA METRO VANCOUVER Janet Austin is the CEO of the YWCA Metro Vancouver, one of the province’s largest non-profits, and the former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Janet has reached the highest level of achievement in both the social and business sectors. She has guided the YWCA Metro Vancouver, which has a $28.3-million annual operating budget, through a number of transitions that has put the organization at the heart of the lives of tens of thousands of British Columbians using its services and programs and supporting their physical and mental well-being at more than 40 locations. Over the past decade, Janet has spearheaded community-focused initiatives at the YWCA, expanding its geographic and social reach in order to increase access to affordable housing for low-income single mothers and women leaving abusive relationships, supporting youth in foster care to transition to independence, and broadening services for marginalized women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. A champion of social change, Janet has served on various committees and boards including TransLink, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Council for Early Child Development, the Big Sisters Honorary Advisory Board, MOSAIC, the Dr. Peter Aids Foundation and others. Janet has received the Queen Elizabeth Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and was appointed to the Order of BC in 2016. She was named by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women (2008) and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2013. She is also a recipient of the BIV Influential Woman in Business Award and the BIV CEO of the Year Award (2016).
MODERATOR
CATHY CENA CATCHING UP WITH CATHY, HOST TRI-CITY COMMUNITY TV Cathy Cena is an active community member, TV personality and people connector. As a longtime Port Moody resident, she has established a great reputation amongst her peers and colleagues. She has served on numerous boards including Port Moody Arts Center, Tri-City Community TV, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation Gala Committee and Port Moody’s Transportation Committee. She is currently a talk show host for Tri-City Community TV’s “Catching up with Cathy” show that can be seen on Shaw TV. Cathy can often be seen around town making connections and interviewing the who’s-who in the Tri-Cities. Cathy was proud to be nominated for the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards in the Community Spirit category. She is extremely proud to be back as the Moderator for International Women’s Day again this year.
#TCCIWD #BEBOLDFORCHANGE
panelists: LISA BEECROFT OWNER, CAFFE DIVANO Lisa Beecroft is the owner of Caffe Divano, which operates three cafes in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Burnaby. Opening the first location in 2008, Caffe Divano was created with the intention of creating a neighbourhood hub where the community feels at home. This past year saw the launch of her new bakery, Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies & Baked Goodness. Named for her two daughters, Gabriela & Juliana, the bakery specializes in handmade pies and was recently recognized by the city of Port Moody with the Peter Hulbert Accessibility Award for their efforts in employing and creating opportunities for individuals with Autism. Lisa has created many opportunities for young women to take on leadership roles within Caffe Divano. By empowering and challenging young women to be strong and confident leaders early on in their careers, she hopes to create a positive foundation for them to grow.
LORA COVINHA GENERAL MANAGER, PHOENIX TRUCK & CRANE Born and raised in BC, Lora Covinha is the General Manager of Phoenix Truck & Crane. She has thrived in the male dominated transportation and crane industries, and quickly worked her way to the top of the company, raising her two children along the way. Lora believes in parity in the workplace and is committed to recruiting women and implementing retention practices that support and encourage them to stay and reach their potential. Since Lora took over the helm of Phoenix Truck & Cane in 2015, becoming their first female General Manager, she has hired more than 10 women, including 4 female truck drivers and Phoenix’s first ever female crane operator. As General Manager, Lora facilitated the purchase of a brand-new Endoscope, a special scope used specifically for women’s health, for our local Tri-Cities Hospital.
SHEILA SHARMA OWNER, THE GIGGLE DAM DINNER THEATRE Sheila Sharma is the Owner of The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre as well as a star writer, director, and performer. Only a truly twisted brain could create the outrageous material performed at The Giggle Dam, and Sheila categorically fits the bill. Sheila Sharma spent many years honing in on her psychosis in roles around BC and Alberta when finally she packaged her skills with husband, Mark Friebe. The outrageous duo opened The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre in 2001. Since then, Sheila has written and directed some of the funniest and most politically incorrect musical comedy shows ever performed on stage anywhere. As an accomplished singer, actor, writer and director, Sheila continues to push the boundaries of social norms and political correctness, particularly for women in the business of comedy. She travels the path forged by her many idols, inspired by the brilliance of those women who have had the audacity to be hilarious.
WWW.TRICITIESCHAMBER.COM
ENTER TO WIN 2 tickets to the Art of Leadership for Women on April 5, 2017 by telling us how you’re BOLD FOR CHANGE on social media with @TriCitiesCoC + #TCCIWD
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMITTEE & VOLUNTEERS Mary Vellani, Chair | Gillian Kirk | Trish Mandewo Peggy McGregor | Shannon Mitchell | Bonita Zarrillo Shelley Linn | Shari O’Neill | Anna Teglasi