Women In Business - March 2024

Tina Burke worked as an accountant for over 10 years, and in 1996 she changed her career to specialize in recruiting accountants. Her boutique recruiting company, Burke Recruiting Inc has been operating since 2000 Burke prides herself on customer service and quality of candidates She has been recognized for BIV’s 40 under 40, and most recently co-authored a book with Marie Diamond. Tina has been in many podcasts about how to combine Feng Shui with business Check out her podcast or read one of her blogs at wwwburkerecruiting com

604-926-5612 cypressmountain.com

EMILY KOZNIUK

Director of Sales & Marketing

Emily Returns to Vancouver Roots

Born and raised in North Vancouver, a multi-sport athlete out of Lynn Valley, Emily took a field hockey scholarship to Boston College and then moved to New York where she began her career in advertising 10 years later, she found her way back to Vancouver.

In January Emily joined the Cypress Mountain Senior Leadership Team as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Joining the mountain that she learned to ski on as a kid truly feels like coming home and she is excited about the opportunity to grow the business

604-926-5612

cypressmountain.com

LAURA PIERSON

Director, Employee Experience

27 Years of Cypress Passion

When accepting a job as a Ticket Checker at Cypress Mountain, Laura Pierson never imagined that a short term seasonal role would evolve into her career 27 years later, and still with Cypress Mountain, she truly loves her position as Employee Experience Director.

Born and raised in Vancouver, she made the move to the North Shore in 1999 to be closer to work and ‘avoid the bridges’ when travelling to/from. Many years later and after raising a family on the Shore, one of whom now works on the mountain too, she feels so fortunate as could not imagine a better place to live, work and play.

604-926-5612 cypressmountain.com

JULIA TOREN

Nordic Area Manager

Full Circle: Two Decades Later

After exploring endeavours that took me to some beautiful spots around the world, I’ve come full circle to where my first ever job was Twenty years later, I’m lucky to have a position that encompasses so many things I love: getting guests into nature, collaborating on events and food & beverage, mountain operations, and now becoming involved in the big picture of planning at Cypress.

I hope to continue to bring people together and create more opportunities for those to appreciate where we live!

Panel event celebrates business acumen of North Shore women

MINA KERR-LAZENBY MKerrLazenby@nsnews com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An event celebrating the tenacity, ingenuity and business acumen of North Shore women is set to kick off local International Women’s Day celebrations with a bang.

At the Holiday Inn & Suites March 8, the North Vancouver chamber will champion women leaders with panel discussion event Elevate: Women In Business.

The event, which will kick off with a talk from keynote speaker Anne Bethune, president of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, before leading into a Q&A, highlights the efforts of four women who are making an impact in North Vancouver with their thriving businesses.

Joining Bethune at the event will be Swail Pirzada, a doctor of optometry and founder of Clearlight Eyecare, Heather Deris, manager and co-owner of Ava Music & Art Centre, Carol Robinson, founder of Harbour

West Consulting, and Ami McKay, the president and principal designer of interior design company PURE Design. The discussion will be moderated by Ashraf Amlani, co-founder of Bunyaad Public Affairs

604-971-4717

www.healthscienceslab.com

“We have a really beautiful panel of four, strong business women,” said Bethune “The panel is an interesting mix of all ages and demographics It’s a really beautiful representation of women ” Bethune said the guest list

DR. ASHLEY MACINNES, DC Chiropractor

Leader in the FieldAdvocate for All

Dr Ashley MacInnes is a Chiropractor who focusses on movement and sports performance

She has experience at all levels from recreational to professional athletes

Available to all, she strives to be accessible especially to LGBTQ+ people, and wishes to remove common fears of seeing medical professionals.

As a trans advocate, she will be hosting seminars across North America entitled Trans Women in Sport: Research & Reality; dispelling myths about this issue. Her clinic, Health Sciences Lab, is in West Vancouver

represents women who have had a lot of experience in the industry, like herself, alongside those who might just be starting out There is a new mom on the panel, and someone who has recently moved to Canada, and has had to “overcome the challenges of what it’s like to be a newcomer to the business world, and the country, as a woman.”

Showcasing such a diverse group of successful women provides inspiration to an audience that will likely be equally as diverse, said Bethune There is no one-size-fits-all in terms of a woman leader in business, and the mixed panel is a testament to that, she added Bethune will touch on her long and prosperous career, the past 38 years of which have been heavily entwined with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Throughout that time she has been recognized for her community leadership and impact, with the outdoorswoman even honoured with the prestigious Tim

604-770-2012

vpo.ca/stores/NorthVan

Jones Award last year

With the event highlighting such achievements of local women, Bethune said she hopes it draws attention to the contributions women bring to the business world.

“I think we do have unique gifts that we use to navigate challenges as business people,” she said. “Women have a really beautiful ability to collaborate and support each other and network in such beautiful ways, and that’s one of the things that we need to be doing more – helping each other shine, and supporting each other in their passions in their business.”

The event will run March 8, 8:30 a m until 10:30 a m at the Holiday Inn & Suites on Old Lillooet Road, North Vancouver. To purchase tickets, visit the North Vancouver Chamber website

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative

A leader for women in the wild

A passionate outdoorswoman and entrepreneur, Kathryn Stanton opened Valhalla Pure Outfitters North Vancouver in late 2023

She’s lived on the North Shore for over 20 years, and in that time, taken full advantage of this region’s natural playground - skiing, backpacking, camping and more

She delivers high-quality goods to the experienced and beginner alike, maintaining that outdoor activities are felt in both better physical and mental health. With the future bright, Kathryn is proud to inspire her community to adventure ever further.

President of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports and Tim Jones Award winner Anne Bethune (right) will lead a panel discussion on women in business with the North Vancouver Chamber, March 8 NSN FILES

4-229 Lonsdale Avenue

North Vancouver

778-772-7275

www.donnagiraudart.com Info@donnagiraud.com

Changing lives one wall at a time

In a daring leap of faith, Donna Giraud traded stability for passion, leaving a career as a nurse to pursue her love for art

What sets Donna apart? Her artwork isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a sensory experience, with layers of texture inviting you to (almost) touch and explore

Each piece is a statement, yet paradoxically leaves one feeling a profound sense of calm. “Art has the power to transform your heart and your space and I’m trying to do that one wall at a time”

By appointment only 778-772-7275

SUSAN COLLINS

Interior Designer

B.A. Int. Des.

Transforming Spaces: A Design Career Story

Born and raised in North Vancouver, Susan Collins’ journey from local roots to international acclaim is a testament to her talent and dedication.

After earning a BA at WWU, she embarked on a career to master every aspect of design. Since 1990, her client list has grown with loyal Vancouverites who trust and depend on her for their interior design

District of West Vancouver an empowering place for women

MINA KERR-LAZENBY MKerrLazenby@nsnews com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When Chrystal Boy first began her career with the District of West Vancouver nine years ago, she wasn’t expecting to join a workplace that was so empowering and uplifting for women.

As a woman working in the finance sector, Boy, now deputy director of financial services, had been more familiar with the societal bias that tends to come with working in such typically male-dominated industries

Yet Boy says the district is one of the few places she has worked where it feels as though there is consistent support and mentorship, her contributions are making a difference, and her voice is heard Better still, she is in the good company of a larger group of women who are touting the very same

161 1st Street East

604-770-4393

s.collins@smcdesign.biz

www.smcdesign.biz

From stunning city homes to idyllic vacation properties in Canada and the USA, she curates luxurious spaces blending owner needs with elegance and functionality

North Vancouver

604-757-6631

hello@purebyamimckay.com

www.purebyamimckay.com

“I’m surrounded by women at all levels and service areas, from bylaw officers to parks attendants, engineers, police officers and firefighters, and that says something about the organization,” says Boy

Continued on A23

AMI MCKAY

Rockstar leader and sunshine bomb

Western Canada Interior Designer of the Year 2024

Ami McKay pours her passion into crafting dream homes for clients who share her heartfelt life connections. Ami’s rich creative background encompasses several art and design forms, evolving to interior design as her chosen canvas Ami and PURE Design have created beautiful, healthy homes in Vancouver and beyond since 2000 PURE Design’s award winning projects are featured in countless national and international media outlets. Her Magnolia Network TV pilot Vancouver Reno recently aired.

Interior Design, Construction Management and Homewares Shoppe

Capt Athena Calogeros has been with West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, Local 1525, for 20 years WVFR

DONNA GIRAUD Artist

Women lead district departments

Continued from A22

As we approach International Women’s Day this March 8, Boy and her contemporaries are reflecting on being part of a workforce that is changing the landscape of leadership locally

At the district, seven out of 11 major departments are led by women There are numerous programs in place, training opportunities aplenty, and a sturdy community that ensures support and inspiration is easy to come by

“There is excellent mentorship provided by women in leadership here at the district, and many examples of females entering a department at a junior or entry-level position and finding their passion,” says Eva Glickman, director, human resources and payroll

CAROL ROBINSON

Founder + Principal

Empowering Organizational Success

Carol is Founder + Principal of Harbour West Consulting, a recruitment and HR consulting firm proudly located in Lower Lonsdale.

When not leading Harbour West, Carol is Chair, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland and a member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants and Network of Non-Profit Search Consultants

Glickman says there are many supports in place to foster learning and development. A tuition reimbursement program, for example, provides contributions towards

everything from MBA programs to courses in municipal public works plan reading. Comprehensive training programs are offered to staff across the district in all positions and levels on the likes of reconciliation, conflict resolution, leadership, as well as time and project management

Continued on A24

SHIVA GHAYEM

Notary Public

A Memorable Journey

104 E 3rd Street

North Vancouver

604-986-7600

info@shivanotary.com www.shivanotary.com

Introducing Shiva, a kind and warm-hearted woman entrepreneur behind the chic notary firm nestled on Lonsdale Ave and East Third St. in North Vancouver. With a flair for personal connections, she transforms transactions into cherished relationships, making each experience seamless and delightful Shiva’s passion for precision ensures every detail is handled with care, guiding clients through the intricate journey of real estate transactions on the picturesque North Shore Trust in Shiva’s expertise and let her personalized touch turn your property transfer into a memorable journey.

300-92 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver 604-998-4032 info@hwest.ca www.hwest.ca

Carol lives in North Vancouver with her family and is committed to serving her local community through advocacy, philanthropy, and a passion for our local businesses and amenities!

Leading the way in aesthetic medicine and dermatology

Discover the expertise of Dr Shehla Ebrahim, the award winning and talented Medical Director at Dermapure Westview As a dedicated Family Physician with a focus in Aesthetic Medicine and Dermatology, Dr. Ebrahim is known for her passion for positive aging and pursuit of cutting-edge treatments.

Respected within the local family physician community, she is a go-to expert for dermatological concerns, from rosacea to precancerous lesions. Dr. Ebrahim’s accolades, including recognition by the Women’s Enterprise Society, showcase her as a top entrepreneur in BC

West Vancouver District Coun Nora Gambioli credits good mentorship and family policy for making the district a supportive place to work as a woman

PAUL MCGRATH / NSN

#202 - 828 Harbourside Drive

North Vancouver

604-780-9441

www.mplusdesign.ca

ELLIE MIRI

Female mentors pave the way

Continued from A23

Redefining Design Excellence

Experience the brilliance of Ellie Miri, founder of m+ Interior Design, whose passion for design ignited early With a Master’s from Boston Architectural College and expertise from Massachusetts firm & BC since 2012, Ellie excels in residential, hospitality, and healthcare design, with meticulous attention to detail.

Collaborating with Nadi, she ensures each project reflects her creative vision Beyond design, Ellie is an Interior Design Instructor at LaSalle College Vancouver and BCIT. Celebrate Ellie’s multifaceted contributions to design.

#202 - 828 Harbourside Drive North Vancouver 778-997-9421

www.mplusdesign.ca

Innovative Architecture for Functional Urban Spaces

Nadi Miri, founder of m+ Architecture Inc , has shaped architectural landscapes in British Columbia With a Master of Architecture from Tehran, she launched her career in Vancouver.

Miri’s designs, gracing Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, epitomize contemporary, eco-friendly architecture Her diverse portfolio spans educational, commercial, and residential projects, showcasing her commitment to sustainable design and practical solutions. Miri’s legacy is defined by her unwavering pursuit of eco-friendly design

When municipal Coun Nora Gambioli began her first term in 2011, working under the mayor of the time, Pamela GoldsmithJones, she was surprised at the level of family friendly policies in place that would ensure her home life wouldn’t be hindered by her work She remembers letting on to Goldsmith-Jones that she and her partner were thinking of having a second child, only to be assured by the then mayor that it wouldn’t affect her ability to run for office or sit on council.

“She said ‘Oh, yeah, that’s amazing You can bring your baby to council meetings, no problem’,” reflects Gambioli with a laugh

She credits some of her career success to having such a “great and experienced” mentor like Goldsmith-Jones, touching on how having females in such high ranking roles sets an example for the younger women hoping to navigate the same career path Currently, four out of seven members of council are women – higher than it has ever been.

“I think the DWV is setting a powerful example to the youth in our community that the future is limitless, and they can aspire to be in leadership roles like ours in the future,” says Insp Erin Findlay, the officer in charge of operations for the West Vancouver Police Department.

Findlay, as one of the first to break the gender boundary in the district’s police department, said it can be “very lonely” being the only women in the room, but having so many women across other areas certainly helps

“I was very fortunate early on in my leadership journey to have others reach out to me to offer guidance and advice,” she says “This was instrumental in building confidence in my own abilities to lead I think it

is important to support one another and embrace mentorship opportunities when we can ”

Departments typically dominated by males – like policing, fire, finance, construction and building – are certainly seeing a rise in female employees, but those who are in those fields, like Findlay, stress there is still a long way to go.

West Vancouver Fire & Rescue Capt Athena Calogeros points out that it isn’t through lack of want or desire – most women simply still aren’t aware that such jobs are even an option to them Calogeros, who has given 20 years of service to West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, has only seen a handful of other women come and go in her time there

“Most women don’t consider being a firefighter as a career option, even though it is a great job for someone who wants a physically demanding job where teamwork is paramount,” she says, adding how it is an achievable career choice for “any qualified individual, including women.”

Findlay’s advice for women looking to embark on work in a typically male dominated industry? Seek out a mentor that you trust, and, more than anything, believe in your own abilities

“It isn’t uncommon for women to wait until they are overqualified for a position before going for it. I think women tend to self-doubt a lot more than men do, and often unnecessarily,” she says

“Believe in yourself. You can do hard things Go for it ”

Local Journalism Initiative

Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the

Capt Athena Calogeros (right) with junior firefighter Merkelle Miller WVFR

Insp Erin Findlay is West Vancouver Police’s officer in charge of operations WVPD