Photo: Keith Mitchell, QC, BC Achievement Founding Chair
Keith Mitchell, QC served as the BC Achievement Foundation’s Founding Chair and guiding light for 13 years. A leader by example and a mentor at heart, Keith brought clarity to the role of the foundation in its mission to celebrate excellence in British Columbia.
“We all remember with great affection and respect our founding Chair Keith Mitchell, QC, in whose honour the BC Achievement Foundation launched the Mitchell Award of Distinction, given annually to one of the Community Award recipients.” Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, QC, Chair, BC Achievement Board.
Keith passed away on October 26, 2021, and his legacy continues through the annual Mitchell Award of Distinction designation, established in 2017, as part of the Community Award program. The designation recognizes an individual who, through his or her work and volunteer activities, demonstrates an exceptional commitment to elevating the community in which they live, and those who serve it. The recipient has a unique and selfless leadership style that encourages and inspires the full participation of those he or she leads. Five outstanding leaders have received the Mitchell Award designation to date: George Laverock 2017, Kim van der Woerd 2018, Ellen Woodsworth 2019, Dom Bautista 2020, and Amber Anderson 2021.
Chef Amber Anderson’s accomplishments in establishing a culinary training school and café for those living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with the Hope Action Values Ethics (HAVE) Culinary Training Society have had a huge impact on the community.
Since 2007 Amber has successfully led the society – a non-profit, registered charity and social enterprise that provides food service job training and work opportunities to all individuals who experience barriers to employment. Using food to help people, to build a community has been part of Amber’s life for more than 20 years. Her distinctive style creates an equal playing field for all who engage with HAVE. Inclusion drives her instruction and her ability to build people up, support and help them defines the intent of the Mitchell Award which signals out those whose leadership empowers others.
Amber is a dedicated leader, and we look forward to watching her contributions over the years to come.
The 2022 Community Award is accepting nominations until January 31, 2022. Nominate a deserving individual and help elevate excellence, share success and inspire change. #nominatenowbc
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.