(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish)and səlilwətaɬ, (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) May 1, 2025: Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today named the recipients of the 22nd annual Community Award. The program, presented by BC Achievement – an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province – recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more engaged communities.
“The recipients of this year’s Community Award remind us that the strength of British Columbia lies in the compassion, creativity, and commitment of its people,” said Premier David Eby. “Whether they’re leading grassroots initiatives or mentoring future changemakers, these individuals exemplify the power of community and the impact of selfless service. Their efforts uplift us all and set a powerful example for what we can achieve together.”
“This year’s program shines a spotlight on emerging leaders alongside long-standing changemakers,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Each recipient demonstrates what’s possible when individuals step up with purpose and heart. Their contributions strengthen our communities and remind us that leadership isn’t defined by title or age—it’s defined by impact, generosity, and vision.”
The Community Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel, whose 2025 members include Mayor Suzan Hewat of Kaslo, Mayor Sarrah Storey of Fraser Lake, and past recipients: Herman Ho, MB, of Vancouver, Meeka Morgan of Ashcroft and Upkar Singh Tatlay of Surrey.
This year’s recipients include:
- Tli’ichilwet Heather Andrew & Yuwunat Eileen Guss, Squamish Nation
- Barbara Attig, Salmon Arm
- Robert Best, Vancouver
- Serena Caner, Canoe
- Josephine Chauhan & Neera Vohra-Singh, Vancouver
- Gwen Hansen, Quatsino
- Floyd Hill, Vancouver
- Valerie Jerome, Vancouver
- Chantelle Krish, Vancouver
- Carol Anne Lee, CM, OBC, Vancouver
- Trevor Mack, Tl’etinqox Community of the Tsilhqot’in Nation
- Glen McCall, Zeballos
- Wenonah North Peigan, Vancouver
- Robert Olson, North Vancouver
- Bob Purdy, North Vancouver
- Debra Rogers, Campbell River
- Susan Scott Gabe, Duncan
- Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour, Kamloops
- Dr. Sabeen Tiwana, Vancouver
- Amarjeet Singh Vabhana, Surrey
- Rik Valentine, Argenta
- Margaux Wosk, Vancouver
The Mitchell Award designate of the Community Award is selected by the BC Achievement Foundation Board in consultation with the program’s community. The award recognizes an individual who, through their work and/or volunteer activities, demonstrates a commitment to elevating people around them. This year’s Mitchell Award of Distinction recipient is Valerie Jerome, who empowers others to lead by creating a sense of self and belonging.
The 2025 Community Award recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony held in Victoria, BC, on May 7 in the presence of the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The Community Award ceremony will be live streamed on BC Achievement’s website. Watch live beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 7. The presentation ceremony will also be aired on TELUS’ Optik TV Channel 707 – after the event.
Each awardee will receive a medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC. They will also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
BC Achievement is grateful to its funders and would like to recognize its Foundation Platform Partner, RBC; along with Community Program Partners: Connor Clark & Lunn Foundation – Emerging Leader Category; and Media Partners: CFNR, Daily Hive, Frog Radio, Global BC, Miss604, and Stir Magazine.
Interviews with representatives of the BC Achievement Foundation, as well as Community Award recipients, are available upon request. Awardee bios and high-resolution images are available here.
For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or Community Award program, please visit www.bcachievement.com.
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About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, its award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
Media Contact
Gemma Bishop
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
2025 Community Awardee Backgrounders
Tli’ichilwet Heather Andrew & Yuwunat Eileen Guss, Squamish Nation
Tli’ichilwet Heather Andrew and Yuwunat Eileen Guss have spent the last 25 years transforming health and wellness services for Squamish Nation members through their deep-rooted partnership and shared commitment to healing. As leaders in mental health, harm reduction, and addiction recovery, Heather and Eileen have developed and led culturally grounded pathways of care that center Indigenous knowledge and lived experience.
Heather, a Senior Addictions Counsellor, integrates ceremony and cultural values into her approach, supporting community members through harm reduction, direct referrals, and innovative tools such as the ta skwálwentn app and the Treatment Navigator project. Eileen, a Mental Health Intake Coordinator, shapes Indigenous-led digital health solutions to ensure faster and more culturally safe access to care.
Together, they have led Squamish Nation’s frontline response to the opioid crisis and systemic challenges posed by the State of Health Emergency declaration. Their work is grounded in professional training, cultural practice, ceremony, and life experience. By weaving traditional teachings with clinical knowledge, they have earned the trust of their community and created a model of holistic healing. Their partnership has fostered lifesaving programs, inspired Indigenous health leadership, and built a foundation for lasting wellness.
Barbara Attig, Salmon Arm
For over 50 years, Barbara Attig has been volunteering in communities across British Columbia, contributing her time and energy to a wide range of causes. Starting at the age of 16, she served as a candy striper at Royal Columbian Hospital and later held numerous leadership roles, including as a Brownie, Girl Guide and Pathfinders leader. Barbara coordinated fundraising efforts at KB Woodward School in Surrey, volunteered for the BC Lions Football team, and assisted with various community programs like the Mothers March of Dimes and the BC Cancer Agency’s driver program. Barbara’s commitment extended to roles in emergency services, including as Emergency Support Services Logistic Chief and Director, and she has actively contributed to local projects like the Shuswap Hospice and fire protection initiatives.
Barbara’s contributions are ongoing, with recent efforts including the creation of over 800 COVID-19 masks for those in need. A long-term blood donor since 1972, she also created and donated pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa. Barbara’s consistent and selfless service has made a profound impact, and her dedication to helping others continues to inspire all who know her.
Robert Best, Vancouver
Robert Best dedicated his career to supporting children and youth through some of their most challenging transitions. After studying Child and Youth Care in Kelowna, he began working at the Boys and Girls Club, later moving to Vancouver to serve as a frontline worker at Browndale Care Society and as a foster parent to a teen with exceptional needs. Robert joined the Vancouver School District in the early 1990s, first with the Vinery Alternate Program and later at Windermere Secondary. There, he supported a diverse student body representing over 40 languages, building connection and leadership through initiatives like Link Crew, Peer Education, and one of the district’s first Restorative Justice programs—training 26 students as peer facilitators in conflict resolution.
Robert founded the Oasis Club, a lunchtime refuge for Grade 8 students and those facing social, emotional, or physical challenges. He also created the Grade 7 Toolkit to support students and their families through the elementary-to-secondary school transition. His work spanned K–12, using creative tools—including puppets like Harold the Monster—to teach emotional regulation and build student resilience. Though Robert retired early due to MS, his warmth, mentorship, and innovation left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the lives of students across Vancouver.
Serena Caner, Canoe
Serena Caner is a champion of local food producers, businesses, and community well-being. As the past President and Executive Director of the Shuswap Food Action Society (SFAS), she served as the driving force in strengthening local food systems and improving food security in her community. Serena transformed the region’s farmers market by uniting local farmers, artisans, the Downtown Improvement Association, and the City of Salmon Arm to create a thriving, successful marketplace. She also played a pivotal role in expanding school meal programs, securing grants and building a team to deliver nutritious, locally sourced meals at scale.
In addition to her work with SFAS, Serena founded the Family Box Program in partnership with School District (SD) 83’s Indigenous Education Department, providing nutritious food boxes to families in need. Her efforts injected over $70,000 into local farms in 2022 alone, supporting a sustainable food system. Now, as the Feeding Futures Program Coordinator for SD83, she continues to champion local food initiatives, ensuring students have access to free nutritious meals.
Josephine Chauhan & Neera Vohra-Singh, Vancouver
Josephine Chauhan and Neera Vohra-Singh, co-founders of the Touching Lives Foundation, lift up marginalized communities across British Columbia. As immigrants to Canada, they understand the struggles of newcomers and vulnerable populations, which inspired them to establish a community-driven initiative. Since founding Touching Lives, they have worked to support individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, domestic violence, and mental health challenges. Their efforts go beyond financial assistance, providing mentorship, empowerment programs, and crucial resources to ensure long-term support and dignity for those in need.
Through their annual fundraising events, Josephine and Neera have raised significant funds for organizations such as Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, Women at Harmony House, Coast Mental Health, SARA for Women, and Moving Forward Family Services—a nonprofit offering accessible counselling for underserved communities across Canada. Their events raise money and awareness for these essential services. In addition to fundraising, they organize food drives, mental health workshops, and deliver essentials directly to low-income families. As women of colour in philanthropy, Neera and Josephine have overcome challenges, inspiring others through their perseverance, compassion, and commitment to community service.
Gwen Hansen, Quatsino
Gwen Hansen’s 50 years of volunteer service have strengthened the culture, health, and well-being of Quatsino. As one of the founders and curator of the Quatsino Museum, she has worked to preserve the community’s local history and curated educational displays celebrating its heritage. Gwen has served on multiple community boards, including the Quatsino Residents’ Organization and the Quatsino Archives’ Association. Gwen is a strong advocate for emergency preparedness, securing resources for tsunami response, fire safety, and first aid training.
Beyond her leadership, Gwen drives community upkeep through organizing work parties to maintain local landmarks such as both cemeteries, hiking trails, and St. Olaf’s Church. She is also a historian and author, publishing the Quatsino Chronicle (1894-2005) and contributing to regional historical publications. Her initiatives, like founding the Quatsino Fishing Derby and spearheading the Trail to Colony Lake Project, have brought the community together. As a dedicated volunteer, she ensures Quatsino remains connected, resilient, and thriving for future generations.
Floyd Hill, Vancouver
A volunteer pilot with Hope Air since 2016, Floyd Hill profoundly impacts the lives of individuals in rural BC who face long journeys to access critical medical care. Many remote communities lack regular air service, and Floyd’s contributions bridge this gap, ensuring that patients can reach medical appointments without the added burden of costly and time-consuming travel. With over 60 completed missions, Floyd has flown patients thousands of miles, donating his time, expertise, and personal aircraft to ensure safe, no-cost travel.
Floyd is equally committed to strengthening Hope Air’s mission. He mentors new pilots to expand the organization’s reach and enhance the quality of patient care. Known for his flexibility and compassion, Floyd not only accommodates urgent travel needs but also provides emotional reassurance to those he serves. He is a vocal advocate for healthcare equity, spearheads fundraising initiatives, and makes personal contributions. His leadership continues to bring Hope Air’s vision to life: a Canada where access to healthcare is never limited by geography or financial means.
Valerie Jerome, Vancouver
Valerie Jerome is an advocate for racial justice, education, and excellence in sport. A former Olympian, she continues to use her platform to inspire meaningful change, champion equity, and empower future generations. As a lifelong educator, she works to foster inclusivity and raise awareness, allowing the stories of marginalized communities to be heard and celebrated. Valerie has also been a staunch advocate for preserving the legacy of her brother, Harry Jerome, ensuring his contributions to Canadian sports and society are properly recognized. She has played a pivotal role in promoting diversity in athletics, pushing for equitable opportunities for Black athletes across Canada.
A mentor and role model for Black youth, Valerie offers guidance and inspiration to help them overcome adversity. Through her book, Races: The Trials and Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family, she shares her family’s experiences and offers a powerful resource for understanding racial issues in Canada. Her breadth of work extends beyond education and athletics—she has been recognized with a Vancouver Heritage Award for preserving trees in the city, and between 1988 and 2000, she ran in six elections as a Green Party candidate at the civic, provincial, and federal levels. Her advocacy contributed to significant successes, including campaigns to address ozone depletion and limit the use of harmful pesticides. Valerie’s lifelong dedication to environmental and social justice continues to inspire and advance equity, awareness, and representation across British Columbia.
Chantelle Krish, Vancouver
Chantelle Krish is a visionary leader committed to advancing equity and fostering systemic change—particularly for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. As CEO of Big Sisters, she has redefined mentorship through innovative, inclusive programming, including a groundbreaking gender-based violence prevention initiative in partnership with school districts. This program equips youth with tools to navigate challenges such as cyber safety and financial literacy.
Under her leadership, Big Sisters continues to deliver life-changing mentorship across the Lower Mainland and is preparing to launch Vancouver’s first Mentorship Hub. Chantelle has positioned the organization as a leader in empowerment, growing its revenue by 30% with support from government, donors, and partners. She ensures the voices of those most impacted are reflected in program design and decision-making, strengthening Big Sisters’ sustainability and long-term impact.
Beyond Big Sisters, Chantelle has played a key role as a strategist and advocate for accessible childcare in BC, contributing to the success of the $10-a-day pilot programs. Her leadership on the YWCA’s Culture Shift project brought national attention to the sexualization of women in media, and her work on the Mothers Without Legal Status initiative supported important policy reform. Chantelle continues to amplify underserved voices and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Carol Anne Lee, CM, OBC, Vancouver
With long-standing family ties to the history and development of Chinatown, Carol Anne Lee is dedicated to its revitalization and to strengthening the Downtown Eastside. She is the co-founder and chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, leading initiatives in affordable housing, cultural preservation, and community engagement, including the opening of Bob and Michael’s Place and the creation of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. A business and community leader, Carol combines entrepreneurial success with a lifelong commitment to giving back. She has served on the UBC Sauder Faculty Advisory Board and the Powerhouse Project Fundraising Committee, and helped fund the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, honouring her family’s legacy.
Carol currently serves on several boards including the National Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism and the Harvard Business School Canadian Advisory Board. She is Chair of UBC Properties Trust and Honorary Patron of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society. Her achievements have been widely recognized, including the UBC Alumni Achievement Award, Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award, and the King’s Coronation Medal (2024). In 2025, she topped Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list, marking her tenth consecutive year on the list.
Trevor Mack – Emerging Leader, Tl’etinqox Community of the Tsilhqot’in Nation
Trevor Mack, a Tsilhqot’in filmmaker and cultural advocate, has dedicated his life to empowering Indigenous youth through storytelling, cultural revitalization, and community building. His debut feature, Portraits from a Fire, highlights the lived experiences of Indigenous youth while offering a message of healing and hope. Every project he undertakes—filmed on Tsilhqot’in land with Tsilhqot’in actors—centers Indigenous voices and traditions. With his wife, Valeria Cazorla Mack, Trevor co-founded the Tletinqox International Cultural Garden Centre to engage youth in traditional building, food growing, and cultural exchange with Indigenous communities in Mexico. Together, they lead food sovereignty efforts in Tl’etinqox—growing free, organic produce and teaching food security—and founded NENQAYNI, a not-for-profit supporting cultural exchange and community healing.
Trevor also led the Dasiqox Tribal Park’s Back on the Land initiative, a program where youth persevere through mountain treks and camp together to learn drumming, art, and medicine gathering. Respected for his mentorship and resilience, Trevor continues to uplift Indigenous youth, celebrate Tsilhqot’in identity, and forge new paths grounded in tradition and pride. Most recently, he was elected as the youngest Councillor in his community and one of the youngest across the Tsilhqot’in Nation—furthering his leadership and lifelong commitment to service.
Glen McCall, Zeballos
Glen McCall has been a dedicated community leader in Zeballos for over 30 years, contributing to the safety, well-being, and spirit of this small, remote town. As the owner of Totem Bar Contracting, he has played a vital role in maintaining and improving the 42 km gravel road connecting Zeballos—ensuring safe, reliable access for residents and the forestry industry. Glen is known for stepping up in times of need. During a seven-day power outage in 2022, he donated diesel to keep the emergency generator running, allowing essential services like the warming centre, fire hall, and internet to remain operational.
His undertakings extend to numerous other acts of service, from reporting a trapped orca and aiding in her rescue, to quickly responding to a forest fire near Ehattesaht First Nation. He has also supported local events like the baseball tournament dance and helped with cleanup after disasters. Whether it’s providing equipment for the community greenhouse or organizing a Christmas parade, Glen’s quiet leadership and community spirit make him a true pillar of Zeballos.
Wenonah North Peigan – Emerging Leader, Vancouver
Wenonah North Peigan is an advocate for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and policy reform. A proud member of the Piikani Nation, Blackfoot Confederacy and Anishinaabe Odawa from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, she works to advance Indigenous governance and self-determination. As a Policy Analyst with the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Wenonah works to bridge Indigenous voices into decision-making processes, driving systemic change. Her leadership in repatriation efforts, particularly through the Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL Youth Policy Program, led to the creation of a comprehensive policy framework on repatriation and cultural sovereignty, advocating for legislative changes aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Committed to mentoring and empowering Indigenous youth, Wenonah ensures they are equipped with the tools to continue advancing Indigenous rights. As an emerging leader, she has already made significant contributions to policy and community transformation, bringing a much-needed, community-driven approach to repatriation and governance. Her work continues to shape policy on Indigenous rights and governance at the provincial level, making her a trailblazer in advancing Indigenous voices and justice.
Robert Olson, North Vancouver
In 2025, Rob Olson marks his 25th year of teaching, a career defined by his commitment to fostering growth, equity, and community service. A multifaceted educator, with a background as a tree planter, carpenter, and former Navy Reserve member, Rob applies his diverse experiences to create impactful programs. As a new teacher, he developed the North Vancouver School District’s high school engineering courses, focusing on gender equity, and has inspired many students to pursue engineering at top universities such as MIT, UC Berkeley, and UBC among many. In addition to his academic leadership, Rob has launched programs like Community and Global Initiatives, where students serve monthly dinners for food-insecure community members and build infrastructure in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Rob’s efforts extend to extracurricular activities, founding the Robotics Academy and volunteering for the Boys Club Network, which mentors at-risk boys. His commitment to service also includes volunteering with the North Vancouver District Heritage Committee, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Rob’s advocacy for both education and community engagement has transformed the lives of students, instilling values of empathy, leadership, and global citizenship.
Bob Purdy, North Vancouver
With over 30 years of experience in sustainability, including a quarter-century of service with the Fraser Basin Council, Bob Purdy is known for his ability to foster informed, collaborative and solution-oriented dialogues that drive meaningful change. As the independent facilitator of the ECHO Program since 2014, Bob has enabled a diversity of voices from the marine industry, Indigenous communities, federal government agencies, environmental organizations and others to work together to reduce the impact of commercial shipping on at-risk whales off British Columbia’s southern coast.
His expertise in relationship-building and communications has turned once-tense discussions into productive collaborations. Under his guidance, the ECHO Program has thrived, creating strong, trust-based relationships among advisors and enabling all to collaborate effectively towards a common goal. With just 73 southern resident killer whales left, Bob’s work is crucial in helping to ensure their survival.
Bob’s leadership has provincial, national, and global impact. His collaborative approach to the ECHO Program has set a world-class example for large-scale voluntary conservation measures, making him a key figure in sustainability efforts in British Columbia and beyond. Bob’s mentorship, energy, and dedication continues to inspire others to choose collaboration and joint action in support of a more sustainable future.
Debra Rogers, Campbell River
A trailblazer in advancing women in the fire service across British Columbia, Debra Rogers is the Acting Captain and Fire Investigator with the Campbell River Fire Department (CRFD). She began her fire service career as a fire dispatcher at CRFD in 2009 and transitioned to firefighter in 2017 at the age of 47, becoming the first professional female in the CRFD suppression division. A key figure in the execution of several Camp Ignite youth camps, she has helped empower young women by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to female role models in firefighting. This program has been crucial in breaking down barriers and offering pathways for young women to pursue careers in this traditionally male-dominated field. This experience led to serving as the founding President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society, which extends similar opportunities on Vancouver Island, further engaging, encouraging, and empowering young women through firefighting within a safe and supportive community.
As the Project Manager of Fire Service Women BC, Debra continues to advocate for gender equity, providing resources and networking opportunities for women in the fire service by overseeing the application of their Women and Gender Equality grant funding initiatives. Through her leadership, she has created avenues for women to enter the field while ensuring they have the support needed to thrive in their careers. Debra’s dedication has impacted the fire service, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in British Columbia.
Susan Scott Gabe, Duncan
Susan Scott Gabe’s exceptional leadership in diversity and equity and helping those impacted by disabilities and life-limiting illnesses have significantly influenced healthcare policies and efforts across British Columbia and beyond. Having served as Vice-Chair of the City of Vancouver’s Older Persons and Elders Advisory Committee (OPEAC), Susan was responsible for conducting a pan-Canadian jurisdictional scan across Canada examining best practices for seniors’ community care. This published document will advise City Council and staff on enhancing access and inclusion for older persons and elders in Vancouver. In addition, Susan sits on the national Board of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, advocating for those with vision loss, including the recent passing of federal Bill C-284, which will significantly impact the care of all Canadians.
For over a decade, Susan has held numerous leadership roles within the Vancouver chapter of the Sovereign Order of St. John (SOSJ), where her work has been integral to the success of SOSJ’s mission—Making Lives Better. Most recently, Susan’s advocacy played a pivotal role in securing appropriate palliative care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, leading to the creation of the Compassionate Palliative Care for People Living with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (CPC-NDD) initiative. Her strategic efforts have also resulted in a White Paper addressing critical gaps in palliative care, influencing government policy.
Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour, Kamloops
Meste’si Llucmetkwe Colleen Seymour, a member of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, is a teacher, spiritual helper, and knowledge holder whose lifelong work uplifts Indigenous education, health, and reconciliation. Dedicated to the reclamation of traditional knowledge, Colleen guides numerous healing ceremonies, land-based wellness initiatives, and cultural teachings across generations—from newborns to Elders—nurturing belonging and cultural revitalization in her community and beyond. Colleen’s leadership is grounded in love for the people, the land, and Secwepemctsín, the language she is reclaiming through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Language Revitalization program.
As one of the founding members of the BC-Indigenous Health Nursing Research Chair Program and the Rainbow Healing Society, Colleen champions self-determination and cultural resurgence. She sits on advisory bodies including the Sewépemc Child and Family Services Agency and the *Grandmothers’ Council for the BC Indigenous Health Nursing Research Chair. Her guidance shapes projects like the Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing (I-GEN) Initiative—delivered across five BC universities (UVic, UBC-Vancouver, UBC-Okanagan, TRU, and TWU). Known for sharing her wisdom, Colleen offers immersive learning experiences grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being. Her lifelong dedication builds pathways toward equity, wellness, and true reconciliation.
Dr. Sabeen Tiwana, Vancouver
Dr. Sabeen Tiwana is a mentor, educator, and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. Since 2017, she has provided high school students—particularly young women—with hands-on research opportunities at her dental clinic, helping close the gender gap in dentistry. Her academic publications often feature student co-authors, highlighting her commitment to uplifting emerging voices. Dr. Tiwana’s mentorship extends beyond the clinic through co-developing and delivering equity workshops at Vancouver Coastal Health and the Canadian Conference for Physician Leadership. She equips underrepresented youth with practical skills, leadership experience, and the confidence to influence healthcare’s future. At UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry, she champions academic success for minority students through inclusive teaching and advocacy.
Her landmark book, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Healthcare: From Knowledge to Practice, offers a roadmap for rethinking leadership, training, and accountability in healthcare. Her research on systemic racism—echoed by findings from Statistics Canada and BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner—calls for urgent reform in healthcare governance and policy. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, Dr. Tiwana transforms individual lives while driving institutional change, inspiring the next generation to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Amarjeet Singh Vabhana, Surrey
Serving as an advocate, leader, and mentor for artists from diverse backgrounds, Amarjeet Singh Vabhana has contributed to the arts and culture scene in Surrey. He founded the Naad Arts Festival in 2006 which has become a cornerstone cultural event and an essential platform for local talent—helping to elevate Surrey’s cultural profile and foster greater community engagement through the arts.
Through the Naad Arts Centre, Amarjeet promotes local arts, organizes large-scale events like the Naad Festival of Music & Dance, and forges connections between local and international artists, strengthening community ties and pride. His mentorship inspires many aspiring artists, with several going on to successful music careers, and his creation of two widely used Tabla syllabus books ensures the continuity of cultural education.
Amarjeet’s leadership has helped to transform Surrey into a vibrant cultural hub, fostering collaboration across artistic disciplines. His online teaching programs expand access to music education internationally, creating sustainable pathways for future cultural development. Amarjeet continues to celebrate and amplify cultural diversity through his work, ensuring the arts remain central to his community’s identity.
Rik Valentine, Argenta
Rik Valentine is a pillar of the Argenta community, whose decades-long commitment to public safety, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness have made a lasting impact. As a leader with the Argenta Safety and Preparedness Society and the Argenta Cemetery Society, Rik has dedicated over 20 years to wildfire readiness—training hundreds of residents, establishing a fully equipped fire shed, and creating a mapping system for essential water sources, now adopted by several first responder agencies. These efforts were put to the test in 2024, when wildfires threatened the area. Under Rik’s leadership, the Argenta Fire Brigade successfully protected every structure in the community.
Rik also played a pivotal role in designing and restoring Johnson’s Landing’s water system after a devastating landslide, leading a volunteer-driven, 7-year project that secured federal funding, passed engineering standards, and was completed under budget. Rik continues to maintain the system that ensures reliable water access for residents. In between these community projects, he found time over the years to do volunteer work on water and construction projects in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Haiti. His leadership, generosity, and technical expertise have strengthened his own community and have become a model for rural resilience throughout the region.
Margaux Wosk – Emerging Leader, Vancouver
Margaux Wosk is an advocate, artist, designer, and entrepreneur who champions disability justice and neurodivergent inclusion. As President of BC People First, Margaux provides leadership to elevate disabled voices and advocate for meaningful change across the province. Their work breaks down barriers, fosters pride, and amplifies underrepresented perspectives through creativity, advocacy, and education. Through their business, Retrophiliac, Margaux designs bold communication tools and products by and for disabled, LGBTQIA2+, and neurodivergent individuals—empowering others to express themselves, reduce stigma, and build community. They also founded the We Belong market, which highlighted neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs, and were featured on AMI’s Our Community Episode for their advocacy and small business endeavours.
An emerging leader, Margaux spoke on Parliament Hill at the Disability Without Poverty rally and has collaborated with People First of Canada, McMaster University, and Curiko on accessibility, education, and small business development. Their artwork—featured in York University’s Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, to which they also contributed—reflects their commitment to advocacy through creativity. Several of their products are available in the Museum of Vancouver on their open MOV platform. Through every initiative, Margaux remains to be a strong voice for inclusion, pride and important systemic change.