Award Category: Community Award

Simon Baker is a relationship-driven negotiator and cultural advocate from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). He is also the host of The New Energy, a web-based documentary series developed through a collaboration between Simon, Tanya Laing-Gahr at FortisBC, and RealWorld Media Inc. The series highlights First Nations-led economic, energy, and cultural initiatives across British Columbia. As part of this work, Simon travels to communities throughout the province, documenting local projects, sharing community perspectives, and showcasing partnership-based approaches to development.

The New Energy builds on Simon’s earlier collaboration with RealWorld Media on the international documentary series Native Planet. Through these productions, he has contributed to storytelling that reflects Indigenous knowledge, community priorities, and lived experiences.

In addition to his media work, Simon supports initiatives that strengthen relationships between Indigenous organizations and industry. This includes partnership development, sponsorship engagement, and public awareness efforts, including involvement with the Orange Shirt Society. His focus is on building connections across nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors to advance Indigenous-led initiatives and reconciliation. He is now extending this work through Baker Brothers Strategic Partnership and Advisory, a new venture focused on values-driven collaboration.

John K. Atoyebi is a dual-licensed lawyer, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) professional whose work spans community initiatives, governance, and public service. He is the founder of the British Columbia Black Advocacy Society, which connects individuals and families with resources and support, and of the African-Canadian Agricultural Producers Cooperative, which advances access to culturally relevant food. He also led the “Black Voices in Democracy” summit, mobilizing Black civic engagement across the province.

His governance roles include serving as Secretary of the Vancouver General Hospital Thrift Store Board and participating on advisory bodies such as the City of Vancouver Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee and the Vancouver Heritage Commission (2024). He also mentors individuals navigating systems like immigration, employment, and education, and organizes mentorship opportunities for youth and professionals.

John works as an Investigator with the BC Ombudsperson, focusing on administrative fairness and promoting accountability in public-sector organizations. His background includes legal practice, judicial administration, human rights, and consulting, as well as serving as a Magistrate and District Court Judge in Nigeria and working as a court clerk and EDI Consultant advising public institutions in British Columbia.

Kit Ashenhurst is a central figure in the village of Kaslo, recognized for his leadership in heritage restoration and public infrastructure. He played a key role in the multiyear rehabilitation of the SS Moyie, Canada’s oldest intact passenger sternwheeler and a National Historic Site. At a critical stage of deterioration, Kit coordinated volunteers, tradespeople, and specialists, contributing engineering expertise, managing logistics, and supporting fundraising efforts to advance the restoration.

As restoration coordinator and lead project manager, Kit guided major phases of work, including structural stabilization, recanvassing of the ship’s weather envelope, and essential carpentry repairs. His work ensured the vessel’s long-term preservation and safe public access, with the site now welcoming approximately 12,000 visitors annually. In 2024, the SS Moyie restoration received a BC Heritage Conservation Award, recognizing the significance of this effort.

Kit has also mentored youth and volunteers in heritage trades, strengthening local skills and capacity. In addition to his restoration work, he contributes to community life as a musician, often playing Irish flute at local gatherings and events in Kaslo.

Damineh Akhavan, P.Eng., is an aerospace engineer, advocate, and longstanding volunteer with extensive experience across governance, regulatory, and community organizations. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Global Women in STEM, advancing equity and human rights in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through education, advocacy, and action.

Her service spans local, provincial, national, and global organizations, including the West Vancouver Police Board, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Engineers Canada, HR MacMillan Space Centre, UN Women, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Healthcare Excellence Canada, and advisory roles at the University of Victoria and Capilano University. Her contributions focus on governance, policy, mentorship, youth outreach, and advancing diverse representation.

Damineh advocates for gender equity in leadership, including pay equity and inclusive board representation. She also works to address gender-based violence through community engagement, storytelling, and sharing lived experiences of workplace harassment and discrimination. She is committed to making STEM accessible to youth through mentorship and outreach initiatives. Her work has been recognized through a range of honours acknowledging her contributions across sectors.

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. 

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 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. 

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. 

 

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.