Category: Blog

A Spotlight on Carol Lee by Anne Giardini

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Photo: BC Achievement Foundation Board Member, Carol Lee, OBC

Fellow board member Carol Lee is one of the busiest, most successful, kindest and most thoughtful people I know. She has had a long career in business, and in community-building and philanthropy. In all she does, Carol is not only following in the footsteps of her remarkable parents, Lily and the late Bob Lee, but is making her own unique contributions to the life of our province. 

Carol is involved in BC Achievement because of her interest in the contributions and achievements of all British Columbians and her belief that stronger, more inclusive communities across BC are important for the future of our province. 

One of Carol’s projects, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, is driven by her desire to preserve, enhance, sustain and celebrate Vancouver’s famous Chinatown.  

In 2021, Carol launched the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown. The Storytelling Centre is a showpiece, a lively, interactive and constantly changing place where stories, history and artifacts are brought together to delight, educate and build community understanding.  

Visitors to the Centre learn of the many ways in which members of the Chinese community have participated in building and shaping British Columbia. Their stories amplify the contributions of valued friends and fellow citizens, and also shed light on the experiences we all share – experiences of family, loss, movement, building, culture, society and more. 

Some of stories that are told at the Centre honour the sacrifices made by previous generations. Chinese arrivals to British Columbia, and their descendants, faced barriers, taxes, disenfranchisement, and other forms of discrimination and yet persevered. For many of them, Chinatown was a place of connection and acceptance, a place of belonging in what could be a hostile environment.  

The Centre is also home to a unique gift store, and events that include readings, interviews, music, dance, food, walks and more. Where else can you learn, for example, about the wisdom of Chinese grandmothers, hear the little-known stories of Chinese pilots (including perhaps Canada’s first woman pilot), and enjoy Lunar New Year treats? 

More about the Chinatown Storytelling Centre can be found at https://www.chinatownstorytellingcentre.org/  

More about our own remarkable Carol Lee can be found at bcachievement.com 

By Anne Giardini, Past Board Chair, BC Achievement Foundation

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

IBA: Open for Business 

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The fifteenth annual Indigenous Business Award program is now open for nominations! Do you know a business that demonstrates outstanding achievement? Nominate them now for the 2023 Indigenous Business Award. 

The IBA program recognizes the contributions of extraordinary Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across BC, while helping to elevate connections between the province’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies. 

“The ambition, tenacity, and innovation of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their businesses drives them forward, strengthens our economy, and supports Indigenous economic empowerment and a shared prosperity for our province,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “I encourage everyone throughout British Columbia to nominate an outstanding Indigenous entrepreneur or Indigenous-owned business and #nominatenowbc,” he added. 

“Our young people need to be inspired and we have a responsibility to uplift our youth so they know whatever they set their minds to they can achieve.” Chief David Jimmie 2022 IBA Award of Distinction recipient. 

Nominations are invited from throughout the province and aim to showcase business excellence in the following categories: Young Entrepreneur, Business Partnerships, Community-Owned and Business of the Year awards for one-to-two-people, three-to-10-people, and enterprises with 11-or-more people. 

By recognizing outstanding people and businesses, the IBA program highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship while modelling success for others to follow. Now in its 15th year, the program counts over 220 remarkable businesses among its alumni.  

For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation or the IBA program, please visit bcachievement.com. #nominatenowbc 

The IBA program is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and is generously supported by Vancity, Enbridge, TD, Teck, BC Hydro, BC Transit, CN, New Relationship Trust, Ovintiv, Pembina, Seaspan, Simpcw Resources Group, TELUS, Port of Vancouver – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, All Nations Trust Company, Bennett Jones, Coast Capital, Copper Mountain Mine, Dentons, FortisBC, Ledcor, and West Fraser.

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Polygon Homes and BC Achievement renew partnership honouring First Nations art in BC

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Photo: James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, 2021 First Nations Art Award Recipient

“We must continue to inspire the next generation of Indigenous people to pursue their dreams. Showcasing people who took risks and followed their passion will continue to inspire the future generations to do the same.” 

James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, 2021 First Nations Art Award Recipient 

Highlighting the significance of First Nations art and its place in British Columbia, Polygon Homes Ltd. and the BC Achievement Foundation have renewed their collaboration to deliver the annual BC Achievement Polygon Award in First Nations Art (FNA) program for the next three years. The foundation salutes Polygon Homes for its generous donation with grateful thanks and is excited to embark on this shared endeavour to elevate excellence and inspire change in our province. 

The FNA program will recognize artistic excellence while honouring First Nations traditions that permeate the artists’ work, and in doing so, create a platform for engagement, mentorship and storytelling. Since 2007, BC Achievement has celebrated the FNA recipients through year-long amplification of recipient stories using its online film library, digital campaigns (since 2020), and recipient art exhibitions and presentation ceremonies at The Roundhouse (since 2017). A culture of celebration and storytelling has been developed through the lenses of program recipients and alumni. The BC Achievement and Polygon Homes collaboration aims to provide an authentic space where recipients and their communities are honoured and celebrated with a goal to elevate excellence and inspire change.  

In addition, the FNA program is connected to the BC Reconciliation Award program which is presented by BC Achievement in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC. Each year, the FNA emerging artist is commissioned by BC Achievement to design a paddle, emblematic of their understanding of reconciliation. The original paddle is housed at Government House and framed photographs are presented to the recipients of the BC Reconciliation Award program. 

Current award celebrations include an art exhibition which will culminate in a Presentation Ceremony Dinner honouring the recipients of the 2023 Polygon Award in First Nation Art on November 16, 2023 at The Roundhouse, Vancouver. The dinner celebration will include the premiering of films showcasing each of the 2023 awardees’ accomplishments. More details including ticket purchasing options will be available in the early fall. In 2022, the foundation’s two art programs (FNA and Applied Art + Design) combined in a successful joint exhibition – open to the public, and we are pleased to announce that this practice will be repeated for 2023. 

The 2023 Polygon Award in First Nations Art marks the 17th annual offering of the program which stands on the excellence of the 95 recipients who have received this important recognition and the philanthropic community which supports BC Achievement’s programming. For more information visit bcachievement.com 

“I’m honoured to be recognized for the Award of Distinction. I feel it acknowledges and encourages the positive direction in the progression of the art here in the north. It is important to recognize excellence to set standards and inspire the next generation.” 

Stan Bevan, 2021 Award of Distinction, First Nations Art Award 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Pushing the Boundaries of Furniture Design: Applied Art + Design Awardee, Sholto Scruton 

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Photo: 2019 Applied Art + Design Award recipient, Sholto Scruton

Sholto Scruton received a BC Achievement Applied Art + Design Award in 2019 for his outstanding talent, dedication to furniture design and public installations, along with his contributions to the arts and culture community in British Columbia.  

As a Vancouver-based furniture designer Sholto has been making a name for himself in the industry for his unique and innovative designs as well as his commitment to promoting the value of locally-sourced products. 

Sholto’s passion for furniture design began at a young age and he pursued his interest by completing a Visual Arts degree from the University of Victoria (Canada) and then a Masters degree in Industrial Design At the Manchester Metropolitan University (UK), where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for detail for sculpture and industrial design. As he began working in the industry, designing and building first sofas for manufacture, then furniture for clients including Global affairs, his work gained recognition for its unique aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship.  

Since 2001, Sholto has been dedicated to designing exceptional furniture and public installations. His career includes beautifully detailed wooden furniture, customized metal structures for public spaces, and exciting and engaging pieces for exhibitions. The focus of Sholto’s work is on people and how they use and interact with their environment. 

Photo: Sholto Scruton, Cauldron, digital design

Sholto’s work is characterized by its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and use of natural materials such as wood. His commitment to social and environmental responsibility is apparent in all his projects, as he uses local crafts people along with regionally sourced natural materials to achieve a beautiful and intended design integration. 

Currently, Scruton is working on a number of new projects, including a line of furniture inspired by the versatility of upcycled materials, particularly materials from the West Coast. He is also exploring new materials and techniques, experimenting with the use of tube laser cutting and welding, 3D printing and other cutting-edge technologies to push the boundaries of what is possible in furniture design. 

In addition to his work as a furniture designer, Sholto is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught numerous workshops and courses on furniture design and woodworking and is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He is currently working as a part time Product Design Instructor at the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen University’s Richmond campus.  

Recently, Sholto was selected to design the cauldron for the 2023 Canada Games, hosted in Prince Edward Island from Feb 19 – March 5. The cauldron held the flame for the duration of the games and was designed not only for its functional purpose, but also for its symbolic value. “The perpetual ring of fire symbolizes the ongoing inspiration that athletes have continually drawn from each other and pass onwards. The black spruce, silver birch, sweetgrass and red cedar span Canada and represent our unity and our diversity.” 

The project is a testament to his dedication to promoting the value of handmade and locally sourced products, and his belief in the power of design to inspire and unite communities. The cauldron was designed in Vancouver and manufactured in Prince Edward Island by Charlottetown Metal Products, less than 10 kilometers from where the first Canada Games were held in 1967, and the place where this cauldron starts its new life. The cauldron will travel to subsequent games for the foreseeable future. 

Sholto’s work is now primarily focused on public spaces and particularly the outdoors and furniture. Collaborating with local companies, creatives and institutions on furniture and accessories for outdoor public spaces. 

Nominations for the Applied Art + Design Award open on June 1, 2023. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

Evelyn Vanderhoop’s masterful weaving brings First Nations stories to life 

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Photo: Evelyn Vanderhoop, 2019 Award of Distinction

Haida weaver Evelyn Vanderhoop is an artist, cultural ambassador, and a keeper of traditional knowledge. In 2020, Evelyn was recognized with the First Nations Art Award of Distinction for her lifetime of achievement as an accomplished weaver. 

Born in Masset, BC, Evelyn learned the art of weaving at an early age from her grandmother, Selina Peratrovich and her mother, Delores Churchill who were both skilled weavers. She also studied weaving with Cheryl Samuel who helped resume the lost practice of Chilkat weaving in the 1980’s. 

Evelyn was inspired by her mother’s weaving in the Naaxiin (more commonly called Chilkat) tradition. “There are lots of masters in my family; both my sisters, my mother, my grandmother. Watching my mother doing these beautiful geometric weavings just inspired me to learn more.” 

Evelyn studied the origin of this weaving technique by reading journals of the early explorers and their accounts of the first contact with the Haida as well as learning from the stories of her ancestors. She studied the old robes in museums around the world and learned their complexities. Evelyn mastered the art of Naaxiin technique where weaving not only moves across horizontally, but vertically as well, creating curves, slopes and circles with multiple braids enclosing the formline shapes. 

Photo: 2019 Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement, Evelyn Vanderhoop

Evelyn’s dedication to preserving First Nations history and stories is evident in her weaving. She believes that every basket, every design, and every stitch tells a story. She weaves stories of her ancestors, the Haida people, and their connection to the land and sea. Her work serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Haida people. Evelyn’s latest creation, the Diving Whale Robe entails a laborious process and took her two years to weave. 

In addition to her weaving, Evelyn also teaches and shares her knowledge with others. She has held workshops and demonstrations at museums and galleries across Canada and the United States. 

Evelyn has had successful parallel careers as a weaver and watercolour artist. She studied watercolour painting in Europe, and one of her paintings was used as a reference for a postage stamp by the United States Postal Service to commemorate Native American dance. She has also been chosen as an artist in residence at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.  

Evelyn’s influence extends beyond her art and workshops to her daughters, weavers and artists in their own right. They have been inspired by their mother’s dedication to preserving Haida culture and have followed in her footsteps. Together, the three women have created collaborative pieces that showcase their unique styles and shared cultural heritage. 

Evelyn is passionate about preserving and promoting Haida traditions and stories and has played an influential role in passing these down to future generations. “The audience is the Haida people. I want them to know that this art – that is our art.” Watch her short film and find out more about this inspiring artist. 

The First Nations Art Award program opens for nominations on June 1, 2023. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

The Indigenous Business Award program opens for nominations May 1st  #nominatenowbc

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Photo: 2022 Indigenous Business Award recipients

The 15th annual Indigenous Business Award (IBA) program is set to open its call for nominations on
May 1, 2023, inviting Indigenous entrepreneurs to be recognized for their outstanding business achievements. The IBA program acknowledges and honours Indigenous-owned businesses that demonstrate remarkable success while contributing to their communities. 

To be eligible for the award, businesses must be Indigenous-owned, operational for at least two years, positively impacted their community, and demonstrated financial stability and growth. The business must be located in BC. 

Categories are:  

  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year  
  • Business of the Year 
  • Community-owned 
  • Business Partnership of the Year 

Nominating an Indigenous-owned business for the award has many benefits. It provides recognition for the business and the owner(s) and promotes the growth and success of Indigenous entrepreneurship. The award acknowledges the unique challenges that Indigenous entrepreneurs face and the resilience they demonstrate in overcoming these challenges. 

IBA nominations provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the success stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs and promote their businesses. By sharing their stories and achievements, it encourages other Indigenous individuals to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The Indigenous Business Award is also an avenue to support reconciliation efforts by acknowledging and celebrating the critical role Indigenous entrepreneurship plays in British Columbia’s economy. It promotes understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and highlights the importance of supporting Indigenous-owned businesses. 

IBA programming and its annual Award Gala presentation together provide a platform for networking and building connections within the Indigenous business community and beyond. These relationships can lead to collaboration and partnerships, which drive further growth and success for Indigenous-owned businesses and build a stronger provincial economy.

This year the Call for Nominations period has moved from its usual June dates and nominations for the 2023 IBA program will open on May 1 and close May 31. All eligible Indigenous-owned businesses are encouraged to submit an online application. Anyone who knows an Indigenous business deserving of the recognition, can also submit a nomination on their behalf. Details on eligibility, key dates and the program can be found at bcachievement.com.  

Be part of it and share these stories of building business excellence by nominating worthy Indigenous businesses for the 2023 program.  

Contact IBA Program Director, Angela Marston  

angela@bcachievement.com for more information

#nominatenowbc 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

What is BC Achievement?

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Photo: BC Achievement Award Medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC

BC Achievement Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to honour excellence and inspire achievement throughout British Columbia. Established in 2003, the foundation currently runs five annual award programs that recognize the accomplishments of individuals, groups and organizations in the areas of community leadership, applied art + design, First Nations art, Indigenous entrepreneurship and reconciliation.   

There’s no shortage of excellence in British Columbia. For 20 years, the BC Achievement Foundation has celebrated the province’s finest. The only organization of its kind in Canada to honour entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, visionaries and volunteers, BC Achievement shares the singular stories of these exceptional individuals. 

But it’s always been about more than the individual. It’s about understanding and investing in the communities that carry them, the people and places that make up our province. Every one of the recipients is a conduit for change; the effects of their work rippling outward, building momentum while impacting countless lives. BC Achievement programming ignites a movement that captures the best of BC and carves a path forward for others to follow. 

The Community Award recognizes those who provide exceptional service to their communities, making a huge impact while inspiring change. Nominations from around the province are indicative of the unique contributions these individuals make at a local level. 

Celebrating British Columbians whose work directly contributes to the cultural and economic fabric of the province, the Award in Applied Art + Design program shines a light on functional art. The awardees of this program enhance day-to-day life while enriching our collective experiences. 

The inspiring work of BC’s Indigenous artists is captured through the Award in First Nations Art program that celebrates the place where art, culture and commerce unite. In recognizing artistic excellence, this program honours the First Nations traditions that permeate the work, while creating a platform for engagement, mentorship and storytelling.   

The Indigenous Business Award program recognizes and inspires business achievement. The program signifies hope as Indigenous ways are leading the way. The Indigenous enterprises being recognized with an Indigenous Business Award provide new opportunities, are key drivers in the province’s economy, and help make all of our communities more resilient, inclusive and prosperous. 

BC Achievement’s newest award program is a partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The BC Reconciliation Award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the province of British Columbia or inspire others to continue reconciliation efforts. 

Many of these awardee’s stories, their journeys, motivation and their successes are documented in a growing collection of films found on BC Achievement’s website and YouTube channel.  

With every story shared, there is the potential for inspiration to spark elsewhere. It’s this potential and these small sparks that allow hope to rise-up within our province. And it is through honouring excellence, that we aim to inspire achievement and steward the best of BC. 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

International Day for the Elimination of Racism – with Suresh Kurl 

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Photo: 2022 Community Award recipient, Suresh Kurl (third from left)

The United Nations proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. By acknowledging anti-racism efforts, we can create a more equitable society where everyone thrives regardless of their race, ethnicity or cultural background. 

Embodying the very essence of this initiative, BC Achievement alumnus Suresh Kurl advocates for the celebration of all cultures while comfortably sharing his own faith and beliefs.  

Suresh is a 2022 recipient of the BC Achievement Community Award for his work raising awareness on how we can all contribute toward the elimination of racism.  

“The only solution is for people to understand what racism is and how they can deal with it; [To ask themselves] do they have any racist views in their heart? It’s not an easy journey because you are overhauling your personality and thinking better.” 

An accomplished writer, Suresh has connected with his fellow British Columbians for over four decades through articles on multiculturalism, equality, justice and faith.  

“I’m a writer and a speaker and that’s how I started going out and talking to people and telling them what I think about racial prejudices and discrimination and how we can deal with those issues.” 

Until recently Suresh served as a member of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and he remains a regular contributor to and participant in the annual Raise Your Hands Against Racism event. Serving on the National Parole Board for five years provided a unique lens which Suresh continues to use today as he sits on the community policing committee as an active member.  

A leader whose words turn into actions, Suresh challenges us all to look deeper and be better citizens.  For Suresh, it is through his faith: “If we believe God lives in us, then His attributes—kindness, and compassion, must live in us as well, and therefore, every living being should realize that discriminating against any human being is discriminating against God Himself.” 

Whether through his efforts to showcase the Hindu festivals of lights – Diwali, or the season of spring – Holi, Suresh shares his experiences to demonstrate commonality between us and how we are better together. His energy and drive have contributed to improved understanding and dialogue, in the areas of citizenship, multiculturalism, race relations, and interfaith harmony. 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a time to assess how well we are supporting all members of our community and reflect on how we can help to eliminate race-based hate and prejudice. You can also learn more by participating in events in your community.

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.    

Salmon n’ Bannock – an Indigenous entrepreneurship success story

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Photo: Inez Cook, Owner, Salmon n’ Bannock and 2013 Indigenous Business Awardee

Local restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro has been a shining light in demonstrating reconciliation in action through the power of food. 

Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro is the only Indigenous owned and operated restaurant in Vancouver and was awarded Outstanding Business Achiever at the Indigenous Business Award Gala in 2013.  

At the Bistro, Inez and her team proudly serve wild local fish, organic and free-range meats, bannock and other culinary delights inspired by a variety of First Nations traditions. Salmon n’ Bannock’s has received top accolades from the food and beverage industry. 

At the time of receiving the business honour, owner and co-founder Inez Cook of the Nuxalk Nation spoke of the restaurant’s early beginnings. Inez and then co-owner Remi Caudron saw an opportunity, prior to the Vancouver Olympics, to open a fully licensed restaurant serving First Nations cuisine. They created a menu based on traditional ingredients prepared to please a modern palate. Not only were they sharing their traditional food with a wider audience, their efforts were also helping share cultural understanding. 

Last month, Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro officially opened their second location at Vancouver International Airport aptly called Salmon n’ Bannock On The Fly. The opening date was significant as it also marked the Bistro’s 13th anniversary of the opening of their first location on Broadway in Vancouver. And it’s the only Indigenous restaurant in an international airport in North America! 

Now that they’ve expanded the business with a restaurant at Vancouver’s International Airport, Salmon n’ Bannock is poised to serve a larger customer base, sharing in Indigenous cultural cuisine. For anyone heading to the airport soon, you can find Salmon n’ Bannock On the Fly just past Security, at International Departures. 

Inez’s hard work and resilience shines through in her entrepreneurship. Her vision to incorporate Indigenous culture and tradition within her business is a game changer in Vancouver’s hospitality industry and serves as a model for others to follow. Congratulations Salmon n’ Bannock! 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.

BC Achievement board member, Aisha Amijee, on embracing equity 

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Photo: Aisha Amijee, 2020 Community Award recipient & BC Achievement board member

Aisha Amijee is a proud British Columbian, mother of three, a recipient of the Community Award, a leader and educator. Born and raised in Surrey, BC, she fills her heart up with countless community initiatives in her community of Surrey as well the Muslim, South Asian, Fijian, Arts and Soccer communities she belongs to. She is the founder of a women’s leadership registered charity, Voices of Muslim Women Foundation, and the founder of Freed Education. She teaches Policy Studies and Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Currently, she is working on a podcast and book about leadership. If that’s not keeping busy enough, Aisha has joined BC Achievement as one of our newest board members. 

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, Aisha reflects on what this day means to her in her many roles and through the lens of the IWD 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity.  

What does equity mean to you? 

To me, equity means justice. Too often we think of equality like fractions; when in fact because we are not born into equal life circumstances and privileges; equal parts do not always equal justice. I always tell my three kids, who are different ages and genders that I will always have to parent you each a little differently, but the goal is to be fair and just; which means equity. Just because I treat you or give you different items or amounts, doesn’t mean I’m not fair; I’m doing what I think will give you the most just outcome. In my class, I used to share this cartoon of a taller child and a shorter child, both trying to look over the fence to see a baseball game. The taller child can see over the fence but the younger child can’t. An adult gives the shorter child a box to stand on and then both children are able to see and enjoy the game. That is equity. 

How do you incorporate equity into your work / volunteer / life? 

I spend a lot of my time volunteering and mentoring other women or being mentored myself. There are times where I give more time, money and energy to a project because I know I have more resources or influence in a certain area or at an event; however, there are times where I am offered a discount to attend an event that would otherwise be out of reach for me because of my positionality. On top of founding my non-profit, Voices of Muslim Women, I also donate two modest scholarships now: one in memory of my maternal grandmother and one in memory of my husband’s maternal grandmother. We both have done well for ourselves in terms of education and career success and we believe it’s important to give back. On the other hand, I have been the recipient of the Marie B Scholarship for example. It helped me tremendously to learn how to turn Voices of Muslim Women into a “business” where we had enough profit to operate and create more jobs for girls and women in our community.  

What will you be doing for IWD this year? 

This year, I will be attending the Nisa Homes Tea in Wonderland High Tea; it features an amazing panel of women who are leading the way in British Columbia in the Muslim community. Nisa Homes is a Muslim Women’s Shelter that has been serving women in Vancouver for years now. I will also be tuning into the virtual live event: International Women’s Day Conversation with Sharon White, Julia Gillard and Kelly Beaver hosted by the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership. 

For more on Aisha Amijee, read about her here.  

To see how you can get involved in IWD 2023, check out this resource. #EmbraceEquity 

BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.