As Executive Director of BC Achievement Foundation, Rup leads strategy, communications and delivery for programs that celebrate excellence across British Columbia. Her work connects First Nations, artists, leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities—elevating achievement and creating platforms that highlight those shaping our provincial landscape.
Rup’s work has immersed her in the world of professional communications, project management and advocating for the arts and for women’s wellness. She currently produces and moderates the award-winning Avaaz Health podcast, a forum for fact-based women’s health information. Rup also serves as President of Arts BC, serving to define and advance community arts and culture development.
Director of Indigenous Relations & Program Director, Indigenous Business Award
Biography
Angela (Statu Stsuhwum) is the Program Director for the Indigenous Business Award and a member from Stz’uminus First Nation. She has worked with organizations such as First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Emily Carr University, and the University of Victoria. While in these roles she supported First Nation communities, artists and organizations across the province.
Angela is also a co-founder of the Four Salish Winds Arts and Education Society; an Indigenous led society that promotes cultural awareness, language revitalization, traditional art practices and mentoring Indigenous youth.
Angela’s artistic contribution to her Coast Salish culture has been recognized by Canada Council for the Arts, The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the National Gallery of Canada. She was also a recipient of the Audain Fellowship with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
As BC Achievement’s Director of Operations & Programs, Kristin oversees program planning and delivery, strategic partnerships, and organizational operations, working closely with staff, volunteers, juries, sponsors, and community partners. Her leadership extends into Vancouver’s arts and cultural community as a board member of the Eastside Arts Society. She has also served on the boards of Inverso Productions, Jericho Baseball, and the Kitsilano Parent Advisory Council.
After living in Italy for more than a decade, Kristin returned to Canada. During that time, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL), experiences that strengthened her collaborative approach to communication and relationship-building across diverse communities. An early foundation in dance sparked a lifelong involvement in the arts and continues to inform her commitment to creativity and community engagement.
