2012 Nominees - Entrepreneurship
Sandee Krause
An outstanding business and community leader, Sandee has transformed Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery into a thriving and sustainable agri-tourism destination and world-class food supplier in Langley Township. Sandee broke from traditional seasonal u-pick and berry export operations and created a local food experience for families, school-groups and the community. Sandee’s entrepreneurial spirit ensures the farm’s growth and enables her to provide meaningful work for employees year-round. This year marks the opening of an onsite winery, tasting room and restaurant, further evidence of Sandee’s continuing efforts to grow and diversify the business. In the community, Sandee sits on industry boards and shows ongoing generosity to various local charitable organizations by donating time, products and hosting farm events.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“It’s a natural choice for me to support the YWCA’s healthy choices for youth programs. Each year I employ seasonal youth offering similar support in a safe working environment where they can learn new skills from role models who help face the challenges of transitioning into the work force. Investing in them begins with believing in them, providing training for today and encouragement for tomorrow.”
Amielle Lake
Amielle is bucking gender trends in a male-dominated industry as the founder and CEO of Tagga Media, a software company that leverages mobile marketing technologies to drive companies’ success. Under the resourceful leadership of this 31-year-old entrepreneur, marathon runner and published author, Tagga Media has already expanded across the US and now targeting continued growth in Latin America. A leader among her peers, Amielle is regularly invited to speak at industry functions and was voted a Person to Watch both in 2009 and 2011 as well as a Top 40 under 40 by Business in Vancouver in 2012. Amielle is rooted within the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs as a Board Member, Chair of the Programming Committee and mentor for rising entrepreneurs.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“Through my work with Kids Upfront Vancouver, I have been exposed to the positive impact inspiration can have on children. Sending kids to their first soccer game or symphony has a lasting impression on their spirit and creativity. I support healthy choices for youth because programs like My Life and Boys 4 Real provide kids with the knowledge to become productive members of society. “
Zahra Mamdani
In 2007, Zahra acquired Wear Else, an established women’s clothing store, and infused the brandwith contemporary, on-trend style that caters to influential women in business and society. She has brought vitality to the brand through highly interactive marketing including fashion shows and fundraisers, supporting local designers and hosting fashion segments on breakfast television. With Zahra’s drive, inventiveness and strong vision Wear Else has secured the attention of Canada’s national fashion media including TRENDS and Fashion magazine. Believing that how we dress is intrinsically linked to confidence, Zahra regularly hosts ‘Dressing for Confidence’ seminars for women of all ages. She was a founding board member of The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization in BC.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“Education is a life-long journey that begins in a child’s earliest years. Studies show that key brain development occurs before the age of four. I’m behind YWCA’s early learning and child care program because it is a full circle system that supports the education of both mother and child. When children learn how to love to learn their future is brighter.”
Lisa Martin
A successful serial entrepreneur, in 2000 Lisa opened Lisa Martin International, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in empowering women’s success. Through Briefcase Moms, her bestselling book and corporate wellness program, and her one-on-one executive coaching, Lisa has landed contracts with some of Canada’s most admired corporations and has helped thousands of women achieve career success on their terms. Her proven strategies assist organizations to identify, attract and retain top female talent, thus maximizing the contributions of valuable female employees. Her extensive volunteer contributions include lending expertise to The Minerva Foundation for BC Women, co-founding of the Progressive Employers of Canada List and sitting on the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Women’s Leadership Circle Advisory Council.
Connecting the Community Quote:
"Maria Montessori once said, 'Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world.' I choose to support early learning and child care because YWCA Vancouver's four licensed centres provide a much-needed service. These centres nurture children and provide their young mothers more options, enabling both mother and child to realize their full potential as contributing citizens. And, that means we all win."
Evi Mustel
A creative entrepreneur and founder of the Mustel Group, over the past three decades Evi has established one of the most respected market research firms in the province. From a fledgling start in an era when market research was controlled by large international companies, Evi’s vision of a boutique firm with strong western Canadian roots is now a flourishing market research business that covers everything from retail to public policy to healthcare. For the past decade Evi has contributed as a Director of the Vancouver Board of Trade and as the current Chair of its Women’s Leadership Council, she acts as a role model for other women who are looking to break the paradigms about women in business.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“As a business owner who has raised two children, I appreciate the challenge faced by families from increased housing costs, stagnant wages, and shortage of affordable quality child care. As putting careers on hold is not an option for most, I choose to support early learning and child care because the YWCA Vancouver provides a model on which to build.”
Trish Sare
Over the past 18 years, Trish has grown BikeHike Adventures from a start-up with one destination to an award-winning adventure travel company operating in nearly 30 countries and employing dozens of local tour guides worldwide. Operating on the principles of culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism practices and as an active member of adventure travel associations, Trish has strongly influenced sustainable tourism practices. She shares her industry knowledge through her own organization and a Tour Operators Alliance, created to foster community dialog between small tour companies in BC. Through educating and offering practicum placements to BCIT tourism marketing students, Trish is strengthening the next generation of adventure travel specialists. BikeHike has earned accolades as one of the top adventure travel companies on the earth by National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Connecting the Community Quote:
"For a healthy society we must educate our children to eat well, lead active lifestyles and appreciate the outdoors. Obesity is detrimental for emotional and physical health. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard work, but something that is inspirational and empowering, and can lead to wonderful career choices. Healthy choices for youth helps kids appreciate nature and become more cognizant to the sustainability of our planet."
Andrea Scott
Successful business owner, philanthropist and mother of three young children, Andrea is a role model in the local business community. Andrea co-founded skoah personal skin care company and the Hopeful Hand charity in response to her two passions: growing a quality, customer-focused retail business and making the lives of parents with terminally ill children a little bit easier. The Hopeful Hand charity is now tightly woven into the fabric of the skoah culture. Andrea has instilled the entrepreneurial spirit of flexibility and resourceful in her staff and she encourages and mentors them to establish and work towards their own goals. She regularly speaks at the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Young Women in Business Network and mentors through the Capilano Business School.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“As a working mom of three young children, I understand the positive impact consistent, quality early learning and child care has on children and on the potential for success for the mother. Early, consistent, quality childcare will not only build the foundation for a child's future, but affords the mother the opportunity to achieve her goals, and in turn support her family.”
Nicole Stefenelli
A pioneering spirit in the sustainability sector, Nicole is the founder and CEO of Urban Impact, the first multi-material recycling company in Metro Vancouver. Nicole first saw the value in recycling waste as a university student and established the company as a university project. Through Urban Impact, Nicole has proven a commitment to zero waste is financially and environmentally possible. She has grown the company for more than 20 years from four initial clients to in excess of 5,000 clients. In 2011, Urban Impact diverted more than 95% of the 100,000 metric tonnes of materials collected and processed from landfill. Active in the community, Nicole leads school tours to inspire environmental stewardship, mentors women entrepreneurs in the environmental sector and serves on multiple boards, including as President of the Waste Management Association of BC.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“As a mother of four children under the age of eleven, I choose to support early learning and child care. It is my hope that every child should have the opportunity for a healthy and nurtured childhood. The YWCA’s Emma Early Learning & Care Centre is such a place for children, and deserves your vote.”
Cathy Watters
An accomplished writer and editor, Cathy created Entrepreneurial Woman Magazine with a mission to ‘inspire success’ by becoming the go-to forum for women entrepreneurs and to encourage more women to consider self-employment as a career option. Cathy noticed most magazines directed at women focused on fashion and lifestyle, and very few focused on promoting business education and celebrating women’s achievements. The magazine features successful women entrepreneurs and offers opportunities for them to write for the magazine and to share their knowledge and expertise. Cathy regularly volunteers for writing-related events including organizing a lecture series for the Professional Writers’ Association of Canada. Quickly gaining recognition on social media, Cathy was featured in a Forbes.com article ‘Top 20 Women to Follow on Twitter’.
Connecting the Community Quote:
“Entrepreneurial Woman Magazine supports YWCA's safe and affordable housing program because it allows single moms and their children a chance for a better future. Without this program, rent alone can keep low-income families in poverty. With this program, families can meet their rental obligations and have money left over, giving opportunity for more hope, happiness and financial security.”
