2008 Nominees - Education, Training & Development

Yvonne Brown
A committed teacher, researcher, and mentor, Yvonne is a passionate educator who supports her students in kindly, one-to-one relationships. As Manager of International Initiatives in the Faculty of Education at UBC, she has been advancing the university's global citizenship and international community service learning policies to deepen understandings of ethical ways to internationalize academia and explore student initiatives abroad. She took the initiative to create a curriculum for Women's Studies on the presence of black women in the Americas. Voted one of the 10 most influential African-Canadians, Dr. Brown has also volunteered in the community and spoken at many multi-cultural conferences and anti-racist rallies.

Judith Dallas
A trailblazer in education for over 30 years, Judith is a superb communicator, leader and role model who launched many new educational models through technology. She is a visionary who made her mark by establishing technology in the classroom to help students with critical thinking, inquiry-based learning and analytical skills, as well as bringing online education to the forefront in this province. She has volunteered as a teacher trainer in Ghana, participated in the University of Victoria mentoring leadership program and with the Girl Guides. Recently retired, Judy will continue to work as a consultant on various online learning projects.

Fiona Lee
After gaining her teaching credentials, Fiona decided to branch out on her own. She now owns and runs the successful Oakridge Montessori Children's Learning Centre. Fiona develops in young children the self confidence and leadership skills necessary for future success. The Learning Centre serves children across Vancouver, and Fiona is personally committed to the success of each and every one of her students. She is also devoted to the development of educators; she has taught Early Childhood Education at local colleges and organized workshops for other Early Childhood Educators, Montessori teachers and teachers-in training.

Thekla Lit
As founder of Canada Association for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia, Thekla has dedicated herself to promoting humanity and peace education through raising public awareness of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Asia during the Second World War. Under Thekla's leadership and guidance, Canadian teachers travel to Asia to engage first-hand with the powerful legacy of this chapter of history. A highly respected an inspirational woman, Thekla has written resource guides, spoken at conferences, campaigned governments and trained educators to raise societal awareness and work toward a vision of change.

Sheila Rooney
Sheila has been committed to the staff, students, parents and community of Burnaby for 35 years. As the first female Superintendent of Schools in Burnaby, Sheila has made major educational contributions at local and provincial levels, and has inspired others to reach new goals and expand their horizons. Under Sheila's leadership, the Burnaby School District has grown and explored new opportunities, and Sheila has encouraged staff to pursue their leadership goals. Also an avid volunteer and runner, Sheila has donated time to the Burnaby Board of Trade, the Michael J. Fox Theatre and the Burnaby Rotary Club.

Sue Singer
As the founder of the successful Pacific Institute for Culinary Arts, Sue built her curriculum to satisfy the needs of the industry, using ‘real world' training to ensure that her students succeed in the culinary world. Her combined passion for education and the hospitality industry has made the Institute a world-class culinary centre, and she personally interviews all prospective students. She is committed to the environment and was the first culinary school to become a member of the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program, and donates $2 of every sale of the Institute's self-published cookbook to BC Children's Hospital.

Joanne Stone-Campbell (Iy'imelwit)
Joanne has transformed the culture of BCIT through her leadership and creativity, making learning opportunities available for all and finding innovative ways to welcome Aboriginal students to BCIT. She has broken down barriers and changed the way people think about Aboriginal Culture by being proud of who she is, and promoting cultural ceremonies on campus which is open to all BCIT's staff/students. She volunteers as a coach for Choices International and past at Vancouver Police Department Native Liaison Society and Northwest Indian Child Welfare Planning Committee. Lately has been doing workshops in Education and Personal Wellness.