Educational Background:
- MBA Candidate – Simon Fraser University
- Accounting Certificate – Capilano University
- Squamish Language Certificate – Simon Fraser University
Tell us about your educational background.
Educational Background:
What has been your professional experience to date?
My career has been dedicated to governance, economic development, and financial stewardship, with a strong focus on advancing equity and sustainability in financial systems.
I currently serve as a Council Member for the Squamish Nation, where I chair the Strategic Priorities and Budget Committee. In this role, I oversee financial planning, budget allocations, and long-term investment strategies for the Nation’s economic and social programs, ensuring responsible financial management and sustainable growth.
Previously, I served on the boards of MST (Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh) Development Corporation and the New Relationship Trust, where I was involved in financial decision-making, investment oversight, and governance policies that support Indigenous economic self-determination.
My work extends into cooperative finance through my role as Chair of the Governance Committee at Vancity Credit Union, where I focus on governance best practices, risk management, and ethical financial leadership. In this capacity, I help ensure that board policies align with member interests and long-term financial stability.
Additionally, I serve on the Board of Directors for Nch’kay Development Corporation, helping oversee the financial and operational direction of Indigenous-led business initiatives. I also contribute to policy development on reconciliation and governance as a member of the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Task Force.
Beyond governance, I have experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational leadership, guiding institutions through growth while ensuring financial decisions remain community-centered. These roles have given me deep insight into financial responsibility, governance excellence, and the role of financial institutions in advancing social impact.
Tell us about your community involvement?
My community involvement is deeply rooted in my Squamish Nation culture, where I have been committed to the preservation and practice of sacred ceremonies, cultural protocols, and community traditions. These ceremonies play a critical role in strengthening our people’s connection to identity, spirituality, and governance, ensuring that our cultural teachings are passed on to future generations.
Beyond ceremony, my leadership roles within the Squamish Nation and broader governance work have allowed me to advocate for community-driven initiatives that support Indigenous self-determination, economic inclusion, and social equity. Whether through governance, policy advocacy, or financial decision-making, my work remains centered on ensuring that Indigenous communities have access to opportunities, resources, and culturally safe spaces.
Have you previously served on a credit union board or any other financial institution's board?
Yes, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Vancity and chair the Governance Committee, where I oversee board effectiveness, governance structures, and strategic alignment. I contribute to risk management and financial oversight to ensure Vancity remains a strong financial force for change.
Beyond Vancity, I serve on the board of Nch’kay Development Corporation, overseeing economic initiatives for the Squamish Nation. I have also served on the boards of the New Relationship Trust and MST Development Corporation, both of which focus on financial stewardship, investment strategies, and Indigenous economic self-determination.
These experiences have strengthened my expertise in financial governance, risk management, and ethical leadership within mission-driven institutions. I bring a deep understanding of how financial institutions can drive economic empowerment and create meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
What specific skills or expertise (e.g., financial literacy, leadership, strategic planning, technology) do you bring to the Board of Directors?
I bring a deep understanding of governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight, shaped by my experience as Chair of the Governance Committee for Vancity and as a board member for multiple organizations. My leadership roles on the Squamish Nation Council, where I chair the Strategic Priorities and Budget Committee, and on the boards of Nch’kay Development Corporation and the City of Vancouver’s UNDRIP Task Force, have honed my ability to navigate complex financial and operational decisions.
Financial literacy is central to my work, ensuring fiscal responsibility while aligning investments with social impact. I have firsthand experience evaluating budgets, financial statements, and risk management strategies to support sustainable growth. My expertise extends to economic development, having worked on initiatives that expand access to capital for Indigenous and underrepresented communities, reinforcing my belief that financial institutions should be a force for positive change.
Strategic planning is another key strength—I have led large-scale initiatives that balance growth with community priorities, ensuring long-term sustainability. Additionally, my governance experience includes strengthening policies, compliance frameworks, and accountability measures to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Technology and innovation are increasingly shaping financial services, and I recognize the importance of digital transformation. While not a technologist, I am experienced in oversight and risk assessment of digital strategies, ensuring they align with member needs and security considerations.
My combined experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning equips me to contribute meaningfully to Vancity’s mission and future direction.
Why are you running for the Board of Directors?
I am running for Vancity’s Board of Directors because I believe in the power of financial institutions to create meaningful change. As a leader with experience in governance, financial stewardship, and community advocacy, I want to ensure that Vancity continues to be a force for social and economic equity.
Throughout my career, I have championed financial inclusion, Indigenous self-determination, and sustainable economic development. Serving on the board allows me to contribute my expertise in governance and strategic planning to ensure Vancity remains accountable to its members while driving bold, values-based financial decisions.
Vancity is uniquely positioned to lead in climate justice, reconciliation, and financial empowerment. My experience working within Indigenous governance, economic development, and policy advocacy gives me the insight to help navigate these complex and urgent challenges while ensuring that financial opportunities are accessible to all members, especially those historically underserved.
Serving on the board is not just about governance—it’s about upholding the values that make Vancity different. I am running to help shape a future where financial services empower communities, foster economic justice, and create lasting impact.
How do you plan to contribute to the success of Vancity and our members if elected?
If elected, I will bring my governance experience, financial oversight skills, and deep commitment to social and economic equity to ensure that Vancity continues to serve its members with integrity and impact.
One of my priorities will be to uphold and build upon Vancity’s strong governance and accountability, ensuring that its growth remains aligned with cooperative principles. As Chair of the Governance Committee, I am committed to enhancing transparency, ethical decision-making, and member representation. I will continue this work to ensure that Vancity remains financially strong while prioritizing community well-being.
I will also advocate for financial inclusion and access to capital, ensuring that Vancity continues to serve members who have historically been excluded from traditional financial systems. Whether supporting small businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, or families seeking affordable housing, I will work to ensure that Vancity remains a leader in ethical banking that puts people before profits.
Ultimately, my role as a director will be to listen, advocate, and make informed decisions that reflect the needs of Vancity’s members. I am committed to ensuring that Vancity thrives not just as a financial institution, but as a force for positive change in our communities.
Describe your leadership style and how it aligns with Vancity’s mission.
My leadership style is collaborative, values-driven, and rooted in accountability. I believe that effective leadership requires both listening and action—ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard while making informed decisions that serve the collective good.
At the core of my leadership approach is a commitment to equity and inclusion. Throughout my career, I have worked to create spaces where historically underrepresented voices are not just included but empowered. This aligns with Vancity’s mission of financial inclusion, ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all members, especially those who have faced systemic barriers.
I also lead with strategic foresight, balancing immediate priorities with long-term sustainability. Whether overseeing financial planning for the Squamish Nation or governance at Vancity, I ensure that decisions are guided by both financial responsibility and social impact—a core principle of Vancity’s cooperative model.
Another pillar of my leadership is accountability and ethical governance. As Chair of Vancity’s Governance Committee, I have championed transparency, strong decision-making frameworks, and policies that keep the organization accountable to its members. This reflects Vancity’s commitment to integrity and community-driven leadership.
Ultimately, my leadership style aligns with Vancity’s mission because I believe in using finance as a tool for positive change. Whether advancing reconciliation, supporting climate action, or strengthening financial access, I am committed to ensuring that Vancity remains a leader in values-based banking that puts people first.
How do you plan to represent the diverse needs of our membership?
Vancity’s strength lies in its diverse membership, and I am committed to ensuring that all voices—especially those who have been historically underrepresented—are heard and reflected in decision-making.
I approach representation through active listening, engagement, and advocacy. This means seeking input from a broad range of members, understanding their unique financial challenges, and ensuring that Vancity’s policies and initiatives serve their needs. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, ensuring financial access for newcomers, or advocating for Indigenous economic self-determination, I will work to ensure that Vancity’s services remain inclusive and accessible.
As a governance leader, I also recognize that representation goes beyond consultation—it requires action. I will continue to champion financial inclusion, reconciliation, and climate justice, ensuring that Vancity invests in solutions that serve diverse communities. From affordable housing initiatives to impact-driven lending, I will advocate for programs that address systemic barriers and create long-term opportunities for all members.
Additionally, I will work to ensure that Vancity’s decision-making remains transparent and accountable. By fostering open communication, I will help bridge the gap between the board and the members we serve, ensuring that all perspectives shape Vancity’s future.
Ultimately, representing Vancity’s diverse membership means making sure that financial services are not just available but equitable, inclusive, and empowering for all. I am committed to ensuring that every member—regardless of background or circumstance—feels seen, valued, and supported.
