Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

I am running for the Vancity Board of Directors because I believe deeply in our credit union's vision of a transformative economy that protects the earth and guarantees equity for all. As a member since 1995, I've instilled in my children the importance of democratic, cooperative finance.

Now more than ever, we need values-based financial institutions, like Vancity, to serve the diverse needs of our community and to be a financial force for change. With the threat of US tariffs and economic uncertainty looming over Canada, it's more crucial than ever to have a strong, local financial institution that prioritizes the well-being of its members and community. Vancity's dedication to financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and reconciliation resonates strongly with me, and I want to help ensure these values continue to guide our decisions.

As a board member, I would work tirelessly to uphold Vancity's commitment to providing financial services to those who face challenges accessing them. Our credit union's history of breaking down barriers, from offering mortgages to women without male co-signers to recognizing First Nations as governments for lending purposes, inspires me to continue this legacy of innovation and inclusivity.

With the potential economic pressures facing Canada, including the risk of recession and currency devaluation, Vancity's role as a community-focused financial institution becomes even more vital. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to develop products and services that support our members through these uncertain times while staying true to our core values of sustainability, equity, and community empowerment.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

My motivation stems from personal experience with Vancity during the early months of the pandemic. Despite not being a bank customer or having applied for any support, our business received life-saving assistance from Vancity. Through the ‘Support Local’ initiative, funded by Vancity, we generated over $15,000 in revenue by selling gift cards, with each card receiving 50% funding from Vancity. This experience left a profound impact on me. Since then, we have switched to Vancity banking, and I have become increasingly impressed and curious about their banking practices and community support initiatives. I am eager to contribute to this remarkable model of community building and gain further knowledge about it.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

Vancity has been a consistent force for good in my world. I have been contemplating serving as a director on the Vancity Board since becoming a member 34 years ago – now is the time in my life when I can make that commitment.

Being a financial force for change means having an impact and making a difference in Vancity’s goals and values. I am particularly focused on climate action and affordable housing, and on the connections between them.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

Like many Vancity members, I believe in the transformative power of values-led banking. Members consistently choose Vancity over the big banks because Vancity puts our money to use in our own communities: lending to local businesses we love and patronize, supporting local organizations we value and need, creating pathways to home ownership for our friends and families, and standing with those living on the economic margins. Against a backdrop of seismic geopolitical shifts, radical inflationary shocks and powerful climate events, Vancity is needed – now more than ever – to help create thriving, resilient communities.

I’ve been privileged to lead Vancity through a recent revitalization. If re-elected, I’ll continue to support these efforts, which include delivering members a new digital experience that makes banking easier, and creating innovative financial solutions that better reflect your needs. We’re aiming to boost local businesses, drive affordable housing builds, strengthen Indigenous entrepreneurship, and help members find better and simpler ways to save. All while redoubling efforts nationally and globally to model climate-resilient, socially responsible growth. Strengthening our workplace for Vancity’s staff, those who have their fingers on the pulse of members’ needs and aspirations, is also critical.

I’m running because Vancity’s vision of a transformed economy has never been more relevant. In these destabilizing times, I believe the powerful insights and skills I’ve gained as your director over the years can help ensure that your credit union remains a beacon of strength, stability and hope.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

Vancity’s mission to advance financial inclusion, reconciliation, and sustainability aligns with my own values as an Indigenous entrepreneur and technology strategist. I want to contribute to the Board by advocating for economic reconciliation, ensuring that Indigenous businesses and underserved communities have access to the financial tools they need to thrive. Additionally, with my background in digital transformation and enterprise architecture, I can support Vancity’s ongoing efforts to innovate while safeguarding member assets.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

Serving as a board member at Vancity would be a wonderful opportunity to contribute to my metro Vancouver community where I live and play – putting my years of professional skills in risk management, accounting literacy and financial industry to good use. Vancity is a critical pillar of strength in metro Vancouver with a demonstrated track record of effecting positive change in the community, from aiding beloved community businesses like the Rio Theatre to advocating for equitable policies. I would be proud to help the organization continue to spread meaningful change and to support our neighbours.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

Vancity is a vital community institution that represents a better way to bank. When seeking financing for my real estate development projects, I always offer these deals to Vancity first because of my belief in the company. Seeing the company’s financial challenges this past year has motivated me to offer my expertise to help Vancity succeed. I see this as the most effective and impactful way to give back to the community, using my knowledge of land development, financial systems, regulatory frameworks, Reconciliation, and senior leadership to strengthen Vancity’s Board. Vancity’s profitability is heavily dependent on real estate backed lending concentrated in BC. This is a key area of expertise needed on Vancity’s Board, which is diverse in some aspects but appears fairly heavily weighted to academics and individuals with environmental expertise based on Vancity’s disclosures. These skills are very much needed but this should be balanced to ensure that the board is able to provide relevant informed guidance on all aspects of Vancity’s business. Having personally witnessed Vancity exit the highly profitable land development and construction financing space, missing out on opportunities with existing members who easily obtained financing from Vancity’s competitors, cemented my desire to run for the Board. We need to ensure that the Board has the expertise to guide management in issues related to the real estate sector as this is where Vancity has a material impact and can really drive positive change.

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Why are you running for the Vancity Board of Directors?

I am eager to contribute to Vancity’s ongoing transformative work. As a "financial force for change" prioritizing social impact and financial inclusion, not only profit maximization, Vancity is redefining what banking can achieve. My skills and experience position me well to serve effectively, and I am excited about what we can achieve for the communities we serve.

With a strong background in governance, collaborative approaches, and work in social benefit / social justice sectors, it would be an honor and delight to contribute to Vancity's ongoing transformative work. I bring proven experience, for example as executive director of a newcomer service agency, I embarked on bold, strategic initiatives such as social enterprise development and social benefit real estate to create sustainability and community impact. Following that, I led a national member-based organization in advocacy and capacity building for refugee sponsorship, building Canadian communities while stepping up to humanitarian pledges. I hold an MA in global leadership and am embarking on doctoral studies in human rights law.

I am committed to challenging the culture of inevitability surrounding social and financial injustice and working to create meaningful change across the spectrum from ongoing self-interrogation of privilege and positionality to big-scale transformation.

Serving on the Board offers a unique opportunity to impact members and community. Using the power of the finance sector as a leverage point to advance change inspires me, and as a Vancity member I am dedicated to ensuring that our credit union remains a leader promoting inclusion and sustainability.

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Why are you running for the Vancity 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.

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