Angela Matthews, Owner of CyanDezign

Angela Matthews cultivated her two main influences, the landscapes that surround her and the food she encounters, into her art, her work, and her contributions to her community. A graduate from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, she is a working artist and a teacher who also contributes her talents to nonprofits.

She painted a large mural for DRS Earthwise Society and co-created 2 spirit bears with artist Cynthia Richardson for the BC Lions Society.

Anglela prefers oil, but works in other mediums as well: wood, steel, stain glass, acrylic, watercolour, ink, charcoal, pastels, and printmaking. Her subjects include landscapes, architecture, food and portraits. Her work, Mirror Image, was juried at the Surrey Art Gallery in 2004.

Bernadette Currie , M. Eng, SFU Surrey Instructor

Bernadette Currie is a role model and mentor for young women in engineering, a field under represented by women in both the student body and faculty.

For 10 years she taught mechanical engineering courses at BCIT in the School of Manufacturing, Electronics and Industrial Processes, teaching mechanical design theory and advanced computer aided techniques.

Currently, she uses her computer-aided design skills as a SFU instructor in the TechOne program. She also volunteers to promote women in the field of engineering.

She is the current chair of the Division for the Advancement of Women in Engineering and Geoscience and served last year as its Outreach Coordinator. For the Building Communities Symposium 07, she helped bring together 120 women in engineering from B.C.

Beverley Drayton , Executive Committee for the Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association and the Barbados Cultural Association of B.C.

Beverley Drayton has aided numerous people throughout the Caribbean community with her warmth, generosity and tireless contributions. Every situation that arises is an opportunity for her to share, educate and inform others about Jamaica and what being a Jamaican means; such characteristics include strength, determination, kindness, perseverance, and pride.

A retired nurse, she has also volunteered with the B.C. Head Injury Association, Richmond Volunteer Services greeting new immigrants, and the B.C. Mainland Cricket League doing the catering for overseas touring teams. She has volunteered with many organizations and is presently on the board of the Caribbean Seniors Community Interaction Project.

 Cynthia Williams , Retired Registered Nurse

Cynthia doesn't sweep adversity under the table. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, she began teaching herself and others about it.

Dementia means forgetfulness. There are many types, and Cynthia has been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.

As a volunteer with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., she was one of the members from the early-stage group who wrote the booklet, "Memory Problems?"

She was also one of four representatives who advocated for the Representation Agreement Act, a legal planning document that enables people in the early stage of dementia to choose another person to make important decisions for them in the future while they are living.

It came into effect on February 28, 2000. For seniors, she organizes workshops regarding safety issues.

Deneka Michaud , Producer of "Plugged-In" Delta Cable Communications

Often residents from Delta identify themselves as only being part of the smaller communities. Through her TV show, Deneka Michaud aims to create one Delta community and raise community spirit. Her stories focus on good news and on people within the community doing great things.

Deneka is one of four young professionals who will go to Tanzania in April. Every year, Rotary sponsors young adults to do a vocational placement in another part of the world to learn how their trade is practiced elsewhere while learning about another culture. Through the efforts of these young adults, Rotary aims to bring about a deeper understanding of culture and world peace. Deneka plans to air her experiences on Delta Cable in the Fall.

Eileen Reppenhagen , CGA, TaxDetective®

Eileen is an accountant extraordinaire, community volunteer, and tax educator, specializing in Disability Tax Administration. For over 20 years, Eileen has shared her knowledge and personal family experiences that have had an impact at the local, provincial and national levels. Her advice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the Minister of National Revenue brought clarity, adding to the quality and wellness of many individuals.

In 2005, Eileen volunteered on the Disability Advisory Committee. Even after it was disbanded, she was committed to meeting every month with key personnel at Canada Revenue Agency Benefits Administration. To educate taxpayers and non-profits, she delivers talks, conducts workshops, and gives seminars. Her website, TaxDetective®, provides free information.

Fay Salmon -Lord , Proprietor Jamaica Tasty Bakes

Fay Salmon -Lord was one of the founders for the Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association, the United Caribbean Cultural Association and the Caribbean Seniors Community Interaction Project.

As a nurse, she worked for VGH for over 30 years.

Since 1985, she has run Jamaica Tasty Bakes, in which she shares the Jamaican culture through her easy smile and rich-moist cakes. Her signature dessert, Fay's Gourmet amaican Rumba Cake, started as her mother’s receipt which we can now all enjoy.

Fay volunteers as a receptionist at a seniors' centre and as a Green Coat volunteer at the airport, which she has done for the past 8 years. For many visitors, a Green Coat volunteer is the first person they meet who can provide assistance and a friendly welcome.

Frances Kenny , Founder/Facilitator Parents Forever

For Frances Kenny, the focus of her work and contribution began 17 years ago when her son's behaviour dramatically changed. Through the program, Parents Together, she got support and turned her own struggle around to help heal others. She became one of the group facilitators, bringing passion and heart into supporting other parents throughout the Lower Mainland.

Seven years ago, she founded the group Parents Forever, a mutual support group for parents who have adult children with drug addictions. Frances helps parents deal with day-to-day challenges, such as supporting without enabling, maintaining a relationship with loved ones that includes limits and boundaries, and learning to take care of oneself while keeping the focus on helping parents get control back into their own lives.

Jaz Gill , Founder Nu-Way Hairdressing & Esthetics School

When Jaz Gill came from India, the only English she knew how to say was "yes" and "no." In India, she was a successful business woman, but here in Canada, she started at the beginning. After working as a farm worker and a cleaner, she went to hairdressing school while still learning English. From these beginnings, she has created a chain of hair salons and hairdressing schools. For her students, she has taught them the skills of hairdressing and esthetics while inspiring them to be business savvy and to help others explore the potential in themselves.

A leader in her community, she hosts and produces the Vision TV program, Nawa Rasta Nawi Soch. It features videos, health tips, and viewer feedback while exploring new ideas. She supports children, human rights, and the Delta Hospital through Trinjan, the Punjabi Folk.

Dr. Jennifer Mervyn , Mental Health Clinician, Ministry of Children and Family Development

Dr. Jennifer Mervyn was the first student to submit a video ethnography as her doctoral dissertation in the department of Counselling Psychology at UBC. Her video, etamorphosis: An In-Depth Look at the Lives of Former Street Kids , follows the lives of four women as they successfully transition their lives off the street.

The film recognizes systemic obstacles youth face, and it has been internationally recognized and showcased at conferences on homelessness. A former street youth herself, Jennifer is determined to help.

Last June, she led a photo-therapy project with street involved youth that garnered international attention at the UN World Urban Forum. For the last seven years, she has worked as a crisis worker for youths in acute mental health crisis.

Johanna Schmidt , Artist, Graphic Designer, and Co-Owner of the Kangapouch Babywear Company

Johanna Schmidt is the co-owner of the infant bedding company Kangapouch, which was started in 1999 by Johanna' mother. Since Johanna and her business partner, Andrea Hrysko, took over five years ago, they have expanded the company to its present day success.

Johanna is a distinguished artist and has contributed her talents and art to various organizations. For the BC Lions Society, she created an Orcas in the City mosaic entitled "Still Around." She has participated in animal rights and humanitarian efforts through the language of art, including the Kensington Foundation art fundraiser two years in a row. She painted an "Endangered Species" series of six circular images from which she created cards to distribute and spread the message, including respect for all people, animals and nature.

Kathie Madden , President Kathie Madden Events

In 1994, Kathie Madden became a Delta resident and an active community volunteer, spearheading fundraising events for the local schools. She then combined these fundraising experiences with her display merchandising and travel industry background to start Kathie Madden Events.

She is one of 15 delegates chosen to contribute to the International Event Management Standards Project developed by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council(CTHRC) in Ottawa. The project aims to develop building occupational standards and the competency framework for event professionals. She also sits on the National Advisory Committee with CTHRC developing content for the upcoming 2008 Human Resources Forum in Winnipeg.

Lorna Vanderhaeghe , Women's Natural Health Expert

Lorna Vanderhaeghe has been researching the subject of nutritional medicine for over 25 years. As a writer and lecturer, she educates people on how to combine the best of mainstream medicine with scientifically backed nutrients and diet changes to achieve optimal wellness.

She has a Master of Health Studies and a Degree in biochemistry. Her list of accomplishments include: working at the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine; past editor-in-chief of alive magazine and Healthy Living Guide ; and senior editor of the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing , winner of the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award in 1998. She is currently an associate editor for Total Health magazine in the U.S. and the author of many books. Her website, www.hormonehelp.com , has over 4000 pages of helpful nutrition info.

Melissa Tsang , Coordinator Front of House Service, Gateway Theatre Richmond

Melissa Tsang is a tireless promoter and supporter of the arts. For Gateway Theatre, she is the eyeGO youth coordinator, a program that promotes the arts to high school students. In this role, she encourages Richmond youth to participate in the eyeGO youth council in which they learn marketing, collaborative skills and team leadership.

While she was a university student, Melissa found The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of UBC and stage managed productions for UBC Opera. She continues to work for UBC Opera as coordinator of its annual Masked Ball fundraiser. She is a board member of the BC Choral Federation; she is the chair of the BC Choral Federation Youth Council; and she is a participant of the Richmond Chorus.

Michelle Lee Williams , President of Black Theatre West

Michelle Lee Williams has educated, entertained and helped instill self-esteem into the youngest members of the black community --- and she did it all as a volunteer.

In 1977, she started the Black Theatre West. Using her passion for theatre and its power as a great communicator, she exposed the wider community to the black experience, producing plays with themes around South African, Black-American and Black-Canadian experiences.

For youth, she founded the Jr. Black Achievement Awards. Through this event, her efforts catalysed the black community to unite and put a spotlight on the achievements of black students. From 1982 to 2007, she was the editor and publisher of the Afro News.

Michelle Berezan , Owner Shell's Salon Spa

Michelle Berezan opened Shell's Salon Spa in Surrey along with her own cosmetic line and an online store called VanityRoom.ca. Even with these successes, she began thinking about what she wanted to be remembered for. So, she searched the Internet and found Projects Abroad, a volunteer organization. On Dec. 28, 2007, she landed in Kwomoso, Ghana.

With 4 other volunteers, she helped build bathrooms, lay a floor and paint. When one of the villagers took sick, she arranged for a doctor to take care of him. By the time she left, she had paid for his two surgeries and a year's worth of healthcare for him, 13 children and four adults. At home, her generous spirit continues.

Shell’s salon will host a fashion show on April 19 to benefit the Peace Arch Hospital Partners in Caring Campaign and a medical clinic in Kwomoso.

Miriam Palacios , Public Engagement, Advocacy and Campaign Officer, Oxfam Canada

Originally from Guatemala, Miriam has been an activist and tireless advocate for social justice. Miriam has helped to educate many people in Vancouver about issues related to Human Rights, Women's Rights, and Food & Trade. She is the co-founder of the Vancouver Fair Trade Coffee Network and a member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council.

Miriam's work as a member of the B.C. Council for International Cooperation's Task Force to Make Poverty History helped to develop and pass together with the City of Vancouver, the first Municipal Ethical Procurement Policy and Suppliers Code of Conduct.

After returning from Bangladesh last year, she has worked with other organizations to form the We Can End All Violence Against Women Alliance in B.C.

Sandra Gebhardt, ED Boys and Girls Club Community Services of Delta/Richmond

For 23 years, Sandra Gebhardt has worked in the not for-profit sector and has raised millions of dollars both as a volunteer and a staff member. She was the coordinator for the Heart Foundation's Door-to-Door campaign for Richmond, Ladner and Tsawwassen and the Foundation's Provincial Special Event coordinator.

During the 90s, she was the manager of Special Projects for the Boys' & Girls' Clubs of Greater Vancouver and ED for the Vancouver Learning Disabilities Association.

Sandra is deeply committed to volunteerism, building community and advocating for children, youth and families. As ED of BGCCS,a multi-service agency with programs delivered from 9 focal sites and many satellites, she successfully led her team through an international accreditation process.

Suzanne Haines , General Manager Gateway Theatre

Suzanne Haines has been working in the arts for over 15 years as a stage manager, technician and an administrator for music and theatre organizations.

Within Richmond, she volunteers with the Steveston Salmon Festival, is the chair of the Richmond Arts Coalition, is a member of the Business and the Arts Committee of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Committee of the Richmond Spirit of B.C. committee.

For theatre, she is on the board for the Professional Association for Canadian Theatres representing all regional theatres in Canada; she is the chair of the PACT Diversity Committee; and she is a member of the PACT Professional Development Committee. She was instrumental in bringing eyeGO to B.C., a program that provides access to all performing arts for students.

Dr. Yvonne Brown , Faculty of Education, UBC

Dr. Yvonne Brown has been active in multicultural and anti-racism initiatives for over 20 years as a teacher, lecturer, researcher, educational administrator and former politician. She currently holds the rank of lecturer at UBC and has taught "The Presence of African/Black Women in the Americas" in the Women Studies Department for 10 years. She has received multiple honours for her contributions and service.

She has been a mentor to many students, staff and faculty, where she has played pivotal roles as friend, teacher, supporter and most importantly as the voice which questioned and interrupted exclusions, invisibilities and silences so that multiple and diverse identities could emerge. Her presence has had a profound impact on many. Consequently, she has been named one of the 10 most influential Afro-Canadians for ‘08.

Click on the button to nominate a woman

To have a nomination form faxed to you, call the Burns Bog Conservation Society at 604-572-0373.