Being relatively new to the Fraser Valley, Joan Forge is looking forward to getting involved and making a difference in her new home. Since retiring from her government and community relations business, Forge Ahead Communications, Joan is living out her dream of designing and creating handcrafted items and has started an online business called One Day Mercantile.

“I want to be more than a bystander. This is a chance to get involved in the community we now call home and to help youth in need.”

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Shelly Lynn Hughes is the owner and publisher of Fresh Magazine and the founder of a community called Pursuit 365. She has experienced having plenty and needing help from others and knows everyone needs help every now and then. If she can help someone else then that’s what she wants to do.

“Everybody needs a helping hand every now and then and if I can make a difference in my community then I want to do that.”

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As Co-Vice Chair of Options Community Services, Louella is keenly aware of the depth of community needs and the lack of funding to meet those needs. Louella is committed to advocating for services that make a difference to the lives of individuals in the community.

“Youth form one of the largest groups with unmet needs. I’m hoping that you too will help create this innovative response to meet a wide range of non-funded youth needs.”

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Before attending law school, Rebecca Darnell honed her skills in banking, as a court recorder/transcriber and as a freelance paralegal at several law firms. Her work in family law has shown her how many women are trapped in unhealthy or abusive relationships because they don’t have the economic means to leave.

“I am a long time supporter of youth at risk and I especially support anything that positively impacts youth mental health whenever possible. This Women of Options Gamechangers project is so timely and such a worthwhile cause.”

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Born and raised in Surrey, Rebecca Bollwitt has blogged about life in BC since 2004 on Miss604.com. She is looking forward to supporting the 2022 Options Community Services Gamechangers Campaign to help fund youth programs and resources in the community.

“Access to youth sports programs … forever shaped who I am and gave me valuable skills I use to this day. I am so happy that Options will be investing in the future of Surrey through its youth.”

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As a long-term employee of Options Community Services, Tammy Dyer has served in many capacities, including ECE in the young parent program, senior manager for the Early Years program, and now deputy executive director at Options.

“I realized… how important it is for everyone to have reliable support as they navigate their way through life.”

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With many years of experience in the securities industry, Jas Salh’s knowledge of the markets and dedication to providing excellent customer service aid her in understanding and satisfying the requirements of clients. She focuses on both building her business and giving back to the community.

“Together, we are all stronger. Together, we are a force for positive change in the world.”

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Taylor Thoen is the CEO of BTV, a TV production and Digital Marketing Agency with the longest running investment TV show in Canada.

“Helping our community and contributing in a meaningful way is very important to BTV and myself personally. Options’ Youth Program offers much needed support for youths at risk or in need, and we’re fortunate to be able to support that cause”

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At the age of 15 Michelle started working in the Real Estate Industry in a very junior role. Immediately falling in love with what she was doing she knew this was the path she wanted to take. Fast forward to today and she is now the senior vice president at Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd. leading a team of industry professionals. Though people may never know about her involvement in this Options’ campaign, it’s the opportunity this initiative is going to bring so many lives that excites her.

“I am honoured to be participating in this campaign. Having family members that work with youth in need on a daily basis, I understand the lack of support currently available. Every youth deserves an opportunity to thrive and chase their dreams, which is why I couldn’t possibly say no to supporting this initiative.”

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As someone who has always been interested in the power of innovation, Shelly Howard has spent her entire career working to help customers and partners leverage technology to drive new and improved business solutions. Working together to drive positive outcomes is in her DNA and she is excited to bring her passion to the Options’ project.

“One small act of kindness can have a ripple effect that changes the lives of many in the years to come.”

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Lisa is an alumnus of Young UN and has supported United Nations’ vision on various roadmaps towards Sustainable Development Goal 2030 and is the founder of Community in You(th), a community organization aimed to empower youth voices and engagement of youth volunteerism.

“We must shelter Surrey’s youth to build a safe and supportive environment for all youth who will one day call this city their home.”

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Lizzie Allan is a self-designed comedy therapist and professional comedian. Whilst embracing her own healing journey from madness and addiction, she discovered that comedy and vulnerability had the power to change the world. Lizzie will be sharing more about this Options Community Services campaign from the stage.

“When one person shines their light, it helps many people find their way. I love witnessing people shine.”

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Sergeant Sandy Avelar has been with the Vancouver Police Department for 24 years and is the co-founder of Her Time, an internationally-recognized program designed to educate young women and girls on the dangers of becoming involved with gangs and organized crime.

“I have met so many women whose lives may have taken a different turn if they had the opportunity to engage with the services Options provides.”

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As the languages department head at LA Matheson Secondary School, Gurpreet Kaur Bains is passionate about her role as an educator and a “mentorship through identity” facilitator. She looks forward to meeting other like-minded women through this campaign and making youth issues front and centre.

“This campaign won’t end in September. It’s going to be an ongoing cause and I will continue to support it.”

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Karen Lee Batten is a country recording artist and was a Top 10 finalist on Canadian Idol, which gave her immediate national recognition and an exciting industry entry point. Karen Lee’s voice remains as timeless as it is relevant, commanding an adoring spotlight wherever a song might take her.

“When I first heard about the campaign from a great friend of mine Paulena… I thought about how powerful it was, and how amazing that all of these women are coming together with a strong message and a goal to raise funds to help the lives of so many who feel like they have no options. They do have options, and I wanted to be a part of this.”

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Supneet Chawla is an internationally trained electrical engineer (Gold Medalist), an immigrant women of colour who owns Industry Training authority of BC (ITABC) and Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) designated very well reputed Construction Trades Training Institution (ACE Community College) in Surrey, BC. She now holds a Canadian professional engineer’s (P.Eng.) licence from Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (PEBC), PMP certification from Project Management Institute, and is a recognized Canadian Electrical Code Instructor from Technical Safety BC.

“We ladies are powerhouses, and nothing can stop us in achieving the life we deserve!”

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Joy Dockrey has been adopted twice, first when she was five years old and then by the Haida Nation. When she found out about this Options campaign, Joy was excited as she believes this will alleviate some of the troubling statistics that are showing up.

“This was a door that opened, and I have been waiting for it to open for a long time.”

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Throughout her 25-year career, Karen Dosanjh has broken new ground as a leader in the world of tech marketing and PR. She is supporting Options because she is deeply committed to causes that advance women and youth in our community.

“It’s simply not enough to do well for yourself and for your family. It’s incumbent upon us to have a meaningful impact by sharing our time and talent in a way that creates opportunities for others to thrive too.”

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For the past 26 years, Paulena Gidda has been a member of the RCMP. While on the child abuse and sexual offences unit and dealing with a motor vehicle injury that left her unable to work out, Paulena created the Bullets n Beads jewellery brand to help her deal with her PTSD.

“Having worked sections and units with vulnerable young children, we as a community have to step up, show up and all do our part.”

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Nadia Hill leads a development portfolio of projects including projects in the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey. She loves her work and is excited to have Options Community Services as a partner.

“There’s so much need, it’s on all of us to do our part.”

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Jay-Ann Gilfoy has worked between British Columbia and Ontario for 5 years. Over the course of her career, Jay-Ann has been involved in helping women and has worked with affordable housing financing. She supports inclusion and helping people at all stages to access support.

“I am proud of being part of leadership that has advanced change in diversity, equity and inclusion and bringing financial services to those that need it to do good work.”

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A Realtor since 2008, Sharon Greysen loves her work, especially getting to know her clients. She is happy to be included with the amazing women chosen to help with this year’s Options Campaign. Sharon believes this initiative will make a great impact on local youth with poor mental health, addictions and homelessness.

“Today’s kids are navigating very dangerous influences no matter where they live or what their upbringing is.”

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In 2015, Kamal Johal moved to Surrey from Kamloops and began working with Options overseeing their work with the Employment Program of BC (EPBC). She believes this campaign is worthwhile and understands first-hand how difficult it can be for families to deal with mental health and addiction problems.

“I’m looking forward to giving Options more exposure and educating people about what we do.”

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Before starting her company, Descriptive Video Works, in 2003, Diane Johnson worked in radio and television broadcasting for many years, as well as with the Walt Disney Co. When she heard about this campaign, she was excited for the opportunity to come together with other women who wanted to make a collective difference.

“It’s great to have a company and profit, but it’s more important to make a difference.”

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Author Michelle Kim is proud of being from Surrey and her debut novel, Running Through Sprinklers, is about girls growing up and apart in Surrey. She is passionate about supporting her community, especially in this Options campaign that will provide an emergency fund and mentorship program for young people.

“I was so well-supported by so many people and programs as a young person growing up in Surrey that I want to do that in whatever way I can for young people.”

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Daphne Luking-Klassen grew up in a real estate development/construction family and in 2005, she began her own real estate development company with two partners. She received her bachelor of communications from Trinity Western University and her real estate license from UBC.

“I’m looking forward to supporting and being involved with the initiatives Options creates and think it’s a good fit as a real estate developer to support an organization that looks to provide a home and support for those who need it in my own community.”

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With 23 years of experience in accounting, Haleh Magnus co-founded Magnus Law in 2016 with her husband, Duncan. She has two daughters, two cats and an Australian shepherd, Ollie. In her spare time, she works out. Haleh is an avid runner and loves backpacking.

“I believe in woman power, power of mindset and having clear vision. I think this program can support women to reach their full potential.”

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Rani Mann believes Options Community Services is doing wonderful work in the community and she wants to give youth every chance to become independent. She looks forward to connecting with people in need and supporting them emotionally.

“I have seen so much out there and I know the troubles and the issues and how it could affect them.”

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For more than three decades, Sharon Mason has worked as a realtor and her recently-published memoir outlines what it takes to become and remain a realtor. As a wife, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, Sharon looks forward to meeting other like minded individuals through this campaign and making a difference.

“The need is great, especially now with inflation and prices going sky high. It’s very difficult for people.”

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Throughout her career, the work Kirsten McElgunn has always been the most proud of is when there are shared values and a social purpose that makes an impact through business. She has seen first-hand how education and mentorship links to health and financial inclusion.

“Raising the money is one thing, but years down the road we’ll see the legacy of doing this work now.”

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Detective Anisha Myette had always wanted to become a police officer and is now in her 13th year with the Vancouver Police Department. This campaign with Options aligns with her values, and she is always looking to help members of the community in innovative ways.

“Investing in youth and helping in ways to build their future is imperative and something that I make a priority within my personal life and my career.”

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For the past 30 years, Jennifer Phipps has been working with owner-managed businesses. Raising her two daughters has been her greatest achievement in life. She is excited about supporting Options Community Services.

“There are many vulnerable youth in our community who need support to take that next step.”

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Lenore Rattray is a communications professional who is passionate about writing, networking, making connections, and above all, making a difference. As a trauma survivor, she works to make a systemic impact on understanding mental health through the power of storytelling and community building.

“Our youth are our emerging leaders and owners of this planet. By doing the groundwork now, amidst all of the chaos that they face in the world today, we can equip them with access to the right tools to thrive and help them inherit a healthier future.”

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Maninder Grewal is a mother, grandmother and banker. She loves seeing women help women, as some of her greatest support has come from her mother, daughters and friends.

“I truly feel that a strong and independent woman can move mountains. We are raising future leaders and members of society.”

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As CFO for Trademark Group of Companies, Jen Temple is in charge of everything from property management to land development. She is supporting this campaign because she understands first-hand what having the right opportunities and support can mean to a youth.

“I had the love and support and not everyone has that. If I can help with that piece, it’s such a gift for me to be able to give back.”

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