GroYourBiz is inviting you to join us for another magical Christmas Dinner celebrating the “Change Makers”—top women entrepreneurs and outstanding entertainment from Sarah McLachlan School of Music with a special tribute to Marla Kott.

Join Us for an Exclusive Evening in Celebration of GroYourBiz’s 15th Anniversary – a milestone that proves the extraordinary power of peer-to-peer advisory boards – we invite you to join this special gathering of high-caliber creative entrepreneurs, leaders and trailblazers who continue to “lead purposefully and think boundlessly”.

“This isn’t another business social.”— it’s a strategic assembly of accomplished women who understand that sustainable growth comes from meaningful connections and shared wisdom. Here, wisdom is earned, tools are sharpened, and insights are uncovered through resilience, brilliance, and bold action.

(photos from last year’s Christmas Social)

Meet the Change Makers—leaders who continue to share their talents across industries and communities. This is a space for elevation, not just connection. Where stories become strategies. Where presence becomes purpose. Where women rise — together.

For 15 years, GroYourBiz has proven that the most powerful catalyst for business growth is the connection between ambitious women leaders. This evening continues that legacy, where you’ll experience raw honest conversations, practical strategies, and meaningful connections with decision-makers, industry innovators and other growth-minded women leaders.

This is an opportunity to learn to overcome business challenges from like-minded leaders to leverage opportunities and grow regionally or globally. They are visionaries and creative women leaders who continue to embrace new growth opportunities and/or missions in life and share their wisdom on finding new paths….and these women will share their secrets of success.

“GroYourBiz supports the growth of WBOs and all Genders, self-employed Professionals, Sr. Managers,& Intrapreneurs”

What makes this event different? You’ll experience raw honest conversations, practical strategies, exclusive Q&A sessions and meaningful connections with decision-makers, industry innovators and other growth-minded women business owners, who will share their secrets of success.

When: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 5:00-800pm pm PST

Where: Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club, 1630 W 15th Ave

Cost: $120 for GYB Members ($140 for Non GYB Members) + Tax, Includes Dinner, Hors d’oeuvres, Speakers and Entertainment

P.S. Previous events reached capacity quickly. Ensure your place in this exclusive gathering.

To maintain the caliber of discussion and ensure meaningful interaction, seating is limited.

Pamela Martin, former Canadian TV Reporter & News Anchor

Pamela Martin is a trail-blazing and renowned veteran for women in news broadcasting in British Columbia. She is an award-winning news anchor and journalist who brought critical issues into the homes of British Columbians and helped shape their understanding of them for over 30 years.
Subsequently, Pamela parlayed her public profile to become a catalyst for change in BC, helping to elect the first woman Premier of British Columbia. As Director of Outreach in the Office of the Premier, Pamela engaged with stakeholders around the province and helped to advance issues in the BC economy for families.
As a broadcaster, she earned the trust of millions of British Columbians and is recognized as a source of fair and accurate information. For over two decades, Pamela was an integral member of a team that created and produced the highest-rated and most-watched local newscast in Canada at BCTV.
Over the course of her journalism career, she interviewed numerous newsworthy celebrities including every Canadian Prime Minister, US President Bill Clinton, US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Cuban President Fidel Castro, feminist Gloria Steinem and actress Jane Fonda.
In addition to her career, Pamela has lent her profile and expertise to many charities and non-profit organizations.

Special Tribute to Marla Kott

We pay a special tribute to Marla Kott, who dedicated a large part of her life to GroYourBiz.  Marla was a woman of clarity, strength and caring – the heart of the community of family and friends she built.  Marla was truly one-of-a-kind. She did it her way, and we would neither expect nor want anything less.

Entertainment by Leigh Kathryn, student from Sarah McLachlan School of Music

Leigh Kathryn joins us from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), a student-driven, inclusive, collaborative, and safe learning community. They provide free after-school music programs for young people with limited access to traditional music education.

Based in Vancouver, BC, Leigh Kathryn is an up and coming Filipina artist, centred in making soulful songs to resonate with her audience. Writing from multiple perspectives, her songs create stories that help to reach new emotional heights and wavelengths.

Through her music, she weaves in and out of genres such as soft pop, R&B, and folk, using her experiences to meld and blend them together.

Cathy Press, CEO, Chinook Helicopters 

As the first female helicopter flight instructor in Canada, Cathy Press is CEO of Chinook Helicopters, has trained some of the best pilots in Canada and around the world. Cathy started flying at 11 years of age and completed her first solo flight at 16. Cathy has a long history of persevering toward big challenges and goals which has led to her success both as an aviator and a business leader.

Currently Cathy is unique in that she holds “Transport Canada Pilot Examiner” status in both airplanes and helicopters, which gives her the ability to licence new instructors and pilots.

Cathy has always set high standards for herself and in turn expects high standards of those around her. She is a trailblazer in her field and enjoys the day to day challenges of the business. Her leadership focuses on moving towards aviation safety, sustainability and diversity.

Dionne Laslo-Baker, Founder and CEO, DeeBees Organics

Dionne dreamed of becoming a mother, and while pursuing her PhD in medical science, she had the pleasure of raising two wonderful children. When her youngest child couldn’t enjoy the same snacks as other children, she was motivated to create a delicious and healthy snack that could bring joy to her son’s life. Throughout her journey, Dionne has instilled in her children the importance of building a purposeful business that has a positive impact on society. Her values of accountability, authenticity, and human connection form the foundation of her unique business strategy, which combines scientific rigor with a commitment to service.

In addition to creating wholesome food, Dionne is deeply committed to running a socially responsible business that benefits the community and the environment. DeeBee’s Organics is a Certified B Corporation, adhering to strict standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The company’s factory runs on solar power, and it supports its employees’ favourite causes through the DreamLauncher program.

Dionne firmly believes that businesses can be a force for good and seeks to create a more colourful world filled with health, inclusivity, and joy, where everyone can thrive together. She is a well deserved recipient of multiple awards, including the 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies award from Women Presidents Organization and JPMorgan Chase and Co., and she was recently a finalist at the RBC Women of Influence Awards. A trailblazing force of good. An honest and benevolent leader.

Cheryl Dawn Smith, Founder and CEO, “Horty Girl”

After a lengthy career in Administrative & Management positions in a completely unrelated industry; Cheryl made the decision to turn her passion for gardening into a new career. She graduated with a Horticulture diploma in 2000 and immediately began working in the horticulture industry.
Through this work Cheryl noticed a large gap in the market for attractively potted indoor plants. In 2005, Cheryl founded the company HortyGirl Living Décor; and began creating and marketing decorative potted plants to retail outlets in the Vancouver area. In 2010 the company began to service retail locations across Canada and later expanded distribution into the US.
Now nearly 20 years after her transition to business owner; Cheryl has developed a company that values teamwork, efficient and purposeful work, brand quality and reliability, and creative floral programs that benefit both customer and consumer. The company currently services major Canadian and US grocery chain floral departments and is recognized within the industry as a reliable supplier of quality potted plants.

DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:

Barbara Mowat

MyBusinessMyBoard™

Founder and President, GroYourBiz Ltd.

barbara.mowat@groyourbiz.com

(604) 644-8298

Register Here