GroYourBiz.com

Mafalda Arias

Mafalda Arias, M.A., is the President and Founder of Mafalda Arias and Associates, an organization that coaches organizations and individuals to interact, communicate and manage differences effectively. The company’s innovative training programs help build trust, reduce misunderstandings, leverage diversity and introduce collective empowerment through culture.

Madeleine Baker

Maddy has had a broad and exciting career within the Procurement & Supply Chain field. Within TELUS, Maddy has recently taken on responsibility for leading the IT & Global Services Procurement team. Prior to this, she led the Procurement Strategy and Innovation (PSI) Team, and was responsible for leading the future state strategy, processes and policy within the function, in addition to operational management of compliance, risk, offshore support, Supplier Diversity, technology, and data intelligence. She is a strong advocate for expanding the profile and impact of Supplier Diversity within Canada, and sits on the WBE Canada Board of Directors, CGLCC Procurement Council and GroYourBiz Vancouver Board. Prior to joining TELUS in 2016, she held progressive roles within GlaxoSmithKline in Europe and North America, ultimately holding the position of Head of Procurement, United States, including responsibility for delivering the organisation’s Supplier Diversity commitment. There is a strong commitment within TELUS towards Supplier Diversity, and a recognition that our programme delivers an improved and innovative customer experience by taking proactive steps to provide equal access to a supply base that reflects the diversity of where we live, work, and serve.

Liz Bandelin

Liz Bandelin is the president and founder of Nu-Tea Company, a Canadian specialty tea company. She created the Tega Organic Tea brand, loved for its unique packaging and delicious fair trade organic ingredients. Tega Tea is sold in Canada, the US and Asia.

Carolyn Cross

Carolyn Cross is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ondine Biomedical Inc., a Vancouver based medical devices company. Ms. Cross just completed a term on the National Research Council of Canada and is a Board Member and Treasurer of the International Photodynamic Association. Earlier in her career, Ms. Cross was responsible for managing pension, pooled, mutual and private client funds as a Vice President with Royal Bank Investment Management Inc. Ms. Cross has over 25 years’ direct experience with early stage companies and 30 years’ experience with public market securities. Ms. Cross is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and has an MBA from York University and an HBA from the University of Western Ontario. She currently advises and sits on a number of corporate boards including Greystone Capital Management Inc., Periowave Dental Technologies Inc., Sinuwave Technologies Corporation, and Cayoose Creek Development Corporation, a First Nations company based in British Columbia. She is a past Board Member of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and past member of its Audit and Finance Committee. She sits on the Advisory Council of the University of Windsor’s Odette World Health Innovation Network (WIN) and had served on the Advisory Board of McGill University Dental School for 8 years. She is the Chairman and Founding Board Member of the Women’s Economic Business Advisory Council and a Founding Member of the EY Global Women in Business Advisory Council. She recently served on the Federal Government’s task force on Women’s Entrepreneurship and Mentoring and continues to advocate for SME and the economic advancement of women in Canada. Ms. Cross is a member of several organizations including the Women Presidents’ Organization, the International Federation of Women (IWF), UnitedSucces and the CFA Society Toronto. Ms. Cross was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada, and is a recipient of awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award from the Government of Canada, the President’s Award from the Women Presidents’ Organization and the Innovation and Global Growth Award from The BMO Financial Group. Ondine Biomedical Inc. is the global leader in Photodisinfection, a revolutionary approach to rapidly eliminate infection-causing pathogens without adverse side-effects or generating antimicrobial resistance. Ondine's mission is to save lives and reduce suffering of millions of people by developing effective non-antibiotic, anti-infective therapies for a broad spectrum of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, Its life-saving and award-winning Photodisinfection technology is already helping 2 Canadian hospitals reduce surgical site infections by nearly 80%.

Jocelyne Dodier

We are an artist driven company that specializes in hands-on learning and introducing people to the art of stone carving.

Megan Ferris

Dog Utopia was created to enhance the well-being and happiness of dogs and their families by providing a reliable and comfortable experience, as all dogs need mental as well as physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Our goal is to create a calm experience for each dog we care for and treat each dog as an individual and not a member.

Jamie Gentry

My name is Jamie and I am from the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by culture and talented artists. My whole life I was drawn to the arts, and in particular, I loved working with my hands, whether it was sewing, beading or weaving. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to make moccasins. However it wasn’t until 5 years ago that I was able to find a teacher and from that day forward I have not stopped making moccasins. I make traditional, custom made moccasins for modern day living. From my heart to your sole.

Yvonne Hogenes

Malary’s offers high end boutique selection of evening wear and local designers along with over the top servicing. I also design and manufacture the TAB Custom-fitted Bras to fit what every “body” needs. Firma Energywear offers an innovative line of compression clothing for men and women in the active world - ”Where Health Meets Fashion!”

Kerri Jones

Kerri is the Co-Founder & Owner of Peaked Pies, an Australian bakery cafe specialising in gourmet Australian meat pies and artisan coffee. With flavours such as Steak, Bacon & Cheese, Chicken Mushroom Leek and Chunky Pepper Steak, this is not fast food, it's good food fast! Current two locations are Whistler and Vancouver (West End).

Zenitta Kassim-Lakha

A locally owned and operated wholesaler of jewellery findings, tools, equipment, stones and supplies.

Gisela Kerr, MBA

As a Business Banking Relationship Manager with BMO Bank of Montreal, Gisela brings her 10+ year experience in the corporate sector to offer industry insights and financial solutions you can depend on to help manage your business successfully. Whether you’re just starting up a business or looking for ways to run your business efficiently and cost effectively, Gisela can help you choose the best treasury and lending solutions for your goals.

Dana LeComte

Dana and partner Bob Liptrot started the Tugwell Creek Honey Farm and Meadery with a passion for bees, producing the finest honeys and hand-crafted mead from the local Sooke area on Vancouver Island, BC. Visit the ocean view tasting room and learn more about the world of bees, honey and mead.

Lindsay Lizmore

Lindsay is a Red Seal certified hair stylist, a Redken Certified Colour Specialist, as well as an editorial stylist who has worked on photoshoots, music videos and fashion shows. She owns The Loft Salon, Spa and Beauty Bar which is a full service salon and spa located in historic downtown Abbotsford. With ongoing education, The Loft strives to be at the forefront of fashion and trends in the industry. The Loft also has a mandate to give back to the community, and they have committed to doing one charitable act per month.

Joanna Lovett

Joanna designs and creates all her sterling silver and gold jewelry by hand. The pieces she produces are smooth, wearable and evocative of her home on the West Coast. Joanna has been selling her pieces to customers and galleries across Canada and the United States for over ten years and has created many devoted collectors and lasting connections.

Cristine MacDonald

As the Principal at Wild Mouse Art Studio, Cristine conceptualizes and designs all kinds of marketing materials for both large and small businesses. Cristine has been working in the design industry for 25 years and has won many awards for her unique and distinctive art work.

Caroline Mundell

Function Health Club has been helping people with their health and wellness goals since 2009. We pride ourselves in creating individualized fitness and nutrition programming along with creating a supportive community environment that encourages people of all ages to FunctionBetter! Whether you are looking to gain muscle, lose body fat, feel more energized or just get out and get active with a fun group of people, we are the place to be!

Larissa Neville

Larissa Neville is a chartered professional accountant with a passion for working with small business owners to help them achieve greater success. Larissa has extensive experience in accounting, taxation and auditing with a keen interest in developing relationships and working closely with her clients, understanding their needs to ensure that they are on the right track for financial success.

Audrey Ple

What gets us excited at Magenta is an opportunity to develop great brands, write compelling content, and build marketing programs to drive results. We’re a team of marketing pros with tons of experience and creative energy. From marketing strategies, to planning and execution, we take care of getting our clients noticed.

Kathleen Rake

Kathleen Rake is founder of Click Media Works, a Fraser Valley-based hands-on communications firm where she and her team of professional writers, editors, and media specialists work to help you deliver your message to your audience, quickly and with impact.

Joanne Richardson

Joanne is an accountant with over 20 years experience in assisting individuals and their businesses with accounting, tax and business consulting needs. Though Joanne serves a wide range of industries, she also specializes in serving health care and other professionals. Joanne excels at creating cohesive tax plans that suit client needs and she provides a high level of responsiveness and caring.

Carol Robinson

Carol Robinson is the Principal and Owner of Harbour West Consulting, an executive search firm. Carol also own and operates Clear Talent which provides management and staff level retained recruitment services and HR consulting. Carol is a consummate volunteer and currently serves on the Board Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland and the College of Midwives of BC. She is the former Co-Chair, Nominations Committee, for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and Board Member of the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of BC.

Jas Salh

Jas provides clients holistic financial solutions allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their Investments, Retirement and Estate Planning. Jas works with you, managing your financial journey at every stage of your life and connecting you with other professionals as needs arise.

Angie Tsai

To create the products that deliver visible results, BIOESQUE® looked towards science and nature. Our elegant formulations are derived from pure, powerful natural ingredients, because we understand a product can only be as good as what’s inside. At, BIOESQUE®, beauty is more than just skin deep. It’s a way of life.

Angelika Vance

Angelika Vance is the Director of Corporate Development at Ondine Biomedical Inc., the global leader in photodisinfection, a revolutionary approach to rapidly eliminate infection-causing pathogens without adverse side-effects or generating antimicrobial resistance. She made the switch from telecom to biomedical early 2018 after learning of the urgent need for an alternative to antibiotics and powerful efficacy of Ondine’s photodisinfection. Angelika is an inspirational leader and creative problem-solver who translates vision into reality through intense outcome-focus, customer-needs understanding, and strong relationships and close collaboration with stakeholders. Her background spans leadership positions and expertise across customer and product marketing, strategy, business planning, product development, and analytics. She has a passion for supporting small and medium-sized businesses, which she focused on during her 20 years at TELUS: developing bundles, marketing programs, and customer experience improvements specifically for small and home-based businesses. Prior to joining TELUS, Angelika was involved with marketing in the industrial product development industry and also spent a number of years in the shopping centre retail industry with Bentall Property Management. Angelika holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Phoenix.

Lynn Williams

The Lifestyle Protector is a boutique financial advising practice helping business owners, lawyers and health professionals build, protect and preserve wealth so they flourish financially.