Program Director, Community Living Victoria, Community Living Services

Lora started her career at Community Living Victoria 13 years ago as a casual Community Support Worker. Her enthusiasm for the work soon led her to become a Group Home Supervisor for two teenage girls, where she dedicated her energy to helping them thrive in their communities. Lora’s passion and continual quest for knowledge eventually led her to complete several certification programs, including ones in Residential Management, Home Share Standards, Leadership and Home Study. She eventually took on a full time role as a Home Share Coordinator in 2011, demonstrating compassion and earning the respect of both individuals served and their families. Lora’s diligence and hard work were rewarded this past spring, when she was promoted to join the senior management team as a Program Director, which now sees her managing seven homes and a community inclusion program.

Vice President, Performance and Quality Assurance, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, General Services

Jessica has served at Family Services of Greater Vancouver for 25 of her 30-year career in community social services. She is a pillar of the organization and someone who staff look to for knowledge on the agency’s many facets, including its history and operations from the front line and across operations. Jessica has been reliable during times of flux, having stepped in as interim CEO while the agency conducted a national search for a new chief. Even after a CEO was recruited, Jessica was an invaluable resource, providing guidance and support to ensure she succeeded in the first few years of her new role. Jessica is widely described as authentic by her peers, using humour and genuine caring to support all staff in their pursuit of excellence in client services.

Chief Executive Officer, Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), Associate

Patricia’s nearly 40-year career in the social services include a lengthy list of accomplishments and accolades. As a pioneering leader in immigrant and refugee services, Patricia is globally recognized for championing a first-of-its-kind service delivery model that integrates temporary newcomer housing with supportive services like banking, English language training, employment training, medical facilities, and more. The agency’s two Welcome Centres, in Vancouver and Surrey, have garnered international interest, attracting high profile visitors such as the United Nations and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Despite the acclaim, Patricia prides herself on building a great workplace, having built a loyal team of long-time staff and gaining recognition as one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada and Best Workplace for Women in Canada. In addition, Patricia volunteers her time to numerous organizations, including the City of Vancouver Mayor’s Working Group on Immigration, Pacific Ethno-cultural Advisory Committee, Immigrant Integration Coordinating Committee, to name a few.