Program Coordinator, Self Employment and Entrepreneur Program, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, General Services

Having left her role as Senior Human Resources Manager at a global private sector company in Taiwan to immigrate to Canada, Florence found herself in an unfamiliar city starting from scratch. Her sheer determination, professional skills and desire to assist individuals in similar circumstances would eventually lead to DIVERSEcity, where she started as a Labour Market Settlement Worker and assisted immigrants and refugees in providing resources, orientation and guidance. It was at DIVERSEcity that Florence would find her perfect fit, as she would eventually lead the agency’s Immigrant Entrepreneur Program and leverage her business acumen to help newcomers find their professional niches and launch small businesses. Part teacher and part mentor, Florence helps individuals of the program develop business plans, find partnerships and gain confidence to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours. She is described by colleagues as a powerhouse who is always evolving her approach to program delivery but also, a confidante and friend whose sole focus is to help individuals turn their dreams into reality.

Director of Homelessness and Housing, Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, General Services

Unwavering. Focused. Steadfast. These are a few words used to describe Bonnie, who has spent 33 years – 28 of them at Elizabeth Fry – serving vulnerable people in the province. Bonnie has dedicated her entire career to focusing on homelessness, particularly on helping homeless women and children. Bonnie was a trailblazer in implementing gender specialized housing programs in BC and is a well-known expert who often sits on community task forces, steering committees and boards. These roles have allowed Bonnie to articulate the experiences of women experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, substance use and sexual exploitation, and to advocate for systemic change. Shelter providers throughout the province today provide much needed gender-specific homeless shelters and substance abuse treatment programs that were not available when she first entered the field. Her work has resulted in judgement-free supports for vulnerable women and children and has given hope to countless individuals that with the right framework, anyone can overcome the most utmost of life’s challenges.

Executive Director, Community Living Victoria, Community Living Services

Most employers working in community social services know the name Ellen Tarshis and for good reason. Ellen has been a fixture in the sector, having spent much of her 30-year career as Executive Director of Community Living Victoria engaging provincially, on CSSEA’s Board and Panels, Inclusion BC, Community Living BC, the BC CEO Network, among others. While Ellen holds a considerable provincial profile, her entry into the field comes from humble roots. Having a brother born with a disability and advocating for him at a time when her family was counselled that he would be best supported at an institution, Ellen possesses a deep and emotional connection to the field. Ellen’s genuine passion for social justice led to her pioneering many firsts in the sector, including the first “group home” in BC, the first employment program and the first Family Support position. Aside from her considerable professional accomplishments, Ellen enjoys the full respect of staff and is described as a caring leader who is connected to the team and always willing to share her knowledge. Ellen’s ability to inspire her staff while engaging daily with individuals served and maintaining a full plate of external sectoral commitments makes her a true Legend.