I’m honoured to share that I’ve been named a recipient of the 2026 BC Achievement Community Award alongside an incredible group of leaders from across British Columbia.
I started SPARK Foundation because I saw how many young people had potential, but not always access, support, or opportunities to lead. Over the past 12 years, that work has grown into programs, classrooms, scholarships, and partnerships that have now reached more than 500,000 learners.
One thing I’ve learned: young people do not need to wait to make an impact. If you know a young person doing meaningful work, nominate them, advocate for them, and open doors for them. Recognition can change what someone believes is possible for their future.
And to young people reading this: keep reaching out, keep building, and keep going. My inbox is always open if I can help.
Thank you @bcachievement for the platform and to His and Her Honour: The Honourable @lgwendycocchia , Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia & Sergio Cocchia for the support.
Really grateful to everyone who has supported the journey so far. Honoured to continue the work.
#BCAchievement #Education #YouthLeadership #PublicService
Photo Credits: BC Achievement Foundation
What an inspiring day! ✨
We were thrilled to come together in celebration of these outstanding people, who work every day to make our community and our province better and stronger.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, in person and online, and to everyone who made this ceremony possible.
If you missed it, you can still view the recording through our YouTube channel or at bcachievement.com.
#elevateexcellence #shinethelightbc
🔴We’re going LIVE soon!
Starting at 2pm PT, you can tune in to the livestream directly from Government House in Victoria, where the recipients of the 2026 Community Award will be honoured in a formal presentation ceremony in the presence of the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of BC
➡️Online: bcachievement.com
➡️Tune in: TELUS Optik TV channel 707
Follow along through our stories for more live updates!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement
This week: 2026 Community Award Presentation Ceremony
We’re thrilled to once again gather at Government House in Victoria to celebrate and recognize those who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others. This year, we’re looking forward to presenting the Award to 24 outstanding citizens committed to the well-being of their community.
Tune in live on May 6th at 2pm PT through bcachievement.com or on TELUS’ Optik TV channel 707!
📸2025 Community Award Ceremony
📣 Exciting News!
BC Achievement Foundation is pleased to announce a leadership transition as Cathryn Wilson concludes her tenure as Chief Executive Officer at the end of May, and Rup Grewal steps into the role of Executive Director effective May 1, 2026.
This transition marks an important moment of continuity and momentum for the Foundation, which remains strongly positioned to advance its mission of recognizing and celebrating outstanding British Columbians across the province. Read more at the link in the bio.
🗓️Save the date - May 6, 2026 at 2pm PT
Mark your calendars to join us live as we celebrate the 2026 Community Award recipients at the formal Award presentation ceremony in the presence of the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of BC.
🔴Tune in online at bcachievement.com, or on TELUS’ Optik TV channel 707.
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #communityaward
Congratulations to Dan & Sandi Wiebe from Nakusp!
For over 25 years, Dan and Sandi have guided Box Lake Lumber, a family-run operation founded in 1985. Following two devastating mill fires, Dan assumed a primary operational role and rebuilt the business with innovative processes that greatly improved logistics efficiency.
Their shared leadership has strengthened the business and its contribution to the economic and social fabric of Nakusp. Dan and Sandi have steered Box Lake Lumber through shifting forestry policies, fibre shortages, and market pressures, remaining a stable employer, supporting local families, and boosting economic activities in the region. Their long-standing work reveals their dedication to community resilience and responsible stewardship.
Learn more about Dan & Sandi and their commitment to the Nakusp community through the link in our bio!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #britishcolumbia #communityfirst #inspireachievement
Congratulations to Crystal White from Tumbler Ridge!
A long-time community volunteer, Crys has supported cultural, environmental and recreational initiatives for over 25 years. Working with local organizations, Crys has taken on both leadership and hands-on support roles that strengthen community life.
For the past decade, Crys has significantly contributed to the Tumbler Ridge Museum as volunteer Archivist, obtaining the necessary qualifications and developing the archives from the ground up in collaboration with historians and researchers to preserve the region’s heritage.
Her continuous involvement is a reflection of her commitment to her community, the well-being of its residents and the preservation of its history.
Learn more about Crys and her dedication to her community through the link in our bio!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #britishcolumbia #communityfirst #inspireachievement
BC Achievement is hiring!
Interested in working for an organization that celebrates the province’s finest entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, visionaries and volunteers? Apply for the role of Administrative & Program Coordinator and work with a small and effective team of good people doing good work.
You can find details on our website at /careers/
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected]
Congratulations to Chyanne Treholm from Campbell River, recipient of the 2026 Community Award, Emerging Leader!
Chyanne is a member of the Χʷomaɬkʷu (Homalco) First Nation who has built her career in service of her community and territory. An Emerging Indigenous Leader in tourism, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. Through her board service, she ensures regional voices are reflected in decision-making and connects board strategy with community realities.
Driven by collaboration and values, her leadership is grounded in cultural integrity, regenerative growth, and community well-being. Chyanne works to advance economic self-determination and demonstrate how tourism can support culture, protect lands, and build resilient futures.
Learn more about Chyanne and her leadership work through the link in our bio!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #britishcolumbia #communityfirst #inspireachievement
Congratulations to Chief Willie Sellars from Williams Lake First Nation!
Chief Willie has served in elected leadership for over 15 years, first elected to Council at the age of 24 – one of the youngest councillors in the Nation’s history. Ten years later, he was elected Kukpi7 (Chief), serving now for his second term.
In his current role, he has advanced initiatives that support economic development and self-determination. His approach stresses the importance of relationship-building and partnerships as pathways to reconciliation.
Additionally, Chief Willie is an author of children’s books and actively supports youth well-being through sport, culture, and community engagement.
Learn more about Chief Willie and his invaluable contributions through the link in our bio!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #britishcolumbia #communityfirst #inspireachievement
Congratulations to Haley Regan, Syilxwa Spuʔus (“Big Heart”), 2026 Community Award Emerging Leader!
Haley is an emerging Indigenous arts and community leader from the Penticton Indian Band in the Okanagan Nation. Her work connects cultural expression, youth engagement, and community programming.
Her leadership journey began with volunteer service in her community, later becoming volunteer coordinator, handling event delivery and team coordination, and contributing to planning and fundraising for Powwow Between the Lakes.
She currently runs Indigenous fine art workshops for schools and community groups, and contributes to public art projects. Haley continues to support youth as Volunteer Coordinator for Gathering Our Voices, Canada’s largest Indigenous youth conference.
Learn more about Haley and her work as Emerging Leader through the link in our bio!
#shinethelightbc #elevateexcellence #bcachievement #britishcolumbia #communityfirst #inspireachievement
