Three years ago I had the honour of being named Woman of the Year. Sitting in the room again last week for the 2026 awards reminded me just how much that experience changed my life.
Not because of the title itself, but because of the relationships and opportunities that came from it. It opened doors, created meaningful connections, and surrounded me with women who genuinely champion one another.
One of my favourite parts of attending each year is celebrating the incredible women in our community. The finalists and nominees are all doing important work, showing leadership, creating change, and lifting others up every single day. While only three women take home awards, there are so many more who are equally deserving of recognition.
Kelowna is filled with smart, supportive, generous, hardworking women and it’s pretty special to be a part of.
Congratulations again to all of this year’s nominees, finalists, and winners. Your community sees you, values you, and is better because of you. 🤍
Woman of the Year: @sherroneblakelobban (winner) @nikkicsek@missymackintosh@pamturgeon10
Change Maker of the Year: Karen Mason (winner) @maxinedehart@dhorea08@n.nicolerichard
Spirit Award: @shaunaharper (winner) Fei Liu @ivonne.okanaganrealtor Harmony Mir
@kelownawomeninbusiness
Eighteen years ago today, I walked away from teaching and into the automotive industry. At the time, I thought I was changing careers. Looking back now, I realize I was really finding where I was meant to be. Sales itself was never the end goal, and neither was simply working in dealerships. What I didn’t realize was that I was actually looking for the opportunity to build people, culture, connection, and experiences that mattered. Thankfully, Sentes Automotive saw potential in me long before I fully saw it in myself. Nearly two decades later, I’ve had the privilege of helping oversee up to 7 dealerships (3 currently) in our city while continually working to improve both the employee and customer experience in an industry that is constantly evolving.
What I’m most grateful for is being part of a progressive, forward-thinking company that encouraged me to grow beyond my job title and into our community. That support allowed me to serve with the BC Cancer Foundation Discovery Luncheon for years, become President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce in 2022, and create Ladies Happy Hour, a space built around authentic connection instead of transactional networking. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition along the way, including Woman of the Year in 2023, but the real reward has always been the relationships, the community, and the chance to help create spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Eighteen years later, I’m still learning, still growing, and still incredibly grateful for the people who have been part of the journey.
There are moments in leadership that stay with you forever. Receiving this historic coat of arms from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is one of them.
To have served as President of the Chamber is something I will always carry with pride, but knowing I am one of only nine female presidents in 120 years makes it feel even more meaningful.
What began in 1906 as the Kelowna Board of Trade helped shape the foundation of our city. Back then, Kelowna was known as “The Orchard City,” with a population of only a few hundred people. The Board of Trade advocated for everything from irrigation and telephone service to transportation, agriculture, tourism, and eventually the airport, bridges, and highways that connected our growing community. It wasn’t just business advocacy. In many ways, these early leaders helped build Kelowna itself.
Looking at this coat of arms, I can’t help but think about the generations of community builders who came before us. Business leaders, volunteers, visionaries, and advocates who believed in Kelowna long before it became the vibrant city we know today.
To now be part of that legacy is surreal.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside so many passionate people who continue to push our community forward. The relationships, conversations, challenges, and wins that come through Chamber leadership are unlike anything else.
Here’s to 120 years of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and to the leaders who continue to shape what comes next for our city.
@kelownachamber@nikkicsek@lthurnheer@alli.elouise@treena_piva
Grateful for the opportunity to shower this gem with extra love this weekend. Happy Mother's Day mom, and everyone else out there doing motherly things 🩷
@makaroffmaxine
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Thank you @leroysstreeteats for the delicious lunch today!
Had fun with the @lexusofkelowna staff on this beautiful day. Kitkat icecream before lunch, yes please!
One of my favourite events of the year is the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President's Dinner. This event recognizes the great work that all of the people that make up the Chamber are doing, have done, and will do in the future.
Past presidents and directors, existing board, new directors, ambassadors, and staff.
As the Chamber celebrates 120 years in Kelowna this year, the team has been reviewing the history of this organization. So fascinating how it started and what it has become. The challenges Kelowna had back in 1906 were completely different then, while also being so much the same as today.
I'm very proud to have been the president in 2022, the 8th female president in history, and surrounded by so many incredible people. I knew it would be awesome to be the Kelowna Chamber president, what I didn't realize is how great it is to be part of the Past President's club, and forever part of Kelowna's history.
Can't wait for next year!
To my table dates, Laura & Nikki, thank you for leading the way.
