Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Meet Fran Strike of TD Commercial Banking

Leading up to our Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Executive Inspiration event on April 30, we’re taking the time to introduce the amazing women behind this powerhouse panel! Get ready to meet these top female execs in person for a panel and networking session to remember. #YWiBbtgc

It’s only two days away! Don’t forget to reserve your spot here.

Meet…

Fran Strike Vice President & Manager at TD Commercial Banking

As Vice President, Fran leads a team of Business Banking professionals who are responsible for client services, business development and risk management in Vancouver.

Fran joined TD Commercial Banking in 1982 and progressed through the organization to her first executive appointment as Vice President and Manager of the Burnaby Commercial Banking Centre. Fran returned to Vancouver in 2009 to assume leadership of the Vancouver team.

Fran has worked with many community organizations over the years, including the United Way and St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto. She has held Board positions for the Association of Women in Finance and the TD Private Giving Foundation.

What will you ask Fran at #YWiBbtgc?

Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Meet Susan Eick of Right Management

  Leading up to our Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Executive Inspiration event on April 30, we’re taking the time to introduce the amazing women behind this powerhouse panel! Keep an eye out for each instalment and get ready to meet them in person for a panel and networking session to remember. #YWiBbtgc

Ps. The event is only a week away!!!

Meet…

Susan Eick  VP Business Development at Right Management

Susan has more than 25 years of experience in business strategy, marketing and executive development.  At Right, Susan manages the British Columbia territory. Susan’s specific client capabilities include strategic planning, aligning business priorities, assessing organizational impact of change and developing repeatable processes that increase efficiency. Susan has been frequently recognized as an individual who can assess a situation quickly and develop plans of action to support change initiatives within an organization.

Prior to joining Right Management, Susan managed her own consultancy in British Columbia, working primarily with technology executives who were experiencing the need to rapidly shift their organizations. She spent the majority of her career in the US financial services industry leading national project and sales teams, and in the non-profit sector developing resources for educational expansion and endowments.

Early in her career, Susan was given positions of leadership for projects that required rapid strategic planning and consecutive implementation.  She thrives helping others to adapt and work through change.

In addition to her work at Right, Susan is an active mentor and coach through the British Columbia Innovation Council and a founding board member of the Help Project Canada.

Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Meet Brandi Wingrove of KPMG

Leading up to our Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Executive Inspiration event on April 30, we’re taking the time to introduce the amazing women behind this powerhouse panel! Keep an eye out for each instalment and get ready to meet them in person for a panel and networking session to remember. #YWiBbtgc Ps. Early-bird tickets end this Friday (April 18), get 'em while they're hot!

Meet…

Brandi Wingrove  Partner at KMPG

Brandi is an Audit Partner in KPMG’s Enterprise practice which is focused on delivering value to privately-held businesses. She is also a member of the firm’s Consumer Markets group and Real Estate practice, with more than 13 years of audit experience and 4 years of industry experience. Brandi’s portfolio of private clients spans across many industries and sectors, including the not-for-profit sector. She has a diverse practice, ranging from the highly personalized services required by entrepreneurs, to the wide-ranging needs of her larger clients.

Brandi is actively involved with various associations including the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, where she makes accounting presentations and is a mentor to members of the forum.

Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Meet Nora Ahern of Village&Co.

Leading up to our Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Executive Inspiration event on April 30, we're taking the time to introduce the amazing women behind this powerhouse panel! Keep an eye out for each instalment and get ready to meet them in person for a panel and networking session to remember. #YWiBbtgc Meet...

Nora Ahern Managing Director & Co-founder of Village&Co. @noraahern

Before I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up, I worked at DDB as VP Group Business Director. While I was there I lovingly took care of the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) account resulting in it being crowned Marketing Magazine’s 2009 Marketer of the Year. Being Irish and having moved to Canada five years ago, selling Canada to travellers was a remarkable opportunity. I love travel and it loved me. Canada had such an effect on me that I couldn’t help but become a Canadian Citizen.

Before moving here, I worked at various agencies in Ireland working on a variety of categories — automotive, fashion retail, utilities and technology — adding up to over 16 years experience in the communications business. Being Managing Director of a Village is my dream job. The only thing that I love more than social media is helping clients love social media.

Branch Out at YWiB Vancouver’s Spring Vino Chat

Ahh, Springtime has arrived! Bits of sunshine, warmer temperatures, and the longer days are giving us energy to take life on headfirst.

Spring is synonymous with “new growth”, so challenge yourself to carry that theme into your professional life. Come crawl out of your Wintery daze, dust off the ol’ networking skills and come see what other young professionals in this city are up to. It's so easy to feel content with our usual circles and routines, but it's important to have a social-aspect to your career...this is exactly where those unexpected opportunities and offers often come from.

With that, YWiB Vancouver’s Spring Vino Chat is a perfect place to branch out and connect with some new people. Drop by for a quick hello, or stay to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail ($1 off with your registration) and grab a bite while you’re there. Either way, we’d love to see you, and you’ll likely leave with a new friend or two.

Meet us at…

The Butcher & Bullock Thursday, March 27^th 6:30pm (but don’t forget to register!)

We recommend bringing personal or business cards for easy info swapping ;)

‘Til then!

YWiB Van

Ladies in Pink Volunteer Opportunity: BC Home + Garden Show!

If  you love all things decor, colour swatches, furniture galleries, home renos, etc, then listen up! Ladies in Pink are  on the inside at this year's BC Home + Garden Show and we need volunteers like you! Volunteers will be asked to help with the charitable silent auction which will showcase 15 gnomes painted/decorated by local celebrities and influencers.  Visitors will need to bid, with all the money raised benefiting Sole Food Street Farms.

The Details Date: February 19 - 23 Place: BC Place Stadium - 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver Show Times: Wed: 4 - 9pm Thurs/Fri: 12 - 9pm Sat: 10am - 9pm Sun: 10am - 6pm Additional Info: The show will provide volunteers with meals and bottled water during their shifts.

Please email Harveen@ywib.ca if you are interested in volunteering, they need plenty of helping hands so don't miss out on this staple event.

The Show Must Go On!: Ladies in Pink Volunteer Opportunity

Happy New Year Ladies! To kick off 2014, we have an amazing volunteer opportunity to share with you. Our "Ladies in Pink" are looking for volunteers to help at Project Limelight Society's upcoming performance of "Mirror Mirror" on January 11 (dress rehearsal) and January 12 (the big show!).

Here's what we're looking for - Wranglers / Backstage Support: Calm, organized people, who enjoy being around kids, to help backstage, mostly working with the young cast (ages 8-13) offering encouragement and support while keeping the performers focused, fed and prepared. Theatre experience is an asset.  MUST be available for the performances on January 12th for at least 4 hours between 12 pm and 8:30 pm. Also need to be available on January 11th for 3 hours, during dress rehearsal.

Costume Support: Organized and energetic people, who enjoy being around kids, and who have some experience with quick costume changes.  MUST be available for the performances on January 12th for at least 4 hours between 12 pm and 8:30 pm. Also need to be available on January 11th for 3 - 4 hours, during dress rehearsal.

Front of House: Friendly, reliable people with a positive attitude to help with ticket and DVD sales. (Must be available between 12:30 and 4:30 or 4:30 and 8:30. (Not required to be there on January 11th)

We also need help with load-in on Friday January 10th and load-out on Monday January 13th. Ideally, would like to find someone with a panel van or truck to transport sets and costumes, and 2 or 3 people who are available to help with the move. (Not required to be there on January 11th or 12th)

Tickets to the show can be provided!

Project Limelight Society is an amazing non-profit organization that provides Fine Arts classes (+nourishment) after school to kids in the DTES and Strathcona neighbourhoods. Cory Monteith was a huge supporter and often a guest teacher for their programs. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering for the rehearsal and show day, please contact Harveen@ywib.ca.

Move quickly on this, the show must go on! ;)