2023 Surrey Women in Business Awards Announced

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On Friday, March 10, the Surrey Board of Trade hosted the 14th Annual Surrey Women in Business Awards Luncheon, with Presenting Sponsor Prospera Credit Union. This event recognizes the hard work of Surrey’s businesswomen and their contributions to the community.
Master of Ceremonies Keri Adams of CTV Vancouver led the afternoon’s program. Over 450 guests enjoyed the keynote speaker, sponsored by DP World Fraser Surrey, Chantal Kreviazuk. Ms. Kreviazuk captivated the crowd as she shared lessons from her life in the music industry and the power of creativity, followed by an exclusive musical performance and opportunity for photos and autographs with guests.
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of all women-identifying persons and their intersecting identities for their accomplishments, strength, and resilience.,” said Anita Huberman, President and CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “Our Surrey Women in Business Team is committed to continue our diversified and unique support to women entrepreneurs through a variety of impactful inclusion initiatives to focus on empowering women economically, bridging generation gaps, changing the business culture of the workplace, and increasing the number of female owned businesses in Surrey.”
The energy and excitement was contagious throughout the audience as the following winners were announced in seven categories:
Entrepreneur – Small Business Category: Kamaljit Lehal, Lehal Law Corporation
Kamaljit is the Owner of Lehal Law Corporation, focused on immigration law and mediation work. She has been practicing law for over 32 years and has gained a solid reputation for representing victims of violence and immigrant women fleeing abusive interpersonal relationships.
Entrepreneur – Large Business Category: Lesley Jones, EconoWise Sunrooms & Patio Covers Ltd.
Lesley is the Founder, Owner and CEO of EconoWise Sunrooms & Patio Covers Ltd., which primarily converts yards into comfortable, attractive leisure spaces, providing outdoor living benefits to many homes for the last 14 years. Working in a traditionally male-dominated field, Lesley recognizes and helps support women to develop their talents and skills, opening new opportunities.
Professional Category: Gurjit Kaur Tiwana, Invictus Law LLP
Gurjit has been a lawyer for 20 years and is the Founder, Co-owner and Managing Partner of Invictus Law LLP, a law firm primarily focused on family law. Gurjit brings both the practical and intuitive perspective in criminal law to her practice, which she gained from her previous position as an ad hoc federal Crown Prosecutor with the Department of Justice.
Not-for-Profit Leader Category: Amanda McNally, Peace Arch Hospice Society
Amanda is the Executive Director at Peace Arch Hospice Society (PAHS), a non-profit organization providing professional programs and services free of charge to individuals, their families and friends who are facing terminal illness or bereavement. Amanda started her current role, leading 15 staff and over 300 volunteers at PAHS during the pandemic. She had to be an innovative leader from day one, ensuring the safety of all staff and clients in both the Supportive Care Centre and the Thrift Store, which are PAHS operators.
Corporate Leadership Category: Lisa Skakun, Coast Capital Savings
As Chief Legal, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Officer of Coast Capital Savings, Lisa is a multi-faceted leader responsible for all legal, corporate development, public affairs, corporate governance, compliance, and financial crimes risk management functions.
Emerging Leader Category: Anamika Sangar, Surrey Schools – Community Schools Partnership
Anamika works as Program Facilitator at the Surrey School District through Community Schools Partnership (CSP), a non-profit organization that provides targeted programming, opportunities, and resources to children, youth, and their families faced with barriers and challenges in accessing programs and support. She oversees a team of outreach workers while managing and supporting them in their work, plans and develops versatile programming and services in the Surrey School District.
Social Trailblazer Category: Dr. Jennifer Marchbank, Surrey Pride Society, SFU, Youth 4 A Change
Dr. Jennifer Marchbank is a Professor of Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University, Vice President (and former President) of the Surrey Pride Society, and a Co-founder of Youth 4 A Change (Y4AC). As a professor, she mentors academics and graduate students in an inclusive and intersectional approach, and her academic interest intertwines with her community work. One success of this synergy is the creation of Canada’s first-ever educational materials on elder abuse in the LGBT community.