Karen’s leadership philosophy is grounded in what she calls being a “Possibility Thinker.” Her optimistic, fully present approach to life enables her to turn big visionary ideas into action and plant a seed for what is possible in everyone she meets. On a daily basis, Karen is primarily focused on growth, strategic planning, and upholding Blink’s cultural framework.

Karen’s leadership at Blink UX has led to numerous accolades. She received the 2016 Enterprising Women of the Year award and was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2015. That same year, Forbes included Blink on its list of America’s Best 25 Small Companies. The company also earned recognition from the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Washington’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in both 2015 and 2012, and from the Women President’s Organization as one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Led Companies Worldwide in 2014. Additionally, Blink has consistently appeared on Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America list from 2012 through 2015.

Karen serves as council member on the SBA appointed National Women’s Business Council, to advise the president and congress on policy impacting women entrepreneurs. Karen is the Executive Director for the non-profit she founded in 2014, Girls Can Do. A speaker series for girls with the mission to inspire a generation of Possibility Thinkers and ignite a vision for equal opportunity. She also founded a farm animal retirement sanctuary, Heaven on Earth, in 2023.

Karen was born and raised in Victoria. Karen is the daughter of Canadian Hot Rod Hall of Famer, Al Clark, who is also the founder of the city’s largest public event, Northwest Deuce Days, a pre-1952 car show that takes over the Inner Harbour every three years. She now lives just across the water on San Juan Island and works out of Seattle, WA.

Rachel’s vision for Hillberg & Berk has always extended beyond simply creating beautiful jewelry; she has leveraged her company as a tool for social good, focusing on addressing gender-specific issues women face through philanthropy, campaigns, and organizing her business around a social enterprise model. Hillberg & Berk has proudly supported hundreds of organizations worldwide that uplift women. Rachel built Hillberg & Berk from her kitchen table into a national brand with 15 stores across Canada and a significant global online presence.

Rachel has served on many boards and philanthropic committees, including the National Board of Dress for Success Canada Foundation and Women Leading Philanthropy at The Royal University Hospital. She also serves as an honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy. Rachel has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in business and philanthropy, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa (LLD) from the University of Regina, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and being named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 list.

Her journey began in Iran, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Tehran, followed by a master’s and PhD at the University of Toronto after moving to Canada.

Dr. Hoorfar is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment, emphasizing the importance of education in unlocking opportunities. “Advanced education has given me tremendous opportunities far beyond what I ever imagined as a child in Iran,” she shares. This philosophy drives her efforts to support her colleagues and students in reaching their fullest potential, particularly advocating for women and equity-deserving groups in STEM.

Prior to her current role at UVic, she significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and led the Advanced Thermo-Fluidic Laboratory, focusing on innovative solutions in energy, health, and environmental sustainability. At UVic, Dr. Hoorfar is leading the charge towards achieving 30% female enrolment in her faculty by 2030, a goal that is within close reach under her guidance. Her leadership not only enhances the faculty but also sets a standard for equity and diversity across the university and the broader Canadian society.

Her journey began in Iran, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Tehran, followed by a master’s and PhD at the University of Toronto after moving to Canada.

Dr. Hoorfar is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment, emphasizing the importance of education in unlocking opportunities. “Advanced education has given me tremendous opportunities far beyond what I ever imagined as a child in Iran,” she shares. This philosophy drives her efforts to support her colleagues and students in reaching their fullest potential, particularly advocating for women and equity-deserving groups in STEM.

Prior to her current role at UVic, she significantly contributed to the establishment and growth of the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and led the Advanced Thermo-Fluidic Laboratory, focusing on innovative solutions in energy, health, and environmental sustainability. At UVic, Dr. Hoorfar is leading the charge towards achieving 30% female enrolment in her faculty by 2030, a goal that is within close reach under her guidance. Her leadership not only enhances the faculty but also sets a standard for equity and diversity across the university and the broader Canadian society.

Having served on several boards and committees, Kathryn advocates for equitable access to learning opportunities through scholarship programs. Her dedication to these initiatives has transformed countless lives, providing deserving students with the means to pursue a world-class education.

Her legacy rests on an unwavering belief that education is the foundation of progress. Through her philanthropy, board service, and scholarship endeavors, Kathryn continues to shape a brighter future for generations to come. Her impact resonates far beyond the present, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and empowerment.

In her philanthropic work, Kathryn has chaired major charitable galas, raising millions in support of education and the arts. Her commitment to paying it forward to future generations shines through in her generous gift of a world-class library to Shawnigan Lake School and her extensive support of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library in Nova Scotia. Kathryn’s impact reverberates far beyond the present, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more empowered tomorrow.

Currently, James is active in the business community as the Chair of the Monk Office Board of Advisors, Owner of Shawnigan Storage, and Owner of Camaxco Holdings Ltd. Additionally, James serves as the Chair of the Victoria Capital Club for 2024/2025.

James is the past President and CEO and principal owner of Monk Office Supply, which operates four retail stores in Greater Victoria and two more on Vancouver Island up to Port Hardy. The company also successfully runs a Commercial Office Products division and a Workplace Furniture division. Since 1963, James and his daughter, Caitlin, have successfully managed the transfer of Monk Office to the third generation of McKenzie family ownership.

Devoted to community service, James works hard to nurture a healthier business climate in Victoria. He is a past Member of the Patron’s Council of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, a Past Member of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation Recognition Committee, and a former volunteer teacher with the Junior Achievement Student Entrepreneurs Program, where he was named Volunteer of the Year for the Elementary School Program. James is also the Past President of the Victoria Chapter of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise, past President and past Director of the Victoria Executive Management Club, and past Chair of the Education Committee for the Canadian Office Products Association. He has served on the Boards of Directors for the Canadian Office Products Association, Basics Office Products, Gold Leaf Office Products, and the Monk Office Advisory Committee, as well as being a member of the Victoria Capital Club.

James has held roles as Honorary Treasurer of the Victoria Symphony, Director of the Victoria Symphony Foundation Board, BC Governor for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Director of the Shawnigan Residents’ Association, and Past President of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise – Vancouver Island Chapter. He has also been a Director of the Island Savings Credit Union Board, Vice Chair and then Chair of Island Savings Credit Union. James went on to be the Vice Chair of First West Credit Union, the third largest credit union in Western Canada.

Today, James actively mentors his two children to own and operate the businesses. He is a believer in the entrepreneurial spirit and strives to contribute to the business environment and community, creating opportunities for all members.

Iris and her husband feel so grateful and proud that their daughter Ivanna’s wish to join SMS has come true. It brings them immense joy to see how she is growing and learning happily and confidently at SMS every day.

Coming from a multicultural background, Iris’ family is a mixture of Indonesian, Singaporean, and Chinese heritage. Iris graduated from high school in Toronto and attended York University. She went on to work for one of the leading international airlines and then for nearly two decades at one of the biggest auction houses in the world, collaborating with colleagues from various countries and cultural backgrounds. Iris deeply understands the meaning, importance, and true value of diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization.

Most recently, Iris worked for her husband Simon’s law firm. Simon, who studied in the UK, is a founding partner of his law firm and has been practicing mainly corporate law in Hong Kong since 2002.

Shelley served on the board of her children’s independent school during a period of challenge and transition. She was the founding chair of that board’s governance committee, overseeing the renewal of by-laws and procedures, as well as a community engagement process. Prior to serving on the board, Shelley set up and chaired a parent association at the school.

Shelley has also served on the boards of other community organizations, holding positions such as secretary, treasurer, and chair. Additionally, she has been on the organizational team of school fundraisers. She has been a leader with the Girl Guides of Canada, from Sparks through Pathfinders.

As a St. Margaret’s School alumni, Shelley is deeply appreciative of the benefits of single-sex education for girls and is passionate about creating opportunities for girls and nurturing their potential.

Currently, Jackie serves as Chief Financial Officer at Ekona Power. Headquartered in Burnaby, BC, Ekona Power is pioneering a revolutionary technology to produce low-cost, clean hydrogen. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industry and combat climate change challenges. Ekona Power was named in the 2023 Global Cleantech 100.

Previously, Jackie held the CFO position at RecycleSmart (named Canada’s Top 50 New Innovators 2022) and Cryopeak LNG. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Strategic Development at Teekay Corporation, one of the world’s largest marine energy transportation companies (NYSE:TK). She later held the position of Vice President at the Teekay Family Office, where she helped oversee and manage the trust’s global assets.

Jackie is deeply committed to community service and children’s education, having served as Treasurer at Kerrisdale Elementary School PAC and Board President and Treasurer at Vancouver Child Study Centre.

Jackie holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) designation and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.