test

Suzanne Heron, Membership Chair

SICWO President
Born in Hamilton Ontario
Registered Nurse and also graduated from McMaster University BA Gerontology & Sociology
Works as a Psychogeriatric Educator & Consultant
Collaboratively develop the Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care which has been implemented across the country, coast to coast

Grew up in British “council housing,” with lived experience of the barriers women face economically and socially
Started the “Safe Drinking Water Foundation” to bring safe water to all Canadians with national regulations
Authored “Water Confidential”, a “hard-hitting and from-the-heart” memoir and analysis of the long-standing water injustices in Canada
Favourite work experience as Community Relations Manager for Saskatchewan Abilities Council
Finds joy in people being kind to each other, gardening, art and writing
Favorite saying: “What One thing?”

Born in Australia, raised in Japan & lives in Whistler, BC
Co-Founder of Girls Matter
Received ‘Women in Podcasting Awards’ in the ‘inspirational and motivational’ category
An ‘Integrative Mind Body Health Practitioner’ helping people get to the root cause of their pain
Favourite quote: “whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right” – by Henry Ford

SICWO Membership Chair
soroptimist WCR Past Governor
From Orangeville ON, to Fort McMurray AB, from the USA to Lasqueti Island in BC
Formed ‘Blue Heron Art‘ business to create inclusiveness for BC artists
Owned a toy store with her sister
Most proud of her time with the Indigenous women of northern Alberta to help create their first petition to improve their quality of life
Worked in a Women’s shelter and with Indigenous women
Favourite song: “So Many Paths” by Little River Band – there are so many paths up the mountain, but the view from the top is the same.

Originally from Ontario & lives in Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island
Professional background in Human Resources & Business Leader Development
Deeply invested in issues that affect young women, including the growing threat of human trafficking
A passionate animal lover sharing her life with Hunter, a smart and energetic Brittany Spaniel

SICWO Friendship Chair
Born in NS & lives in Victoria, BC
A ‘Rehabilitation Consultant’ working with schoolteachers, helping them return to or stay at work
A ‘Certified Travel Agent’ with 15 years’ experience, started and hosts a women’s travel club and takes groups of women all over the world
Makes quilts when she has time
Favourite quote: “Do you ever wonder how that person got like that and do you want to be like that too?” – by Pema Chodron

A feminist since a young age
A ‘Registered Dietitian’ & established her private practice in 2008
Joined Soroptomist because of our work to address the social determinants of health through supporting women’s and girls’ education
Interests include shopping at farmers’ markets and cooking, physically active and reading a good book at the beach.
Favourite quote: “An ounce prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

SICWO Advocacy Chair
soroptimist WCR Past Governor
Is of Scottish, Irish, and English heritage
Valued empowering women from an early age – being influenced by attending highschool during the 1960’s – a time of great activism
Identifies as a crazy old cat lady (she has 4 cats)
Retired two times: 1) her early career was in government, and 2) her second career was co-owning a boutique with her daughter
Two things make her proud: 1) all 3 of her children are really nice people, and 2) she walked across England raising $4000 for Soroptomist International’s “Hope and Homes for Children” project for her 60th birthday
Lives by two quotes: 1) “Eat food, not much, mostly plants.” – by Michael Pollen, and 2) “Strive to do your best.” – by Carell Wingrave (herself)