Imagine a gender equal world, A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s Diverse and inclusive, where is difference is values and celebrated.
Monday, March 8th on International Women’s Day 104.3 The Breeze accepts the call to come together for women’s equality and to Break The Bias, while also recognizing the women who have impacted our lives.
Join us as we salute the women of music, with back-to-back female artists all day, celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. .
On International Women’s Day show your support by joining The Breeze on social media by striking the IWD Pose using the hashtag “Break The Bias”
Here are some women who continue to inspire us, and they share what this years theme means to them, advice for our future leaders and who inspires them.
Aisha Maretz, CEO Fuggles and Warlock
After 20 years working her way up in the hospitality industry Aisha Maretz now leads Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks Ltd. as CEO in her beloved hometown of Richmond, British Columbia.
With a passion for innovation, sustainability and being an employer offering equal opportunities Aisha strives to inspire and develop her team everyday.
“We like to keep our award-winning craft beer “weird” because it’s important to be authentic even if it means being different. Be weird, be you.” -Aisha Maretz #keepbeerweird
Autumn Kendrick, GnuSanté
Autumn Kendrick, is a young emerging leader in the beverage industry. She is passionate about preserving the environment and embracing the adventures in life.
Utilizing the knowledge gained in her previous experiences working in fashion, ballet, and scuba diving, she is bringing energy to GnuSanté, a company focused on innovation and a brighter environmental future.
GnuSanté is focused on being a better beverage company – one that champions people and the environment before profits.
Cathline James, CEO Wise Bites
Cathline James is a serial entrepreneur who loves to start new businesses and bring them to success.
Currently she is the CEO of Wise Bites in Richmond, BC, a plant based, Free From the top 11 allergen baked goods company, focusing on healthy options, selling across Canada and now into the US.
Christina Wong, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Employ to Empower (ETE)
An organization that provides access to business development courses, micro-loans, mentorship, and self-advocacy opportunities as a bridge to foster self confidence, community and contribution.
Recently, she was nominated for the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction in the Non-Profit category and a recipient of the 2021 Globe and Mail’s top 50 Business Changemakers in Canada.
Courtnei Lee, Founder & Ceo CL Essentials
I am a 29 year old entrepreneur from Vancouver. I have spent my life in search of ways to improve the world and make it a better place for us all.
I came out as trans almost 6 years ago, and my journey has led me to such incredible inspiring people that have helped change my life.
My goal in life is to create safe spaces and fun work environments for us all to be a part of.
Gerri Charles, Founder Crystal Gala Foundation
Gerri Charles is a long-time businesswoman (now retired) and impactful volunteer in her home city of Abbotsford.
As the founder and Chair of the Crystal Gala Foundation Gerri has worked tirelessly for the past 20+ years to ensure that the Abbotsford Centre for Breast Health at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital came to reality.
It is through her work that over $3 million has been raised to date to purchase much needed equipment for the facility.
Irene Barlas-Rimar , Coit Cleaning & Restoration Services BC
Irene Barlas-Rimar President of Coit Cleaning and Restoration Services BC is grateful for her supportive hubby, three amazing daughters, and fulfilling career.
She feels fortunate to be influenced by so many wonderful mentors, throughout her 32-year career in business. Her Greek parents showed her what integrity, survival, and resilience looks like. She has great business partners at Coit Services, that continue to have the confidence and trust in her abilities and talent to showcase that a female executive in a male dominated business can thrive!
Words of wisdom: “Fail forward, look at what was learned from it and become better!”.
Jen Murtagh, Co-Founder Maturn
With over two decades of experience spanning corporate and non-profit, heart-centred leadership has been the guiding star of Jen Murtagh’s career.
An award-winning and values-based leader, Jen has raised millions and led campaigns on anti-bullying, vulnerable youth and gender equity.
As an accredited leadership coach, Jen supports women to lead bravely through her workshops and Brave Leadership for Women program. Jen is also the Co-Founder of Maturn – Canada’s first maternity leave program and is on a mission to turn the motherhood penalty into the motherhood opportunity.
Jeven Bath, GM Sukhi Bath Motors
Jeven Bath is a leading female entrepreneur in the Canadian automotive industry. Born in Surrey BC, this auto dealership and financing manganate now leads a privately owned empire that has achieved over $500,000,000 in total revenue.
Jeven takes pride in being an active member of the South Asian community of Canada, working with NGOs such as the Red Cross and Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen to help those suffering from hunger, gender discrimination and financial struggles.
Jill McKnight, Executive Director Delta Chamber of Commerce
Jill McKnight is a seasoned business leader who believes relationships are the cornerstone of success for any business and a key component of strong communities. As co-owner of two businesses, Jill leveraged her relationship skills to build successful community events, strengthen strategic business relationships and foster positive community spirit. In her role with the Delta Chamber of Commerce, Jill is committed to working with members for the growth and prosperity of business in Delta through Advocacy.
Laura Ballance, President Laura Ballance Media Group
An accomplished public relations veteran and President of Laura Ballance Media Group, Laura has led local, regional, national and international corporate reputations and media outreach programs for more than 25 years. She founded LBMG after an extensive career as a journalist.
Laura has a passion for giving back to the community, with a portion of fees committed annually to pro-bono work for non-profits and causes across British Columbia.
Linda Turko, Owner and President of the Milano Coffee Group.
Linda has worked in almost every facet of the hospitality industry and coffee business. In 1997 she founded Turks Coffee Bar in Vancouver’s famous Commercial Drive.
With a love of coffee and coffee culture and extensive industry experience, Linda brings to Milano the ability to serve our customers bit only from the roaster’s perspective, but also from that of the cafe owner and coffee lover.
Rachel Young, Assistant Brewer, Stanley Park Brewing
Born in Toronto, Rachel spent much of her childhood in Sydney, Australia (cue the accent) where she learned to cope with Christmas in the summertime and snakes and spiders in the backyard.
After high school she travelled for a while and found herself in Vancouver. Falling in love with the mountains, she decided to stay while – suffice to say, she’s still here but waiting for the Leafs to win the cup. Having worked her way up from tastings rooms, onto the production floor Rachel is currently the Assistant Brewer at Stanley Park Brewing.
Previously she’s worked with other well known breweries such as Bomber and Granville Island Brewing. “I love that my work is never boring. We have a great team at Stanley Park Brewing, but there’s really just two of us at the Vancouver Brewpub so it really is up to us to get it all done.
I love learning new things and there is no shortage of opportunities at the pub for that. Everything from everyday cleaning and maintenance to developing recipes. and flavour profiles. I never thought I’d know how to maintain a boiler or change pump seals but here I am. It’s all about variety. I love it!.
Robin Gill, Vice President Talk Shop Media
Talk Shop Media, Vice President, Robin Gill: Hailing from a 27-year media career, most recently serving as weekend anchor and BC correspondent for Global National, Robin has reported on some of the most significant national and international stories in recent decades.
As one of the most revered journalists in Canada, Robin recently stepped into a role as Vice President at Vancouver-based integrated communications agency Talk Shop Media.
In addition to overseeing a portfolio of Talk Shop’s most significant clients, Robin will further bolster and evolve the agency’s media and spokesperson training practice, lending her acclaimed on-camera expertise and years of media experience.
Sadaf Rahimi, Owner Charcuterie Vancouver
Charcuterie Vancouver is an award winning Small Business run by owner Sadaf Rahimi that operates in all of lower mainland.
They just opened their store front at 2766 West 4th Avenue, you can go in store to purchase beautiful charcuterie boxes to go or eat in store.
They make everything from tiny boxes, individual boxes, gift boxes and large boards and tables for huge gatherings.
Shelley Frost, CEO PNE
Shelley Frost is the CEO of the Pacific National Exhibition and is responsible for the PNE Fair, Playland Amusement Park and 1000 other unique events on site each year.
She is very proud to be the steward of such a great organization and loves working with a diverse and innovative team to deliver memorable experiences to guests.
Shelley has degrees in Psychology and Business from the University of Alberta and an MBA from Simon Fraser University.
Taran and Bunny Ghatrora, Blume
Blume is a fast growing wellness start up based in Vancouver, founded by two sisters Taran & Bunny.
Blume is on a mission to give confidence back to the 60% of young womxn who say their self-esteem plummets when they go through puberty.
Blume bashes taboos and stigmas while creating effective personal care products across skin, period and body.
They have a loyal community formed through best in class crowd created products, like Meltdown (the only natural acne oil of its kind on the market) and Hug Me (voted best natural deodorant by NY Post). They are launching in
ALL Sephora Canada locations across Canada this week and can also shopped at Indigo and select Nordstrom locations.
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