2010 Nominees - Entrepreneurship and Innovation
LINDA COADY
An agent of social change, Linda has led strategic corporate social responsibility initiatives for business, government and non-governmental organizations for 25 years. Following a remarkable career in the forest industry where she played a critical role in developing collaborative practices, Linda most recently undertook the challenging role of VP Sustainability for VANOC. At VANOC, she empowered her team to embed sustainability into the organization, initiated social enterprise partnerships with local businesses and convened Games that showcased BC and Canadian leadership in clean, green technology. These Games have already been recognized by the International Olympic Committee as one of the most environmentally innovative in Olympic history.
Connecting the Community Award quote:
“Sustainable communities are communities that maintain a dedicated focus on breaking down barriers to inclusion and participation. Crabtree Corner Family Resource Centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is committed to reducing child poverty and provides critical support services to women and children that want to reconnect with themselves and their communities in new and more sustainable ways.”
BRENDA MARTENS
Brenda has worked for more than a decade both professionally and on a volunteer basis to transform the building industry by creating capacity to design and build affordable, resource- and energy-efficient buildings. In 2006 Brenda co-founded Recollective Consulting, the first company in Canada with services devoted to sustainable building consulting. A true trailblazer, Brenda demonstrated vision and innovation by founding Recollective at a time when a “green building consultant” was an unknown profession in Canada. Committed to building industry capacity, Brenda mentors both client firms and upcoming sustainable building consultants.
Connecting the Community Award quote:
“As a business owner in the Downtown Eastside I see the consequences of the lack of safe and affordable housing and services for the homeless every day. We work with BC Housing and are helping to provide over 20 housing facilities with support services throughout the province—I support the YWCA providing housing to women and children at risk of becoming homeless.”
TRISH SARE
Over the past 16 years, Trish has grown BikeHike Adventures from a start-up with one destination to an award-winning adventure travel company operating in nearly 30 countries. Operating on the principles of culturally and environmentally sustainable tourism practices and an active member of adventure and sustainable travel associations, Trish has strongly influenced sustainable tourism practices. She shares her industry knowledge through her own non-profit, Tour Operators Alliance, created to foster community dialog amongst small tour companies in BC. Through educating and offering practicums to BCIT tourism marketing students, Trish is strengthening the next generation of adventure travel specialists.
Connecting the Community Award quote:
“Having travelled through many developing countries, I've seen the stark contrast between their basic needs for food and water, and our affluence. But when it comes to safe and affordable housing, people in our communities are suffering. I choose to support YWCA's efforts towards safe and affordable housing because everyone deserves the necessities of life: food, water and shelter.”
MANDY SHINTANI
Mandy, recognizing a unique opportunity to initiate a new fitness activity, risked her life investments to bring urban poling—also known as Nordic walking—to Canada. Involving more than 250 retailers and 750 fitness instructors, Mandy’s strategic vision has resulted in Urban Poling Inc. becoming the largest equipment distributor and nationally acclaimed instructor training centre in Canada. She also developed the Activator, a specialized walking pole for people with disabilities, which physiotherapists have heralded as an outstanding new therapy tool. Her innovation has inspired thousands of Canadians—from couch potatoes to elite athletes—to move towards improved health and fitness.
Connecting the Community Award quote:
“I believe that safe and affordable housing is the foundation for the healthy development of children in Canada, especially those at risk. A safe haven also ensures that single mothers can concentrate their efforts on child rearing and their careers without the additional stress of searching for suitable housing. I choose to support safe and affordable housing for women because YWCA Vancouver is finding solutions even when faced with the additional challenge of a city with limited low-cost housing options.”
SEANA WADE
After co-founding Survivor Bootcamp at the age of 30, Seana went on to successfully franchise the company across Canada and the business now boasts more than 115 locations. In 2010, Seana’s entrepreneurial spirit and profound passion resulted in her being named one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40. Seana’s business is committed to educating Canadians on the benefits of fitness and healthy lifestyles. Seana is a strong advocate for introducing this healthy lifestyle at a young age and a supporter of initiatives like Athletics for Kids, a national charity that provides sport and fitness opportunities for children who are unable to participate due to financial hardships.
Connecting the Community Award quote:
“As a fitness expert and entrepreneur, I have seen the merit of using fitness and group participation to develop self-esteem and increase both the physical and mental health of children and adults. I feel that we need to instill the values that we want to see in our children which is why I support healthy choices for youth. Community involvement is integral to a healthy lifestyle.”
