Dana Lee Harris: A Legacy of Empowerment
When long-time donor and volunteer Dana Lee Harris was asked if she’d be a guest speaker at a YWCA Legacy event this spring, she responded instantly, saying she’d “do anything for the YWCA.”
A certified fitness instructor, Dana spent more than 20 years volunteering in the YWCA’s Health + Fitness Centre, as well as with many of the other YWCA programs that support women.
Dana developed an interest in the hospitality business early in her life and was introduced to the wine industry through her father’s hobby business of importing wines. She's since launched her own consulting business and now leads a team of professionals, promoting trade shows, product launches, winemakers’ dinners, large charity events and wine festival seminars. She remains passionate about helping her clients succeed with their goals.
Dana was the Executive Director of the BC Hospitality Foundation from 2018 to 2022. She loved this leadership role and the opportunity to give back to a community that was such an important part of her life.
Dana enjoys golf, biking, dancing and hiking. She and her husband Dean live in North Vancouver and are proud new grandparents of Charlie, who was named after Dana’s dad.
The YWCA remains an important part of Dana’s life and overall well-being. Along with adding the YWCA to her will as one of her charitable bequests, she is an esteemed monthly donor. In her Legacy Giving speech, Dana reflected on how courageous and determined the young mothers at YWCA Crabtree Corner are, some of whom she met while offering career mentorship. Dana shared that she added the YWCA to her will “because of all the amazing work they do to empower women and girls.”
“Having managed a charity myself, I know how much time, effort and money it takes to fulfill the programs the YWCA offers,” she said. “The YWCA honours its donors while offering outstanding opportunities to females and their families.”
To discuss Legacy Giving with the YWCA, call or email JoAnne Fahr jfahr@ywcavan.org or 604 895 5829.
