Who We Are

We are WeMB

In 1994, we were the very first federally funded Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) in Western Canada. We are committed to supporting all self-identifying women+ (cis, trans, 2S, and gender-diverse) to become successful entrepreneurs by offering a supportive, women-led community and services aimed at making their success our priority.

We work together, ToGetHer Stronger.

We Work for All Women

WeMB works in the service of all self-identifying women+ (cis, trans, 2S, gender-diverse) to foster economic and social wellbeing. We believe women+ are the experts in their own lives and we are here to assist.

We are working to improve our accessibility, for all who wish to access our services, who want to work in our organization, or serve on our Board. In doing so, we acknowledge we must learn from past mistakes, build on successes, work to become better allies to racialized and underserved populations, partner with new organizations, and adopt wise practices.

We respect and welcome cultural diversity; each woman’s strengths and experiences are valued and respected. We believe every woman+ is entitled to self-determination, self-respect, self-esteem, and a safe environment as we work together.

Meet our Team

Our dedicated team draws on their varied knowledge and experience every day, working toward the common goal of helping our clients achieve their business goals. 

Lisa Boyson - Loans & HR Administrator

Lisa Boyson

Loans & HR Administrator

Joyce Burneau - Stakeholder & Workplace Experience Manager

Joyce Burneau

Stakeholder & Workplace Experience Manager

Karen Buss - Partnership & Business Development Manager

Karen Buss

Partnership & Business Development Manager

Geraldine De Braune - SCW Program Facilitator

Geraldine De Braune

SCW Program Facilitator

Kateryna Haponova - Client Engagement Administrator (Programs)

Kateryna Haponova

Client Engagement Administrator (Programs)

Yvette Hawkes - Business Advisor

Yvette Hawkes

Business Advisor

Max Kashton, CPA, CMA - Chief Executive Officer

Max Kashton, CPA, CMA

Chief Executive Officer

Alanna Keefe - Managing Director & Privacy Officer

Alanna Keefe

Managing Director & Privacy Officer

Colleen Krebs - Director of Business Solutions

Colleen Krebs

Director of Business Solutions

Kelsey Marcotte - Digital & Content Marketing Specialist

Kelsey Marcotte

Digital & Content Marketing Specialist

Shaily Nag - Client Engagement Administrator (Communications/Events)

Shaily Nag

Client Engagement Administrator (Communications/Events)

Tanis Russell - Finance Assistance

Tanis Russell

Finance Assistance

Nirmala Sathan - SCW Administration Coordinator (Bilingual)

Nirmala Sathan

SCW Administration Coordinator (Bilingual)

Heather Stephens - Loans Manager

Heather Stephens

Loans Manager

Heidi Streu - SCW Project Manager

Heidi Streu

SCW Project Manager

Christine Vorrath - Business Advisory Manager

Christine Vorrath

Business Advisory Manager

Meet Our Board of Directors

We rely on the knowledge, skills, and experience of many people to provide insight into the initiatives that WeMB develops to support our clients including our talented Board of Directors.

Bonnie Chwartacki - Chair of the Board

Bonnie Chwartacki

Chair of the Board

Tamara Pound - Vice-Chair

Tamara Pound

Vice-Chair

Richard Avila - Treasurer

Richard Avila

Treasurer

Manmeet Bahad - Board Member

Manmeet Bahad

Board Member

Jane Helbrecht - Board Member

Jane Helbrecht

Board Member

Leanne Jones - Board Member

Leanne Jones

Board Member

Desiree Katz - Board Member

Desiree Katz

Board Member

Taz Lakhani - Board Member

Taz Lakhani

Board Member

Thao Lam - Board Member

Thao Lam

Board Member

Elisabeth Saftiuk - Board Member

Elisabeth Saftiuk

Board Member

Our Community Partners

We are proud to partner with so many incredible community organizations with whom WeMB shares its core vlaues. These organizations help make so many of our programs possible.

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) supports a diverse membership of organizations that directly impact the growth and success of women entrepreneurs. Representing an array of populations and regions, WEOC members support women entrepreneurs through a variety of initiatives, including business training, advising, financing, and mentorship.

Learn more about WEOC

Advising

Access free business advising from our team of experienced Business Advisors who will draw on their education, knowledge, and entrepreneurial expertise to guide and support you along your business journey.

Learn more about Advising

Financing

Looking to get your business off the ground? Need funding for the purchase of new equipment or upsizing your space? We have financing for that. Loans are available in any amount up to $150,000.

Learn more about Financing

Training

We offer hands-on, highly interactive training and workshops on a variety of subjects to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to make your business a success.

Learn more about Training

Networking

Our networking and professional development events provide all self-identifying women+ entrepreneurs with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and connect with the community.

Learn more about Networking