A Message From the Chamber | |
To all the inspiring women worldwide,
As we commemorate International Women's Day, we proudly recognize the diversity and strength within our Chamber. From various walks of life, our members, supporters, and collaborators embody the richness of human experience, representing diverse races, religions, political beliefs, and sexual orientations.
At the forefront of our Chamber are our five exceptional female Board members, each bringing unique perspectives and leadership qualities. Alongside them, our dedicated office staff, consisting of two talented women, contributes tirelessly to our mission of empowerment and progress.
Below, you can read about some of the empowering women of the Chamber and how International Women's Day shapes them, inspiring us all to strive for excellence and equality.
Together, as a collective force, we stand as a shining example of the power of unity and inclusion. Let us continue to champion diversity, equality, and opportunity for all women, today and every day.
Happy International Women's Day!
Temma Chow, Marketing-Communications Manager
Sara Walters, Membership Services & Administration Coordinator
Happy International Women's Day!
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Inspiring Words from Inspiring Women | |
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Dr. Sandra Finch
Sponsor, International Women's Day Celebration
Owner, Finch Tree Dental
Dr. Sandra Finch, a native of British Columbia, embarked on her dental career after graduating from UBC Dental School in 1991. Her educational journey began with studies in Microbiology at the University of Victoria, followed by Pharmacy at UBC, providing her with a well-rounded foundation for her profession. Since 1993, Dr. Finch has
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been the sole owner and practitioner at Finch Tree Dental in White Rock,where she has become known for her dedication to excellence and patient-centred care.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Dr. Finch has pursued ongoing education and training to stay abreast of advancements in dentistry. In 2019, she achieved accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, distinguishing herself as one of a select few in Canada with this prestigious honour. Her expertise extends beyond cosmetic dentistry, encompassing a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of her patients, from routine dental care to advanced treatments like Invisalign therapy and Botox Cosmetic.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Finch finds fulfillment in tending to her flourishing floral garden during the summer months and hitting the Nordic ski trails at Sun Peaks with her family in the winter. As a devoted wife and mother of two young adults in university, she cherishes the vibrancy of her bustling household, complete with their beloved pets. Dr. Finch is also committed to giving back to her community, sponsoring The Chamber in recognition of International Women's Day and advocating for the support and empowerment of women in all aspects of life.
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Jas Rai
Owner, The Chopped Leaf
Morgan Crossing | King George Station | Langley Central
Jas, armed with a BBA from Simon Fraser University, initially pursued corporate ambitions but found her true calling in entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, she's cultivated a successful journey by launching multiple Chopped Leaf franchises, starting from South Surrey and expanding across Cloverdale, Langley, and King George.
Beyond merely a business venture, Jas views her involvement with
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Chopped Leaf as a reflection of her deep-rooted commitment to community wellness and family values. Actively engaged, she spearheads initiatives like providing hot lunches to local schools and sponsoring sports events while also offering guidance and support to her fellow franchisees through the Franchise Advisory Council.
For Jas, personal success isn't just about professional accomplishments; it's about finding harmony between work, family, and meaningful relationships. Now, as she transitions to a new chapter, Jas is driven by a passion to empower women in business. Through coaching, she aspires to share her insights and experiences, creating a nurturing environment for aspiring female entrepreneurs to thrive and grow personally and professionally.
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Margarett Lange
Chamber Board Member
Outreach & Events Manager, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers
Margarett Lange is the Outreach and Event Manager for Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers with over 25 years of management experience in the hospitality, tourism and film industry sectors with the majority of her work in Surrey, BC.
International Women’s Day is a day to honour and celebrate the achievements of women throughout
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history and in contemporary society and promote a more inclusive and equitable world for all genders.
Resilience, determination and innovation are key, encouraging women to pursue their ambitions and strive for leadership roles. Never give up and always feel free to reach out for advice!
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Ramona Kaptyn
Chamber Board Member
Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) BC Chief Advocacy & Communications Officer; President, White Rock/Surrey Chapter; & Director, CARP National Board
International Women's Day reminds us of the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women in all aspects of life. It's an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women, from
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trailblazing leaders and activists to everyday heroes who make a difference in our communities.
Ramona has a longtime relationship with the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) as well as other organizations in British Columbia advocating for adults as we age. By working to influence government policies and legislation that affect older adults, such as healthcare, financial security, housing, and elder abuse prevention, I feel we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable society for people of all ages. Ramona hopes her passion for this cause will inspire others to join in the effort to support and uplift older adults in our communities.
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Gurjinder Bhurji
Chamber Board Member
Salon Owner & Real Estate Agent, Signature Real Estate Group
Gurjinder Bhurji is a Realtor with Signature Real Estate Royallepage Wolstencroft Realty. She also is owner of Stylin'Confidence Beauty Salon in Surrey and Race Director for the third annual Road Race in Downtown City of Surrey called RunSurreyRun.
Gurjinder also sits on the Boards of South Surrey White Rock Chamber
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and chairs the ACE committee, along with Board of South Asian Business Association, West Panorama Rate Payers Association Board, Surrey Parks and Recreation Committee, and Riding President for BC United Panorama Ridge.
A Mother of 4 Children and a Grandma to one Grandson so far, Gurjinder loves being outdoor on her weekly long jogs, walks, bike rides. She is passionate about planning and creating events for the community.
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Heather Martin
Chamber Board Member
President, Comfort Keepers
Meet Heather, a steadfast advocate for women's empowerment whose dedication shines brightly on this International Women's Day and every day. With a background rooted in overcoming adversity, Heather's journey is a testament to resilience and compassion.
Driven by her own experiences, Heather is deeply committed to uplifting women from all walks of life. From volunteering at local shelters to supporting initiatives for female
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entrepreneurs, her actions reflect a tireless dedication to fostering inclusivity and equality.
Heather's support for women extends beyond borders, as she actively engages in global efforts to promote gender equity. Whether advocating for policy change or amplifying the voices of marginalized women, she remains unwavering in her pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, Heather's advocacy takes centre stage, reminding us of the transformative power of solidarity and community. Let us stand alongside her in honouring the resilience and achievements of women worldwide, as we continue to work towards a future where every woman can thrive.
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Dione Costanzo
Operations Manager, Penmar Community Arts Society; President, Autism Support Network
Dione Costanzo is an Event and Marketing Specialist with a diverse professional background. Currently focusing on organizing and marketing large-scale outdoor events, such as music festivals and municipal celebrations, Dione has also designed, programmed, and produced live, hybrid and virtual events from community concerts and fundraising galas to corporate and non-profit events.
Dione is a dedicated advocate in the
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Dione is a dedicated advocate in the disability community and is a Founder (2007) and current President of the Autism Support Network Society, an organization that provides information, education, and support to families across BC.
In addition to her event management and advocacy work, Dione offers social media and marketing consulting services to mid-size businesses, helping them elevate their online presence and reach their target audiences effectively.
Driven by her passion for community engagement, Dione recently joined the Arts, Culture, and Events Committee with the South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce, where she contributes her expertise in the planning, marketing, and execution of local events.
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We are celebrating International Women's Day with a SOLD OUT EVENT at The Chopped Leaf - Morgan Crossing on March 12. Here are some other upcoming events featuring powerful Women in our community. Thank you to everyone who have already registered and sponsored these fabulous events!
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Wednesday, March 20
Join us for breakfast and a ceremony to welcome our newest Chamber members.
Aspira Pacifica
2525 King George Blvd, Surrey
7am to 9am
Registration at 7:30am
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Wednesday, April 24
Join Mayor Megan Knight as she delivers her first State of the City Address to outline her economic vision for White Rock.
Oceana PARC
1575 George Street, White Rock
9am to 11am
Registration at 8:30am
Breakfast included
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Wednesday, May 1
Enjoy cocktails and be among the first to learn about the performance lineup for the August 24 Salmon Sessions Music Festival!
Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club
1284 184 Street, Surrey
4pm to 6pm
Registration at 3:30pm
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Interested in joining the Chamber? | |
Hey ladies! Are you tired of feeling sidelined when it comes to making connections and advancing your career? It's time to step into the spotlight and join the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce for a winning strategy in business! | |
Here's why you'll want to be a part of our dynamic network
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Chambers Plan Health Insurance: Say goodbye to financial penalties with our Chambers Plan Health Insurance. Stay protected and on top of your game with affordable and comprehensive coverage for you and your team.
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Special Pricing on Networking Events: Networking is crucial for success, and we're here to make it exciting and accessible. Enjoy special pricing on our networking events where you can forge meaningful connections with other leading women in business.
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Marketing Opportunities: Whether you're aiming to boost sales or expand your reach, our chamber offers a playbook of marketing opportunities. From featured listings to social media spotlights, we'll help you shine and leave a lasting impression.
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Member Perks & Savings: Get access to exclusive discounts and benefits from local businesses. Whether it's saving on services or enjoying perks at local hotspots, our chamber membership opens doors to savings and growth opportunities.
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Team Spirit & Community Impact: Just like in any collaborative effort, we believe in teamwork and giving back. Join us in supporting community initiatives and making a positive impact both professionally and socially.
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Ready to step forward and march toward success? Get ready to shine, join the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, and let's make winning moves together! | |
Thank you Pillar Partners | |
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