Kelowna Women in Business is excited to announce our Finalists for the 2026 RISE Awards.
Woman of the Year Award Finalist – Presented by WeBC – Nikki Csek
Nikki Csek is a Kelowna-based entrepreneur, business leader, and founder of Csek Creative, with over 25 years of experience helping businesses grow through strategy, branding, media, and digital innovation. She has built platforms that elevate others through storytelling, community connection, and leadership.
Passionate about championing women in business and celebrating local voices, Nikki continues to drive impact through media, publishing, events, and innovation. She is known for leading with heart, resilience, and a vision to create momentum and opportunities for other
Woman of the Year Award Finalist – Presented by WeBC – Sherrone Lobban
Sherrone Blake Lobban is a leadership strategist, executive advisor, and co-founder of MARKIBLAK Group Inc., helping entrepreneurs and organizations scale with clarity, influence, and sustainable growth. She is also the creator of the Top Network, connecting and elevating women through strategic relationships and leadership development.
A former United Nations diplomat, Sherrone brings global expertise in leadership, negotiation, and collaboration, and is the founder of the Project Management Global Institute (PMGI). She is committed to helping women step into leadership, build generational wealth, and create lasting impact.
Woman of the Year Award Finalist – Presented by WeBC – Missy MacKintosh
Missy MacKintosh is the Founder and CEO of MisMacK Clean Cosmetics, a Canadian brand redefining beauty through performance, safety, and innovation. What began as a clean beauty brand evolved into the creation of Sports Colour Cosmetics™. Her GamePlay Eye Black is the first toxin-free eye black made in Canada, now used by athletes across the country.
Missy is passionate about building community-driven growth, with women-led investors, team ownership, and partnerships like KidSport Canada. She is committed to creating products, opportunities, and impact that go far beyond beauty.
Woman of the Year Award Finalist – Presented by WeBC – Pam Turgeon
Pam Turgeon is a wife, mom, and proud grandmother of three. She began her career in healthcare, building a strong foundation in helping others and giving back. She is passionate about creativity, from decorating to hands-on projects, and values time spent with family.
With a love for both elegance and adventure, Pam brings a dynamic spirit to everything she does. She is actively involved in the community through initiatives that bring people together and support important causes. As co-founder of Parade with a Purpose, she helps organize an annual holiday parade that raises funds for youth mental health charities, including organizations such as Bridge Youth & Family Services and the KGH Foundation. Her involvement is driven by a commitment to connection, inclusivity, and giving back. She would continue these efforts regardless of recognition, because making a meaningful impact is what matters most.
Change Maker Award Finalist – Presented by Crowe MacKay – Maxine DeHart
Maxine DeHart is a fourth-term Kelowna City Councillor and a long-standing community leader. She serves on the boards of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and contributes to the City of Kelowna Civic & Community Awards.
With 40 years as Director of Sales at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Maxine has also spent 28 years writing her business column, Straight from DeHart. She is the founder of the United Way Ramada Drive-Thru Breakfast, raising over $1.3 million locally, and continues to support her community through leadership and service.
Change Maker Award Finalist – Presented by Crowe MacKay – Karen Mason
Karen Mason (she/her) is co-founder and executive director of Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR). A seasoned non-profit leader and community collaborator, she brings over 35 years of experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Karen advocates for survivors of intimate partner violence, supporting research, knowledge mobilization, and trauma-informed practices. She has held leadership roles with Third Space Charity and Kelowna Women’s Shelter and contributes to national and international initiatives focused on brain injury and IPV.
Change Maker Award Finalist – Presented by Crowe MacKay – Dhorea Ramanula
Dhorea Ramanula is a nationally recognized community leader, advocate, and co-founder of National Suicide Awareness Day. For over 20 years, she has led impactful work in suicide prevention, mental health advocacy, and community building, supporting over 15,000 individuals through stigma-reducing initiatives.
Dhorea is the founder of Hemi’s Holistic Healing Centre Society, a bestselling author, and a Pathmaker Award recipient. She is known for transforming lived experience into meaningful impact, amplifying underserved voices, and strengthening communities through compassion and leadership.
Change Maker Award Finalist – Presented by Crowe MacKay – Nicole Richard
Nicole Richard is a Brand Strategist, Marketing Specialist, Photographer, Producer, Philanthropist, Videographer, Entrepreneur, and Mediocre Musician . She is people & purpose driven, working on the core belief that we are all worthy of respect, love, value, and achieving our goals.
You will find Nicole laughing her way through life trying to make as much impact for the betterment of the community before she dies. ( She’s got 40 years of anxiety ridden life not lived to make up for).
Spirit Award Finalist – Presented by Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group – Shauna Harper
Shauna Harper is the CEO of WeBC, a federally funded not-for-profit supporting women entrepreneurs across BC with loans, training, resources, and mentorship to help their businesses grow. Based in Kelowna, she is an impact-driven leader, speaker, mentor, and nationally recognized advocate for women entrepreneurs and gender equity.
Prior to WeBC, Shauna was an entrepreneur for 22 years, owning a global manufacturing company and a marketing and communications firm supporting small businesses and not-for-profits.
Spirit Award Finalist – Presented by Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group – Fei Liu
Fei Liu is the Executive Director of OCCA Communities Association, leading initiatives that advance immigrant inclusion, workforce development, and multicultural community building in the Central Okanagan. With over 20 years of experience across municipal, provincial, national, and international sectors, she specializes in strategic communications, governance, and inclusive economic growth.
Fei currently serves as Chair of Okanagan Asian Heritage and Vice Chair of Kelowna Folkfest, and previously served as a Board Director for the University Neighbourhoods Association. She is dedicated to advancing equity, multiculturalism, and community prosperity.
Spirit Award Finalist – Presented by Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group – Dr. Harmony Mir
Dr. Harmony Mir is the founder and clinical director of Harmony Chiropractic & Wellness, a multidisciplinary clinic rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a Persian woman, solo business owner, and single mother, she leads with lived experience to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Dr. Mir specializes in prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric care, and is recognized for building one of Kelowna’s most diverse healthcare teams while championing accessible care, mentorship, and community impact.
Spirit Award Finalist – Presented by Tiger’s Eye Advisory Group – Ivonne Myrick
Ivonne Myrick moved to Kelowna in 2002, balancing full-time work, raising two children, completing her accounting program, and volunteering with organizations like Girl Guides of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. With over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and business, she brings resilience, determination, and emotional wisdom to her work.
For the past nine years, Ivonne has been a real estate agent in Kelowna, where she is passionate about guiding and supporting her clients. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she continues to give back as an ambassador with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, supporting and connecting local businesses and the immigrant community.
