Kelowna Women in Business is excited to announce
our Winners for the 2026 RISE Awards.
Woman of the Year Award - Presented by WeBC- Sherrone Lobban
Change Maker Award - 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 national charity focused on the intersection of brain injury and intimate partner violence. A seasoned non-profit leader and community collaborator, she brings more than 35 years of experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Karen advocates for survivors of intimate partner violence through research, education, 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.
Under Karen’s leadership, SOAR has become a leading voice in advancing awareness, systems change, and survivor-centred supports across Canada. She is deeply committed to collaboration, inclusiveness, and mentorship, and is known for her human-first leadership style, community advocacy, and dedication to creating safer, more supportive environments for survivors and equity-deserving communities.
Spirit Award - 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 gender equity and women in business.
Prior to WeBC, Shauna was an entrepreneur for 22 years, owning a global manufacturing company and a marketing and communications firm that helped small businesses and not-for-profit organizations through strategic marketing, project management, and team support.
Under Shauna’s leadership, WeBC continues to strengthen partnerships and create more inclusive pathways for entrepreneurs across the province. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, fostering belonging within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and championing collaborative approaches that increase access to tools, connections, and opportunities. Shauna is known for bringing people together, leading with authenticity, and driving community impact throughout British Columbia.
