President

Grace's roots are deeply embedded in the Okanagan, where she spent her formative years. After a brief hiatus to complete her Bachelor of Commerce at UVic, she returned to the Okanagan to embark on the path towards her CPA designation. Upon settling in Kelowna, a city she was eager to explore and contribute to, Grace found her niche with JCI in May 2017. Joining this dynamic community has proven to be a pivotal decision, enabling her to not only broaden her professional horizons but also cultivate meaningful personal connections. Over the past six years, Grace has been grateful for the diverse network she has built within the JCI community. Her commitment to JCI deepened in 2020 when she assumed the role of secretary on the board, marking the beginning of her active leadership within the organization. Now, as she eagerly anticipates the upcoming year, Grace is thrilled to announce her continued involvement on the board, this time taking on the esteemed role of President in 2024.

Past President

After an incredible year to lead, Justina is excited to hop into the passenger seat as Past President and support the incoming board for an epic year ahead!

Justina is an Okanagan-local, home-owner and investor. A decade as a REALTOR® results in succinct systems, knowledge, and strong negotiating skills, allowing her to understand her clients' needs and execute to get them the best deals. From real estate, to her Tour The Town project, to her curation of the 100AwesomePeople project/podcast, cultivating rich, value-laden relationships with her clients, community and business partners is her passion. When she's not knee-deep in real estate, she's finding ways to engage with her community. Supporting local is a passion that is greatly enabled through the vast JCI network and connections she’s developed since 2018.

Vice- President

Coby joined the JCIs in 2020 to be a part of a group of like minded young professionals that give back to their community. After hearing stories about ‘the good old days’ and the beneficial projects JCI has completed in our community, Coby was immediately hooked. He’s excited to focus on strengthening the membership and giving back to the community that support us.

Secretary

Karen came to Kelowna from the Philippines last 2018 to study. She’s now an Early Childhood Educator and a proud business owner of a cleaning company, Pristine Sparkling Solutions. She’s genuinely delighted to have been given an opportunity to join JCI Kelowna in August 2023. She’s a brand new member who embodies leadership and stepped up to the plate to chair the JCI Mayor’s Luncheon with her first two months of being a Jaycee. As this year’s secretary, Karen is looking forward and committed to serving a higher purpose. Being her first and last year joining the board, she’s aiming to leave a great legacy to the chapter.

Treasurer

Steven joined the JCIs in 2022 after he saw an opportunity to be a part of a group that gives back to their community and has a ton of fun doing it. He is looking forward to the lifelong learning JCI inspires, the new friends/connections and the ability to mentor/ be mentored by the JCI unit. Steven has a BHKin and is pursuing his P.L.Eng. With experience on the Canadian Ski Patrol Ogopogo zone executive board, over a decade volunteering his time training the new ski patrollers, and 11 years at a mechanical engineering consulting firm; He’s excited to expand his skill set and bring a fresh new look to this role.

Communications Director

Sarah's journey with JCI Kelowna began in 2022 and has been an incredible ride filled with opportunities to connect with remarkable individuals and contribute to meaningful initiatives within the community. As the Director of Communications, she is committed to transparent and creative work, by ensuring that the stories of JCI Kelowna's endeavours are shared far and wide. From community outreach initiatives to networking events and skill development workshops, she looks forward to highlighting the amazing activities that define our organization. Sarah initiated her academic journey at Okanagan College, culminating in her recent graduation with a degree in Human Resources. She is excited to apply what she has learned in effective communication strategies to broaden the JCI online presence.

Director of Membership

Danyelle became a member of the JCI Kelowna Chapter in November of 2021, and was the 2023 Social Director. She enjoyed bringing the membership together by facilitating social events throughout the year, and is looking forward to continuing to support the Chapter as Membership Director for 2024. Danyelle’s 2023 highlights were connecting with her fellow Jaycees at our socials, and the Karma Closet Legacy Project which she will continue to facilitate through 2024.

Danyelle is a Commercial Producer with SeaFirst Insurance, and has worked within the insurance industry for 9 years. She hopes to continue building connections both personally, and professionally within the community. Her primary goal for 2024 is to engage all potential & new members. She hopes all members feel welcomed, and recognize the value of their membership in terms of connection & community impact.

Director of Training

Lindsey became a member of JCI Kelowna in September 2023 at the encouragement of a chapter alum. The traditions, welcoming environment, and opportunities for connections made it an easy “yes” to join! Lindsey is looking forward to contributing in her first board position as Director of Training by helping to create the same engaging and memorable meetings that immediately drew her in.

Director of Social Events

Baabu became a member of the JCI Kelowna Chapter in April of 2021. Being new to Kelowna & Canada, he was encouraged by a chapter member to attend one of the official meetings as a guest, as a way for him to connect with the different people from the city and to try and be an integral part of a local community, which lead him to ultimately becoming a member of the community.

As the director of social events for 2024, Baabu is committed to creating, organizing and successfully carrying out fun social events that bring the current members, potential future members and the public together, as fun is an integral part of JCI Kelowna.