Lisa Helps is the 52nd Mayor of Victoria and the second female mayor of the city. She was first elected to office in 2014 by a narrow margin and reelected in 2018 with overwhelming support despite making the controversial decision to remove the statue of John A. MacDonald outside of city hall - a move she calls "almost political suicide" but ultimately the right thing to do. Mark and Lisa talk leadership tips and taking risks to unleash potential. Learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca

Leadership is something Devesh learnt early on from his parents who taught him to create an impact to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Devesh is an entrepreneur, engineer, and the CEO of Pani Energy – an award-winning tech company based in Victoria that provides digital solutions to make clean water cheaper and more sustainable to produce.

You can find more about Devesh's work at www.panienergy.com 

You can learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca 

Every year, Leadership Victoria honours one of the graduates of the Community Leadership Development Program with an Outstanding Leadership Award. At the end of each program, students are asked to nominate a peer for the award. Carissa Ropponen is our winner for 2020. Carissa's work as Manager of Resource Development and Communication at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre builds the build resources that help survivors. Learn more at: www.vsac.ca Learn more about us at: www.leadershipvictoria.ca

Of the many art projects that he has done, Temosen (Charles Eliott) is most proud of the 'talking stick' he made for Nelson Mandela when he visited North America. Temosen was very influenced by his work to eradicate apartheid and work for the rights of the First Nations peoples of South Africa. Temosen's own family has been very active in fighting for their people's right and Nelson Mandela's journey is very inspirational to him.

Find out more about us at www.leadershipvictoria.ca

Amarjit has worked with newcomers and refugees in Victoria for 35 years; 20 of those at the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS). As the Volunteer Coordinator at VIRCS, Amarjit has leads the creation and growth of programs that serve the needs of the immigrant and refugee community in Greater Victoria. She goes out of her way to bring people together and she is one of our 2020 VCLA winners.

Learn more about her work at www.vircs.bc.ca/  Learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca 

Lisa Mercure works at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), supporting Indigenous Elders and delivering cultural programs for the urban Indigenous community. As a result of her work over 130 Elders are now connected hosting language clubs, mentoring participants or leading advisory tables.

Through the language programs she has developed, Lisa has created space for fluent speakers to pass along the teachings of the Elders through an Urban Indigenous Language Hub.

Find out more about Lisa Mercure's work at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (once it reopens) and on social media.

Find out more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca

Last month, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police, hundreds of thousands have come out to rally for change. This has lead to a worldwide response.

With the Black Lives Matter movement taking centre stage across the world, Leadership Victoria chatted with three of our city's influential leaders with unique perspectives on the movement: Sharmarke Dubow (@deardubow), Ruth Mojeed (www.theinclusionproject.com), and Devi Mucina (@devi.mucina).

Learn more about at www.leadershipvictoria.ca 

As the founder and lead organizer of Our Earth Our Future, Emma-Jane has seen her movement grow from a handful of students to a massive rally of more than 20,000 people in 2019 calling for change in the way that governments approach climate change and environmental degradation. Emma-Jane is our 2020 VCLA for Flourishing Safe Environments winner.

You can support Emma-Jane's work at www.ourearthourfuturevictoria.com and www.climatestrikecanada.org

You can learn more about us at www.leadershipvictoria.ca

As Hospitality Pastor at the Mustard Seed Street Church and Food Bank for almost 20 years, Chris gives his all in the service of those who need it most. By patiently listening to his community, Chris finds unique ways to enhance Church services, including: "The Urban Hermit", an open mic night; "Beyond the Streets" hikes and outdoor adventures; and "Street Caf�", a date-night experience.

For more about Chris's work, go to www.Mustardseed.ca

To learn more about us, visit www.LeadershipVictoria.ca 

What happens if you aren't the smartest person in the room? Our VCLA 2020 winner Major Sheldon Feener believes leadership means surrounding yourself with the best people.  In this episode, Major Feener talks with Mark Crocker about the Salvation Army and the moment he found inspiration to work in Addictions and Rehabilitation. He also talks about the challenges COVID-19 poses to essential services and showing appreciation in these difficult times. Go to www.LeadershipVictoria.ca to join the 2020 cohort.