This diverse council of leaders will support businesses and non-profit organizations in Abbotsford to convene conversations, improve inclusion in the workplace and address barriers to participation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, B.C.) November 12th, 2025 – The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of 5 new members to its energetic, diverse and accomplished group of leaders to the 2025–2026 Council of its Women’s Leadership Community (WLC) today. This newly refreshed Council will advance targeted action to enhance inclusion in the workplace, reduce barriers for women’s participation across sectors, and accelerate the economic strength of Abbotsford through gender-balanced leadership.
Since its launch in 2024, the WLC has already delivered five impactful gatherings, uniting hundreds of women across the region under a shared vision of professional empowerment and community building. The Council provides a structured platform for advocacy, mentorship, peer-networking and strategic resource-sharing.
The incoming Council will focus on three strategic pillars:
- Building Relationships – cultivating robust networks that bring women together, across sectors, linking them to mentors, sponsors, and advocates.
- Education, Outreach and Professional Development – the idea that women “seek what they see” resonates with the council. Through purposeful engagement, partnership, and platform we hope to role model, mentor, and encourage women of all demographics to seek more for themselves be it professionally, or personally.
- Impact, Representation and Empowerment – ensuring women are visible and influential in leadership roles, public panels, and decision-making forums across the city’s business ecosystem.
The WLC will host its next flagship event, “HERSeries: ConnectHER”, on November 24th, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Studioture (2547 Montvue Ave, Abbotsford).
This immersive evening of connection, learning and inspiration is brought to the community with the support of Community Futures South Fraser and the Women’s Enterprise Association of BC (WEBC), along with presenting sponsorship from the Scotiabank Women Initiative, and support from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) and Enbridge Inc.
WLC Council – 2025-2026
Chair: Carli Williams, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities
Council Members:
- Carla Johnson, Certified Financial Planner, The Co-operators
- Lola Iyiola, CEO, Trending B&PM Consulting
- Erica Coleman, Co-owner, Sterica Leadership Developers
- Erin Bettger, Manager Prestige & Personal Banking, Canadian Western Bank
- Heather Branscombe, Founder, Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation
- Kimberley Tamminga, Aerospace & Defence Industry Consultant
- Lacy Donald, Business Development and Lending Advisor, Community Futures South Fraser
- Megan Faber, Founder, Megan Ashley Creative
- Naomi Pisio, Senior Branch Manager, Scotiabank Gladwin
- Sara Albert, Founder, Albert & Co Law
- Sarah De Klein, Director of Philanthropy, Communitas Society
- Yovini Moodley, Senior Marketing Director, Fraserway RV
Alex Mitchell, CEO, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
“When women lead, communities and chambers thrive. Investing in leadership across the Chamber network strengthens our collective capacity to serve business and drive economic growth. The Women’s Leadership Council is advancing that mission by building the connections and leadership that power opportunity across Abbotsford”
Carli Williams, Chair, Women’s Leadership Council
“The WLC isn’t just about driving change—it’s about building real connections and genuine relationships that strengthen our community. As a council we have a remarkably diverse group of women from various backgrounds, cultures, professions, and personalities and yet there is a common thread that connects us all. When women come together, share experiences, and lift each other up, that’s when transformation truly begins—for individuals, businesses, and for Abbotsford as a whole.”
Associated Links:
More about the Women’s Leadership Council: Women's Leadership Council - Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
WLC Event on November 24th: ConnectHER | Register Here
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About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce represents the needs of Abbotsford’s businesses and empowers economic development across the Fraser Valley region. For over 110 years, the Abbotsford Chamber has been the voice of business, working on behalf of nearly 800 members, investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and young professionals, breaking down barriers to business development and trade, advocating for investments and policies to help businesses succeed, and building community and connections.
The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
Abbotsford Chamber Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
PR & Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce