Board of Directors
Being a Board Member for the Association of Women in Finance is a rewarding opportunity for any woman in finance wishing to obtain Board experience. The Association's Board positions are dynamic in nature and require the ability to work on several projects simultaneously, including assisting other Board members when called upon. These positions require energy and a positive attitude, as well as a time commitment. And what do volunteer Board members get in return? Involvement in a high caliber organization, an opportunity to develop professionally by taking on projects outside one's normal scope of work, lifelong friendships and valuable business networks. This is also a chance to give back to your community!
If you would like further information about the AWF, please contact us by email. Please include your name, telephone number and e-mail address to enable us to connect with you.
The AWF's Board of Directors is currently comprised of seventeen volunteer directors. They are:
Sheena Cebrero, Vice President - Associate Group Lead, Scotiabank Commercial Banking
President
Sheena is an Associate Group Lead for the Metro-Vancouver Commercial Banking team at Scotiabank where she leads a team of Credit Analysts and Customer Service Specialists supporting a portfolio of business clients in the mid-market segment. Prior to this role, Sheena worked in Scotiabank’s National Accounts Team where she was recognized as a Scotiabank Best of Best Top Individual Performance Award Recipient in 2021 and a winner of the Global Banking & Markets Partner Award in 2022.
Sheena holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from York University/Schulich School of Business (with Distinction) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia/Sauder School of Business (With Honours).
Sheena previously served as Vice President (2023-2024), PEAK Chair, PEAK Vice-Chair, and PEAK Marketing Director on the AWF Board of Directors.
Haleh (Holly) Alexander, MBA, FEA, PFP, Regional Vice President, National Bank of Canada
Vice President
Haleh (Holly) Alexander brings more than 30 years financial services experience to her role as Regional Vice President, Private Banking 1859 at National Bank of Canada. Haleh proudly leads a team of Senior Private Bankers & Senior Private Wealth Advisors to provide discrete financial counsel to high net worth clients through British Columbia. Haleh’s professional, yet approachable demeanor serves her well in her relationships. Haleh and her team work with a multi-disciplinary team of experts to deliver high net worth credit strategies, investments, domestic and international trust products, succession planning and a full range of services for business owners including family enterprise planning.
Haleh holds a Master of Business Administration, Family Enterprise Advisor & Personal Financial Planner Designations.
Fluent in Farsi, Haleh has volunteered endless hours in organizations like West Vancouver Football Club, West Vancouver Police Board, West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce amongst several others. Haleh and her husband live on the North Shore and have two sons and a daughter and are very active in the community
Haleh previously held the position of Director, Scholarships & Bursaries (2023-2024)
Clare Gaster, Partner, Audit, KPMG Private Enterprise
Treasurer
Clare is a partner with KPMG in the Vancouver Private Enterprise group. Clare is the audit partner for a portfolio of audit clients, delivering assurance services and supporting management and owners by providing accounting and assurance insights to help make their businesses even better. Reflective of Vancouver’s diverse range of small, mid-market and large private companies, Clare works across a range of industries including service and hospitality, retail, distribution, manufacturing, utilities, and technology.
Clare joined KPMG in 2000 and transferred from the UK to Canada in 2017. Clare is a CPA and FCA (ICAEW), holds a First-Class Honors degree in Accounting and Financial Management and works under ASPE and IFRS frameworks.
Outside of work, Clare enjoys spending her time with family, friends and dog getting out and about in BC – skiing, hiking, and exploring the area.
Clare has held this position on the AWF Board since 2018.
Sam Varing, Legal Counsel, First West Credit Union
Governance/Secretary
Sam Varing is Legal Counsel for First West Credit Union. In her role, she provides legal advice and guidance to various business units within First West, drafts and negotiates commercial contracts and agreements, and helps to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and obligations.
Sam is passionate about creating opportunities for others to grow and prosper within the Fraser Valley and beyond. She currently serves on the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce board of directors; she is the founding Chair of Abbotsford’s Company of Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (CYPE) program, and she sits on the Development Committee of Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC).
Prior to joining the AWF board, Sam was a member of AWF’s 2022-2023 Fraser Valley Events Committee.
Nesrine Jabbour, Principal, Pretium Wealth
Golf for Good
Nesrine Jabbour is a seasoned financial professional and the Principal at Pretium Wealth, where she specializes in wealth management and financial planning. With a passion for empowering individuals and families to achieve their financial goals, Nesrine has built a reputation for her personalized approach and strategic insights.
Nesrine earned a degree in Business Management & Certified Financial Planner Designation. Following her academic achievements, she began her career in the financial sector, quickly gaining valuable experience in investment analysis, risk management, and client relations. Her commitment to ongoing education and professional development has enabled her to stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes, ensuring her clients receive the most informed advice.
At Pretium Wealth, Nesrine leads a dedicated team focused on delivering tailored financial solutions. She is particularly known for her expertise in creating comprehensive wealth strategies that encompass investment management, retirement planning, and estate planning. Her holistic approach takes into consideration the unique needs and aspirations of each client, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.
Nesrine is an active member of the financial community, participating in various professional organizations and contributing to industry discussions on best practices. She is also passionate about financial literacy and often conducts workshops to educate clients and the community about effective wealth management strategies.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nesrine enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new cuisines, running and advocating for causes that promote financial education and empowerment.
With her dedication to excellence and her clients' best interests at heart, Nesrine Jabbour continues to make a significant impact in the field of wealth management.
This is Nesrine's first year on the AWF board.
Naomi Buell, Partnerships Manager for Growth Partnerships, Vancity Credit Union
Strategy and Communication
Naomi is the Marketing Manager for Growth Partnerships at Vancity Credit Union. She builds long term, strategic, values-aligned partnerships that support member growth. She is known for her blue-sky thinking and innovative solutions. Naomi has a background in content and media through her time at various agencies across Canada and Australia. Her clients have included Greater Bank (Australia), PC Financial, Uber, Reebok, Adidas, Uber Eats, Hotels.com and more.
Naomi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria where she ran a profitable venture in her final semester while volunteering with Hillel and the Commerce Grad committee. She practices mindful marketing meaning that she supports organizations that aim to make the world a better place. Her name means kindness and she embodies this through her empathetic and supportive leadership style that is driven by her expertise and logic. Outside of work Naomi is an avid traveler, loves to cook, write, host events and above all bring more laughter to the world.
While Naomi has volunteered for many organizations, this is her first time on a board and her second year on the AWF Board. She is excited to work with such an amazing group of women.
Olivia Hornby, Managing Partner, Spring Impact Capital
Scholarships & Bursaries
Olivia is a Managing Partner and founding partner at Spring Impact Capital, a venture fund that focuses on climate and health innovations, with an emphasis on diverse and underserved communities. She has more than 15 years experience in finance and was formerly a VP at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Throughout her career she has worked in wealth management, hedge funds and asset management at RBC, Vancity, amongst others.
She has a keen interest in supporting women entrepreneurs and investors. Olivia previously held the position of Director, PEAK Nominations (2022-2024).
Supriya Devgan, AVP Business Development, Canadian Western Bank
Alumni and Strategic Engagements
Supriya is a strategic business leader; corporate finance professional who has had progressively senior roles in corporate banking. Well versed in lending and business development, she has worked extensively in Canada, U.S. and Asia. An entrepreneur in a previous life, she founded and successfully exit an import and distribution business.
Supporting women in their career trajectory, particularly, in finance is what attracted her to volunteer for the current board position at AWF. Success of the Inaugural Speed Mentoring Event in 2023 was a personally gratifying moment. She looks forward to furthering the mandate of AWF in B.C.
Supriya holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Queen’s University and a Master’s in Microbiology from Panjab University.
Deborah Macdonald, President, Innovative Business Consulting Ltd.
Sponsorship
Deborah is the President of Innovative Business Consulting, Ltd. specializing in corporate reporting, financial planning and analysis, and internal controls. She is a CPA, CGA and has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree and Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) degree in Political Science from University of Saskatchewan. She began her professional career by auditing at Price Waterhouse in Vancouver. She has been a Global Controller and held other senior finance roles responsible for regulatory reporting, business valuations, tax, and treasury at Accenture, BC Hydro, ICBC, WorleyParsons, and TeckCominco before starting her own successful business consulting company. She has also led major transformation initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, ERP system conversions, and starting up new shared services organization overseas to create synergies.
Deborah is passionate about giving back to her community and she has volunteered and/or been a member of Dress for Success, CPABC’s Mentor program, Women’s Executive Network, and Westcoast Legal Education Fund. She is an avid golf player with Chix with Stix at UBC, enjoys swimming and traveling as well as the fine arts. She recently obtained an interior decorating certificate for fun.
This is her second year on the AWF Board.
Tannie Lam, CPA, CA, CBV, MPAcc, Senior Associate, Sequeira Partner
Sponsorship
Tannie is a Senior Associate at Sequeira Partners, where she advises business owners and entrepreneurs on corporate finance and M&A activities. With over 10 years of experience in accounting and finance across various industries, she has established herself as a trusted expert in her field. Before joining Sequeira Partners, Tannie was involved in corporate development at Bison Transport, successfully closing multiple buy-side transactions. Her professional journey began at PwC in Winnipeg. Tannie has built her reputation on leading client service, with experience across multiple industries and business models. She holds a CPA, CA designation, a CBV designation, and a Master's degree in Professional Accounting.
Tannie is also passionate about mentoring and teaching the next generation of finance professionals. She has served as a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba, sharing her knowledge and expertise with students. Committed to community involvement, Tannie is currently the Co-Chair of the 3-2-1 Youth Committee in the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver, a committee member of the ACG British Columbia Middle Market Growth Conference, and a dedicated volunteer for the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. When Tannie has time away from work, she enjoys travelling to new destinations around the world and seeking new culinary experiences.
This is Tannie's second year on the AWF Board.
Li Yuan Ma, Regional Manager Commercial Banking Advisors, British Columbia Region, RBC Royal Bank
PEAK Chair
Li Yuan Ma is the Regional Manager Commercial Banking Advisors at RBC. Li Yuan leads a team of Manager of Commercial Banking Advisors and Commercial Banking Advisor to support commercial clients through British Columbia. Prior to this role, Li Yuan has held progressively complex roles in both Personal Financial Services and Business Financial Services. While she has developed experience in a wide range of industry sectors, she is particularly proud of her extensive expertise with newcomers to Canada and her experience in educating the community on diversity, inclusion and engagement.
Committed to her community, in 2017, Li Yuan was awarded “Canada’s Volunteer Award” in the Community Leader category from the Government of Canada. The same year, she was nominated as one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants. Li Yuan was also awarded the Royal Performance Convention, Global Citizen Award, Diversity Award, Community Leader Award, the Atlantic Performance Excellence Award.
Li Yuan holds a MBA and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Prince Edward Island, McGill University and Concordia University.
Li Yuan previously held the position of PEAK Vice-Chair (2023-2024).
Ava Mirfendereski, Regional Manager, Premium Banking, National Bank of Canada
PEAK Vice-Chair
Ava brings over 20 years of diverse experience in client relations, operations, and project management across industries like retail, banking, financial services, fintech, and cryptocurrency. Currently serving as the regional manager for the premium banking team at National Bank of Canada, she leads a team of bankers from Victoria to Winnipeg, focusing on delivering exceptional service to National Bank Financial clients.
Ava has successfully managed projects with various stakeholders, including executives, technology teams, and clients. She holds a master’s degree in International Development Studies from the London School of Economics, further enhancing her expertise in navigating complex environments.
This is Ava's first year on the AWF Board.
Anna Plut, Business Advisor, BlueShore Financial
PEAK Nominations
Anna Plut is a Business Advisor with BlueShore Financial. With over 15 years of banking experience from HSBC, Scotiabank, and BlueShore Financial, Anna has assisted business owners with commercial real estate purchases and offers advice from growing a business to succession planning. She has contributed to magazines, online articles and a book. Her work has been published in Pursuit 365: Business Edition, Canadian Business, Business in Vancouver, Marketing Canada, Wealth Professional and BlueShore Financial ‘s Business Perspective.
She actively shares her knowledge with the community, volunteering at the Burnaby Board of Trade - Government Relations Committee as a Financial Industry representative as well as a Treasure for a local school committee.
This is Anna’s first year on the board and first year with the AWF Board.
Celeste Evancio, Associate General Counsel, Regulatory and Privacy, Richardson Wealth Limited
PEAK Marketing
Celeste Evancio is Associate General Counsel at Richardson Wealth. In her role, Celeste provides legal advice and guidance on regulatory, legislative and privacy related matters. She has more than 15 years of experience specializing in securities laws and regulations, legislative compliance and serving as a dedicated legal resource for financial intuitions and investment management firms. Celeste was formerly senior legal counsel at HSBC Canada.
Celeste is a strong supporter of advancing the careers of women. She was previously on the Board of YWCA Edmonton and Dress for Success Calgary. She is passionate about helping other women succeed in the financial industry and providing them with opportunities for advancement, growth and engagement.
Celeste holds a Juris Doctors Degree, Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from the University of Calgary. She has been called to the Bar in Alberta and British Columbia.
This is Celeste’s first year on the AWF Board.
Katie Yu, Regional Vice-President, Business Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank
Events Director, Major Events
As Regional Vice -President, Business Financial Services, Katie leads a team of over 300 employees and partners dedicated to providing financial advice and services to small businesses and commercial clients. In this role, Katie co -leads the Business Financial Services team in British Columbia by enhancing employee engagement, cultivating exceptional client experiences, and enabling One RBC partnerships. Katie works closely with leadership, relationship management, finance, credit risk and support teams to elevate performance, deliver key priorities and achieve premium market growth. Katie has over 15 years of experience working in the banking industry, having primarily worked in both personal and commercial banking. Katie has over 15 years of experience working in the banking industry, having primarily worked in both personal and commercial banking. She joined RBC in 2016 and has held progressively, senior leadership roles.
Katie is passionate about community service; she firmly believes community work is an essential and rewarding aspect in a person’s life. Throughout the years, she has volunteered and worked closely with organizations such as Association of Women in Finance (AWF), SheEO, Women of Influence, UBC Sauder School of Business Career Centre and BC Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Currently, she serves as the Treasurer & Board Director on the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce as well as serving as the Board Director, Major Events for AWF. Also, in 2021 / 2022 she served as the Board Director for the Risk Management Association for the Fraser Valley chapter. An enthusiast member of the business community, Katie prides herself as a champion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sustainable Business Practices and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG).
This is Katie's second year on the AWF Board of Directors.
Tracy Theemes, Financial Advisor, Sophia Financial Group, Raymond James Ltd.
Events Director, Fireside Chats
Tracy Theemes is a financial advisor and co-founder of Sophia Financial Group, an investment advisory firm that works with high net worth clients while devoting a day each week to pro bono clients who do not have access to needed financial advice and support.
Tracy holds an M.A. in Counselling Psychology and did her Doctoral work in child psychology at UBC. She is a Certified Financial Planner, insurance licensed and a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute. She received the UBC Education Alumni 100 award for her community leadership in promoting financial literacy and has been nominated for the YWCA Woman of Distinction award in Business and the Professions and the BIV Influential Women in Business award.
Tracy was awarded the International Alliance of Women Global 100 Award for her work in empowering women through education. Her book “The Financially Empowered Woman” won the Bronze prize for the Living Now awards for finance and economics and the Axiom Gold medal in the category of personal finance.
This is Tracy's first year on the AWF Board.
Ashneet Sohal, Senior Manager, Product Development, Vancity Credit Union
Events Director, Fraser Valley
Ashneet is a Senior Manager of Retail Banking Product Management at Vancity, Canada’s largest credit union. In this role, she manages the lending product portfolio which includes product life cycle management through product strategy, product development and P&L management. She is passionate about building exceptional products and services that drive customer value and have a meaningful impact on the business.
Ashneet brings over 10 years of experience in the financial services sector. This has included various roles such as Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Program Manager and most recently as a Senior Manager of Product Development.
Ashneet is the winner of 2024 National Young Leaders Award. This prestigious award by the Canadian Credit Union Association recognizes the best and brightest young leaders in Canada’s credit union system. Ashneet is currently serving a three-year term on the National Young Leaders Committee, helping drive the committee’s mission to strengthen the Canadian credit union system through the development and engagement of up-and-coming young leaders.
Ashneet holds a Bachelor of Science Degree, a CFP designation as well as many Product Management certifications. Outside of work, Ashneet likes to travel, explore new restaurants, and shares a passionate interest in cinema with her husband.
This is Ashneet's first year on the AWF Board.