On Thursday, April 16, the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade hosted the 17th Annual Surrey & White Rock Women in Business Awards luncheon, presented by National Bank. This event recognizes the hard work of Surrey and White Rock’s businesswomen and their contributions to the community.
Master of Ceremonies Lien Yeung of CBC Vancouver led the afternoon’s program. Over 400 guests enjoyed keynote speaker Manjit Minhas, sponsored by DP World Canada. She fascinated the crowd as she shared the story of her journey as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry and her advice for those on their own journey in leadership.
“We are inspired by the incredible accomplishments of women and those who identify as women who continue to lead, innovate, and strengthen our business community in Surrey and White Rock,” said Joslyn Young, CEO of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. “Their leadership and entrepreneurial spirit are essential to the growth and vibrancy of our region. Through initiatives like the Surrey & White Rock Women in Business Awards, we are proud to celebrate their achievements while reinforcing our commitment to elevating and supporting women at every stage of their business journey. These leaders are not only shaping industries, but they are also paving the way for future generations.”
The energy and excitement were contagious throughout the audience as the following winners were announced in seven categories:
Entrepreneur – Small Business Category: Raman Dhaliwal, WR Mattress Gallery
Raman Dhaliwal is the President and Owner of WR Mattress Gallery, a community-focused retailer specializing in high-quality, locally made sleep solutions. With 13 years of expertise, Raman has distinguished herself as a visionary leader who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry through resilience and knowledge of innovative products. Her philanthropy has consistently championed local collaboration and community growth, earning her prestigious honours such as the BBB Torch Award and the Business Leader Under 40 Award. This dedication reflects her belief that true success is measured by the positive difference made in people’s lives.
Entrepreneur – Large Business Category: Maxime Spakowski, Ferro Building Systems Inc.
Maxime Spakowski is the President and CEO of Ferro Building Systems Ltd., a construction company she co-owns. Since joining in 2008, she has spent 18 years evolving the business from a small family operation into a thriving firm with $12 million in annual revenue. As a strategic leader, Maxime excels in a male-dominated industry by championing two-way communication and empowering her team. Beyond internal operations, she is a dedicated advocate for the provincial construction sector, having played a key role in lobbying for the Construction Prompt Payment Act. Through her leadership and community involvement, Maxime serves as a powerful role model, proving that women can lead successfully while maintaining their core values.
Professional Category: Paula Bude, Love This Therapy
Paula Bude is the Founder and Clinic Director of Love This Therapy, a comprehensive counselling and psychology hub providing wrap-around family support. With over 13 years of expertise as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, she successfully transitioned from clinical practice to business leadership, establishing a trusted centre that delivered over 21,750 sessions in its inaugural year. Paula’s milestone achievements include pioneering integrated including integrated Autism and ADHD programs, neurodivergent-affirming care and innovating through walk-and-talk therapy to increase accessibility. Beyond her business growth, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership through large-scale community mental health initiatives and by providing pro bono services to ensure equitable care for those in crisis.
Not-for-Profit Leader Category: Meghan Neufeld, BabyGoRound
Meghan Neufeld is a transformative leader with over 15 years of experience in social-profit management. In just three years as Executive Director of BabyGoRound, a local non-profit providing essential baby gear to vulnerable families, she expanded the operating budget, doubled program reach, secured multi-year grants and grew the organization by opening a location in Surrey. Her leadership integrates systemic policy advocacy with dignity-based service. She created BabyGoRound’s social innovation lab, which uses real-time program data to identify systemic issues and forecast community needs. Under her leadership, she has introduced an inventory management system to track their $1.63 million in gear donations and expanded maternal mental health support through the Postpartum Pathways initiative. Meghan’s ability to combine bold innovation with deep community connection defines her impactful leadership in the sector. Her approach models confident leadership without ego: she collaborates widely, amplifies lived experience, invests in her team, and creates environments where people feel valued and included.
Corporate Leader Category: Hermina Khara, Odgers
Hermina Khara, a seasoned executive with 20+ years of experience, brings transformative leadership to Odgers as a Partner. Odgers, a leading global executive search and leadership advisory firm, empowers organizations by identifying and placing exceptional leaders. Hermina leverages her deep expertise in executive search to place top-tier talent across diverse sectors. She actively challenges traditional hiring biases and promotes broader, more inclusive perspectives on leadership. By advocating for increased female representation in senior roles, she helps organizations rethink legacy assumptions and build leadership teams that better reflect today’s workforce and communities. Her impact is evident through the number of professionals and leaders she has supported and elevated. At Odgers, she combines global insights with local knowledge, driving organizational performance.Her collaborative approach and strategic vision are instrumental in strengthening client relationships and expanding Odgers’ influence in the region.
Emerging Leader Category: Nicole Heidari, SWR Drain Service Ltd.
Nicole Heidari serves as the Business Manager at SWR Drain Service Ltd., a leader in drainage, high-pressure flushing, and vacuum truck services. With 16 years of expertise, she played a key role in modernizing operations by assisting with the adoption of “cured-in-place piping” (CIPP), a sustainable alternative to traditional excavation. Nicole further supported the company’s evolution by helping implement a practical recycling system and the Synergy leadership program. Committed to community growth, she helped pioneer a youth mentorship partnership with local high schools and assists newcomers in navigating the Canadian trades. Her collaborative approach to technical innovation and team development has established her as a transformative leader driving both industry progress and meaningful community impact.
Social Trailblazer Category: Andie van der Eerden, Running on Faith Project
Andie van der Eerden is the Founder and Executive Director of the Running on Faith Project, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals in recovery centres and temporary housing. With over 10 years of lived experience, she leads walking and learn-to-run clubs that foster strength and self-esteem. Her innovative, movement-based approach earned her the 2024 Canada’s Volunteer of the Year Award in the Social Innovator category. Andie’s vision aims to shift cultural and systemic approaches to recovery, community reintegration, and social innovation. She has secured critical resources like running shoes and rain gear and brought visibility to the cause through high-profile collaborations and media coverage. Locally and nationally, she contributes to equity and social impact through MOSAIC’s National Collaboration Group, driving sustainable, community-based change.
Presenting Sponsor: National Bank
Speaker Sponsor: DP World Canada
Supporting Sponsor: Prospera Credit Union
Ice Sculpture Sponsor: Central City
Award Sponsors: Doane Grant Thornton, Fasken, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langara College, Manning Elliott, MNP, and Richards Buell Sutton LLP
Community Sponsors: Scotiabank Women Initiative and the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel
Media Sponsors: CBC Vancouver and the Surrey-NOW Leader
Nominations were submitted in seven categories and judged on the nominee’s work in Surrey and/or White Rock, proven business acumen, leadership, and community involvement and service.
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Aman Parmar
604.634.0345 | aman@swrbot.com
