Honoured as Female Business Leader of the Year

Female Business Leader of the Year Award

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit in a room full of inspiring women who are reshaping what business looks like here in New Westminster, BC. We gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day through a luncheon hosted by the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce. While the day itself has passed, the conversations, energy, and sense of connection have stayed with me.

Events like this serve as an important reminder: while we should be recognizing and supporting women year-round, having a dedicated moment to pause and reflect brings a different kind of clarity to the progress being made and the work still ahead.

I was deeply honoured to be named Female Business Leader of the Year. It’s a recognition that feels both monumental and humbling. More than anything, it reinforced something I’ve come to believe strongly: leadership is never a solo pursuit.

Paige Strand with Laura Jones and City of New Westminster’s Donnie Rosa

One of the most impactful moments of the event came from Laura Jones, who shared that women are a driving force behind economic activity in our local communities. Looking around the room, that statement felt undeniable. The women nominated alongside me—and so many others in attendance—are innovators, leaders, and changemakers actively shaping a stronger, more inclusive business landscape.

What many people in the room didn’t know is that Laura also played a meaningful role in my own career journey. A conversation I had with her years ago ultimately led me to start my business and step into a role as a connector within the community. It was a full-circle moment that I won’t forget and it was so satisfying to tell this story on the podium to the audience that day!

Despite the narratives that often position women in competition with one another, spaces like this tell a different story. Real impact happens when we collaborate, share knowledge, mentor others, and celebrate each other’s milestones. It’s built through conversations, collective courage, and a shared willingness to show up for one another. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this community—and even more motivated to continue contributing to it.

One of my favourite parts of the day was connecting with others in the room, especially at the nominees’ table. I had the chance to speak with Parineeta and Harsheen, two nominees for Young Female Leader in the Community from Yorkville University. Their ideas, post-grad perspectives, and optimism for the future were genuinely energizing.

I’m always looking to collaborate with people and organizations who care about building stronger, more connected communities. If that’s you, let’s connect. - Paige

Paige with Harsheen and Parineeta of Yorkville University