A20 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026
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Women in Business
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY | MARCH 8
North Shore women set to share secrets of business success ABBY LUCIANO
aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An upcoming panel is championing the voices of North Shore women who are leaders and role models in the business community.
The North Vancouver Chamber is hosting its Women in Business panel on March 31, with four local business leaders set to share the challenges they’ve overcome, celebrate their wins and talk about their strategies for success. Kari Kylo, founder and managing director of SOMA Public Relations, said she felt honoured to be asked to be a panelist at this year’s event. “Being able to sit on a panel in front of a group of North Vancouver business leaders and other women panelists and talk about the great work that we’re doing, our clients and highlight
Kari Kylo, founder and managing director of SOMA Public Relations, will be one of the featured speakers at a Women in Business panel hosted by the North Vancouver Chamber on March 31. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN my team, it made me feel really proud,” said Kylo. SOMA Public Relations works with clients that are in health and wellness, environmental and clean technology fields, she said.
Kylo launched her own PR business in 2007, after working for an ad agency and as a marketing manager for a Vancouver car dealership. Kylo said she and her team often break down difficult
Jill de Chavez is the CEO and Owner of Briteweb, a certified BCorp creative agency that builds websites and brands for nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations. With over 15 years of experience, Jill leads with transparency, curiosity, and a deep commitment to a people-first culture. Since becoming owner, she has guided Briteweb’s growth while championing accessibility, equity, and values-driven leadership in every partnership. Jill lives in North Vancouver with her family and loves doing work that positively impacts her community.
Jill de Chavez CEO and Owner
604-620-6174 agency@briteweb.com www.briteweb.com
concepts of the work her clients do into an easy way for the public, media, stakeholders and other partners to understand. “Being in public relations and a storyteller, I wanted to wake up every day and I wanted to feel that the stories I’m telling are ones having a positive impact on humanity and how can I truly … help to make the world a better place,” Kylo said. During the panel, Kylo plans to speak about a more provincial scope of business in B.C. and the current geopolitical climate. “I think there’s a lot of uncertainty, but there’s also so much opportunity,” she said. “[There are] opportunities to run a business that is both profitable and purpose-driven, and I think that’s where true success lies and where most business owners and staff get the most enjoyment out of their work.” Other panel members for the
upcoming event include Mariana Freitas, co-owner of boutique wellness and fitness space Life Studio in North Vancouver; Emily Kerr, vice president of business banking at Bank of Montreal; and Maryam Nani, manager of the North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership at Impact North Shore. Kim Stegeman-Lowe, president of SSA Marine’s Canadian Region, will be the keynote speaker.
Highlighting leaders creates role models, CEO says North Vancouver Chamber CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith said panels like this aren’t about checking off a box, but recognizing leadership that’s already shaping the local economy and making sure those stories are visible. “Representation really Continued on A21
Hanne Sorensen recently took the helm of Women With Wings, a company that has been connecting adventurous women through small-group tours around the world for twenty years. A tourism management graduate of Capilano University, Hanne discovered her passion for travel while working as a receptionist, followed by an agent assistant and now independent travel agent and owner of Women With Wings. She delights in planning meaningful journeys that bring like-minded women together, fostering lifelong memories, friendships, and unforgettable shared experiences.
Hanne Sorensen
Travel Consultant and Owner of Women With Wings 604-782-1853 hanne@travelg.com