Our Board of directors

Shannon's career achievements exemplify a deep commitment to driving positive change and business results. She is passionate about ensuring access to shelter and basic needs for all individuals. She believes that effective marketing and communications are pivotal in creating awareness, rallying support, and driving action to address this critical issue.

As Volunteer Board Director at the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre in Vancouver, Shannon is poised to leverage her expertise to advance the center's mission and vision. With her proven history of collaborative storytelling and fundraising, she is dedicated to empowering marginalized women and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can find shelter, support, and the resources they need to thrive with dignity and compassion.

Laura is a long-time Vancouver resident and settler on unceded Coast Salish territory. She is a parent, partner, cyclist, yoga practitioner, and amateur gardener who draws inspiration and sustenance from relationships with people and the natural world. Laura works as human rights lawyer at the Community Legal Assistance Society, where she assists clients fighting for accountability for violations of their human rights, and educates employers, landlords, and service providers about their legal obligations under human rights law. She shares DEWC's mission to provide a safe and inclusive space where every woman's strengths and experiences are valued and respected.

Alejandra is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of experience. She joined DEWC board in 2025, driven by a commitment to women's equity and community empowerment. Alejandra is passionate about using her financial expertise to support the mission and help create lasting, positive change for women in the Downtown Eastside.

Samantha is the appointed volunteer representative. She was born in North Vancouver and grew up between the lower mainland B.C Canada and northern N.S.W Australia. Samantha enjoys music, art, photography, and
helping others. Now she enjoys her time volunteering at the Front Desk 412 Shelter and her position as the Volunteer Representative on the Board.

Andrea has been on the Board of Directors since 2017. Andrea is the Policy Director at the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and serves on the Board for Prisoner’s Legal Services. She has been involved in social justice, advocacy and harm reduction work for more than 20 years and is passionate about advocacy for financial sustainability of DEWC.

Sylvia has worked in and around Vancouver’s DTES for 19 years as an advocate, counsellor, woman’s support and peer worker. She wishes to give back to DEWC and to contribute to the community with her personal and work experience.

Has been an anesthesiologist for 30 years, specializing in Obstetric Anesthesiology at BC Women's Hospital for the last half of her career. She taught locally and internationally as a clinical UBC faculty member. Naomi hopes to channel her passion for women's health and health equity into her role as a Board member.

Lorelei is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and a dedicated voice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Lorelei is a member of the Skatin Nations on her mother’s side and Sts’ailes on her father’s side. She is the founder of Butterflies in Spirit, a dance group that raises awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls through powerful performances.

Caitlin is a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian and a lawyer with Lawson Lundell LLP. As a litigator, part of Caitlin's practice involves acting in cases involving intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and protections for women and families engaged with the justice system. She would love the opportunity to support DEWC in advancing its mission of supporting and empowering women living in the Downtown Eastside.

Has been a coming to DEWC for many years and was previously on the Board. Mary wants to be on the board to help make a difference for women of the community to have a safe place to come and enjoy. Mary has also been a volunteer working at the front desk.

Marlene is a DEWC volunteer. She has been very active advocating around issues for women including with the MMIWG Inquiry. has been very active advocating around issues for women including with the MMIWG Inquiry. Marlene has been part of the board since 2021, and has also contributed to Red Women Rising.