Cyndi Gerlach: Secretary, Mainland/Fraser Valley
Cyndi, thank you for your steadfast support of Inclusion BC and for the passion, generosity, and leadership you have brought to our movement for inclusion and rights-based change.
Throughout her time with Inclusion BC, Cyndi demonstrated an unwavering commitment not only to advancing systems change but also to ensuring that families are recognized, respected, and meaningfully included as essential partners in building inclusive communities. She understood deeply that families are often at the heart of advocacy, belonging, and lifelong support, and she worked tirelessly to elevate family perspectives within our organization and across the broader community.
Cyndi launched and chaired Inclusion BC’s Family Advisory Committee, leaving a lasting legacy of stronger family leadership and engagement within our governance structure. Through this work, she helped create space for families to connect, contribute, and shape the future of Inclusion BC in meaningful and lasting ways. Her leadership strengthened our collective understanding that lasting inclusion is only possible when families are supported, heard, and empowered alongside their loved ones.
Cyndi also brought something equally powerful to the board table: her authentic self and an open heart. Through her kindness, compassion, and quiet encouragement, she made people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. She led with both conviction and care, reminding us that meaningful change is built through relationships, trust, and community. We are deeply grateful for her many contributions and wish her all the very best in the future.
Heather Garfield: Director, Northern Region
Sincere gratitude to outgoing Inclusion BC Board Member Heather Garfield for her thoughtful leadership, dedication, and commitment to families and young people across British Columbia.
Heather brought a deeply family-centred perspective to our work, helping ensure that the experiences and perspectives of families remained at the heart of our advocacy and community-building efforts. She also brought important insight into the realities faced by young families living in Northern communities, strengthening our understanding and helping Inclusion BC remain connected to diverse experiences across the province.
Heather consistently demonstrated care, compassion, and integrity. Her commitment to empowering young people with disabilities to become community leaders has inspired and supported the next generation of advocates and changemakers.
We are incredibly grateful for Heather’s contributions to Inclusion BC, and we extend a special thank you to her family for sharing her time, energy, and leadership with our organization. We wish Heather all the very best in the future and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work in communities across BC.
Kate Gibbs: Director, Interior Region
We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Kate Gibbs for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and accessibility and for serving as our Vice President and Chairperson of our Accessibility Committee.
Kate brought a genuine curiosity for learning to every conversation and initiative, always seeking new ways to strengthen our work. Her willingness to step in, try new things, and support emerging ideas made her an invaluable part of our board.
Passionate about inclusive schools and creating meaningful opportunities for all students, Kate consistently advocated for positive change in her own community. Her commitment to building more welcoming and accessible spaces reflected both her values and her deep belief in the importance of inclusion for everyone.
From participating in our Gender Matters campaign to championing accessibility planning, Kate consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to creating more inclusive communities for everyone. She also helped keep us accountable to our values and goals, encouraging meaningful action and reflection along the way.
We are deeply grateful for Kate’s contributions, energy, and advocacy, and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her journey. Thank you, Kate, for the lasting impact you’ve made at Inclusion BC and beyond.
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