We are growing a community of like-minded professionals
You Are Welcome Here
Our Association supports all women who are working to achieve economic success.
We believe in inclusivity. If you hold our values to be true, and are dedicated to being a champion for gender equality, and unbiased business practices, then you are welcome here.
We are growing a community of like-minded individuals. We understand that connection is imperative for businesses to succeed, but not everyone thrives in those big traditional networking events. We are going to create opportunities for our members to thrive and to grow, with a variety of adventures.
Join us and come along for the ride.
our story
It is remarkable what can happen when a few determined individuals set their sights on a goal
Founded by Jennifer Hillmer and Tara de Munnik in 2022, and inspired by the results of the Women in Business Committee of the Fort Saskatchewan and District Chamber of Commerce, the idea was pitched that Strathcona County needed its own Women in Business Association.
In the fall of 2022, we were able to secure grant money in order to launch our first events. The outpouring of support was incredible. We’ve enjoyed great attendance at each event, and we have witnessed a sincere desire for members to connect. Friendships have been formed. Businesses have grown. Our success is a testament to how much we needed one another.
our logo
The Simple Butterfly
She is the spiritual symbol of the divine feminine; she teaches grace & tenderness and the awareness and energy of another way of being; feminine energy; symbol of transformation; catalyst for change and breakthrough.
The Colours represent women’s empowerment, and kindness. The magenta is positive and inspires hope, it is nurturing and comforting. This is a more mature magenta, not unrealistically optimistic. It is a color of harmony and emotional balance which promotes compassion, kindness and cooperation. The color is of cheerfulness, happiness, contentment and appreciation. Blending with a neutral gray, representing a softness, neutrality and balance.
The Fonts represent feminine softness, blended with a professional and clear communication style. WIBA as the hero, because we are a Women in Business Association first; located in Strathcona County as a secondary priority.
boards and committees
Our Board of Directors
We don’t actually have a fancy board room table like the one shown above – we’re actually all volunteers, operating without an office. Our Board is made up of seven volunteer directors. We are an operational board, which means that everything that is happening within the Association is done by one of our board members or committee members. Terms are two years; with the executive made up of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The executive is selected by the Board of Directors once the Board is elected.
It was decided early in the formation of this organization that Board members must be a resident of Strathcona County or have a business here. While we aim to be an inclusive Association, we still need to recognize there are specific challenges to women living and working in this community and we need a Board that is sensitive to those specific issues, and a Board that is well-connected within the region.
Non-residents are still welcome to join us and explore tiers of membership that makes sense for them. If you aren't sure, we welcome any questions. EMAIL US HERE
Interested in becoming a board member?
There are many reasons you might want to get involved on the Board of Directors. It's a unique opportunity to give back to your community; learn new skills from your colleagues; be a key contributor to the direction of this Association; and build your credibility and reputation.
APPLICATIONS COMING SOON
2025-2026 Board of directors
President - Jessilyn Persson
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Life by Design Podcaster; Professional Speaker; Author; Coach
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Operations Manager, The Maker's Keep
Treasurer - Tarra Melnichuk
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Secretary - Nicole Van Kuppeveld
Group Product Manager, Business Transformation, Canadian Banking, Scotiabank
Secretary - Nicole Van Kuppeveld
Vice President - Michelle Schmaltz
Secretary - Nicole Van Kuppeveld
Partner, Organizations by Design Inc.
Director - Sandra Nigro
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Director - Alana Braaten
Independent; Retired Executive Director (Non-Profit Associations)
Director - Alana Braaten
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Director - Alana Braaten
Co-Owner, Hawke Prohibition Distilleries
Director - Sina Zere
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Owner, Buff Wax Spot
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Director - Joanna Pagonis
Director - Joanna Pagonis
CEO, Sinogap Solutions
Director - TracyAnn Schuur
Partner, Interior Designer, Project Manager - The Design Studio, MTS Renovations
Past-President (Non-voting role) - Jennifer Hillmer
Owner, Hillmer Design and Creative; and Explore Strathcona County
Communications Advisor (Non-voting role) - Alana Seymour
Communications Advisor (Non-voting role) - Alana Seymour
Economic Development Officer Strathcona County; Owner Creative Canvas Paint Parties
newsworthy
We will endeavour to share all of our good news stories here
· Local Women in Business Association Launching – Sherwood Park News, February 23, 2023
· Women in Business Association Raises 150 Pounds of Feminine Hygiene Products – Strathcona Food Bank, March 2023