VRCA Team
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s team consists of a dynamic group of professionals. Our team’s goal is to provide valuable services to help and support our members and the construction community in any way we can and represent VRCA through embodying our Mission, Vision and Values.
Donna Grant
President
As President of VRCA, Donna provides leadership in advocating for the needs of the construction industry in the Lower Mainland. She’s passionate and eager to provide meaningful support to VRCA members and vows to champion the issues and initiatives that matter most to them in the years ahead. Naturally, Donna can’t resist the opportunity to help others, and loves to bring people together for a chance to change their lives for the better.
In her spare time, Donna can be found spending quality time with her two daughters, or enjoying the natural beauty of local forests when walking through its hiking trails. Nothing brings her greater joy than having family and friends over for a home-cooked meal around her dining room table!
Roxanne Schutz
Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations, Roxanne works closely with the President to make decisions for operational activities and strategic goals. As a former business process analyst, Roxanne helps manage VRCA’s IT environment and brings with her exceptional leadership skills. Her favourite thing about working at the association is seeing her staff and VRCA members succeed and grow to new heights.
Roxanne loves to entertain family and friends and relishes the chance to showcase her creative mixology skills.
Geraldine Gin
Financial Accountant
As the Financial Accountant, Geraldine is responsible for accounting services for VRCA and the company it hosts, ZEBx, as well as administration duties, and facilities management. While excellent at balancing books, Geraldine can also balance on ladders! Finance has always been a natural skill for Geraldine, and she loves the daily challenges and accomplishments her role presents, as well as the chance to help members with their financial queries.
To Geraldine, it is always important for her to make time for spontaneity and fun in her life. She will also make time to enjoy her favourite comfort foods, especially hot and juicy fried chicken!
Joe Vales
Member Relationship Manager
As VRCA's Member Relationship Manager, Joe is the daily point of contact for members and prospective members and serves as their trusted advisor and champion. A talented relationship builder and natural dot-connector, Joe seeks to understand a business’ vision, goals, and needs before sharing how VRCA’s programs and services can enhance their success.
When he is not working, Joe serves in his local church and Portuguese communities and loves spending time with his family. He also coaches and officiates soccer and enjoys fishing and the great outdoors.
EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP
Jennifer Jones
Manager, Events & Sponsorship
As the Manager, Sponsorship & Events, Jennifer is responsible for the development, implementation, execution, and financial results of over 20 VRCA events annually, including the Construction Leadership Forum, the Awards of Excellence, and the Christmas Luncheon. Jen loves seeing members enjoying themselves and making connections at events after months of hard work and preparation.
In her spare time, Jen loves being outdoors and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Afsana Akhand
Events Coordinator
As the Events Coordinator, Afsana plays a huge role in assisting with pre- and post-event logistics and details of all VRCA events. She offers friendly customer service and practical solutions when helping members register for special events to ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish.
Afsana honed her strong administrative and analytical skills through earning her engineering degree, and loves discovering new cities and trying new cuisines when she travels the world.
Education
Andrea Ringrose
Manager, Education
As the Manager, Education, Andrea thrives on bringing new and exciting educational opportunities to VRCA members and the construction industry. She keeps on top of new trends and is constantly seeking new professional development opportunities to expand and enhance the VRCA education program.
As an avid traveler, Andrea has lived overseas in the UK and in South Africa, and likes to spend her free time advancing her cake decorating and culinary skills.
Julia Diachenko
Education Coordinator
As the Education Coordinator, Julia is responsible for supporting the logistics and coordination of all of VRCA’s course offerings. As a certified Project Management Professional with a Master’s degree in Strategic Management, Julia strives to deliver an environment of lifelong learning for VRCA members.
This busy mother-of-two enjoys reading and solving puzzles, and still finds time to volunteer in her local community!
PLANROOM & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Sherry Morrell
Manager, Planroom operations
As the Manager, Planroom Operations, Sherry assists members with VRCA’s in-house print-scan services, and also provides Commissioner of Oath services at both the Vancouver office and on select dates at the STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) office in Abbotsford.
At 38 years on staff, Sherry is VRCA’s longest-serving team member, and her distinctive laugh resonates with the construction community at the office and at VRCA events.
Karla Ramirez
Assistant, Planroom Operations
As the Assistant, Planroom Operations, Karla provides extraordinary customer service to members and the construction community by processing online and in-person document sales, providing print and scan services, assisting with member profiles, and updating BidCentral with new opportunities. Karla’s natural ability to make our members smile demonstrates her dedication to the role and her desire to help others.
In her spare time, Karla can be found catching up on her favourite TV shows or casting a fishing line on a warm, sunny day.
Iyin Olugbemi
Office Administrator
As the Office Administrator, Iyin (pronounced ay-in) is the first point of contact for all visitors to the VRCA office and plays a key role in supporting the association’s programs and services. Iyin also manages the VRCA’s Student Connection Program, including communicating with secondary schools, working with volunteers, and organizing all presentations.
When Iyin isn’t working, she loves to cook, travel, read, and create beautiful, beaded jewelry. She is excited to contribute to VRCA and is looking forward to meeting our members and the construction community!
Marketing
Lina Ma
Manager, Marketing and Communications
As the Manager, Marketing and Communications, Lina is responsible for implementing strategies to promote the VRCA brand and its products and services to the construction industry. While she is passionate about growing and establishing the brand, she is also dedicated to leading the marketing team and is excited to watch Ella develop her career as a Web & Graphic Designer.
As a busy parent of two young children, Lina is also an entrepreneur at heart, who provides small business consultations, floral and event planning services, and has most recently launched an online boutique specializing in children’s hats!
Ella Koo
Web & Graphic
Designer
As the Web & Graphic Designer, Ella enjoys being able to use both her graphic design and web development talents to create engaging marketing content for VRCA. She appreciates the opportunity to be able to build her skills alongside the Association’s supportive team in order to create value for its members.
Ella is an avid Harry Potter fan, and will never say no to a magical movie marathon.