Patricia Ross currently serves as Deputy Mayor for the City of Abbotsford and has been a councillor for 21 years. She is Chair of the city’s Intergovernmental Affairs committee, Vice-Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District and serves on the board of the BC Municipal Finance Authority. Patricia’s philosophy toward government is to fully embrace sustainability principles, considering the environmental, social and economic impacts in all decision making. Patricia is a Fellow of Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) International, a research and training program dedicated to fostering worldwide sustainability. Her research has taken her to Oaxaca, Mexico; Costa Rica, Zimbabwe and Argentina. Patricia is a motivational and keynote speaker as well as a published free-lance writer who has a passion for helping businesses and communities reach their best sustainable potential. In December 2004, Patricia spoke at the International Climate Change Conference in Buenos Aires about the challenges and rewards of environmental conservation in local government. From 2000 to 2006, Patricia took on the job of Public and Media Relations Coordinator and Chief Lobbyist for the City of Abbotsford on their successful and precedent setting campaign of opposition to the polluting power plant proposal of Sumas Energy 2 (SE2). Patricia is excited about using her expertise and experience to help mentor women achieve success in business and politics through GYB. Patricia has been named one of the Abbotsford New’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Abbotsford several years in a row and has won many awards for her community work including Abbotsford’s 2009 “Woman of the Year,” “Newsmaker of the Year” from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, “Green Leader” from the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club, “Paul Harris” Rotary club Fellowship and Queens Diamond Jubilee award.
Presenting Sponsor
Big crowd. Fantastic speakers. The entire event was so polished!
Tanya CurtisMarketing DirectorAbbotsford Highstreet
I was thrilled to both participate in and present at EXCELerate 2017. As a business owner, it is hard to justify the time to attend a conference. However, this conference surpassed my expectations. I learned a great deal, gained many new business connections and walked away feeling very inspired.
Clear Concept IncGreat speakers and attendees. Thank you!
A wonderful event. I met some incredible people and was very inspired. You have gathered such an amazing group of people.
Vicki SaundersFounderSheEOSuper organized, great energy, variety and well attended.
There is nothing more powerful than inspiration. A wonderful conference to learn, meet other entrepreneurs, share your story and be inspired to achieve your goals. Amazing!!
Editor AgencySuch an incredible event – it felt like three days of a big warm hug. I made some wonderful contacts, gained invaluable knowledge, and was incredibly inspired by all of the talented women that all want to leave the planet a little better than they found it.
Leah PlumridgeAssociate LawyerErnst & Young LLP
Inspiration, knowledge, networking
Anita Agrawal Best BargainsAfter 3 days with amazing business women from around the world, I am truly inspired and empowered. Thank you Barbara Mowat and GroYourBiz.
Vancouver TumblebusWe are all connected with an innate desire to support each other business to grow to their full potential.
Cathleen Jamieson AWE Care
