CWAVS UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP
We welcome our new Executive Director, Liza Scott!
Liza Scott (she/her) is a proud Quw'utsun and Pacheedaht woman, residential school survivor, and transformational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing justice, healing, and equity for Indigenous women, families, and communities.
Previously, Liza served as Executive Director at Haven Society and was the national lead for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) initiative. She is also the co-founder of an Indigenous-owned business that features Coast Salish art.
Now serving as Executive Director of Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS), Liza leads with courage, cultural integrity, and a deep commitment to decolonizing systems from within. Her approach centers community, honours Indigenous knowledge, and supports the wellbeing of all staff—including those who are neurodivergent, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, or from other equity-denied groups.
A proud mother and grandmother, Liza grounds her leadership in the strength of her ancestors and the responsibility to future generations.
“We rise by lifting others—and by honouring the voices of those who were never meant to be silenced.”
A Message from the Board of Directors | Announcing Lisa Scott as Executive Director
Dear CWAV community, It is our great pleasure to name Lisa Scott, who has served as interim Executive Director since November 2024, as the Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV) Society’s Executive Director, effective May 20.
Since stepping into the interim role last fall, Lisa has been a steady hand, guiding CWAV through a period of transition with clarity, care, and an unwavering focus on our mission. She has supported the team, strengthened our operations, and ensured our work continues to reflect CWAV’s deeply held values and commitment to community.
Over the past several months, the board of directors has gotten to know Lisa well, and we have come to know her not only as a skilled and thoughtful leader but as someone who leads with heart, humility, and purpose. We know of no one better suited to lead CWAV with compassion, integrity, and the resolve to build safer, more inclusive communities. Lisa is a proud member of Quw’utsun and Pacheedaht residing in Tl’ulpalus (Cowichan Bay), rooted in the lands and waters of the Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. She lives by the values of family, culture, hard work, honesty, humility, and excellence - values instilled in her through the teachings of her Elders and lived experience of overcoming colonial harm with courage and care. She has spent more than 30 years working in Indigenous organizations, government, and the public and private sectors, consistently using her voice and position to challenge systems of harm and uplift those most impacted by gender-based violence and intergenerational harm.
With leadership experience at Pacheedaht First Nation, Legal Aid BC, Haven Society, Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, and Xyntax Systems, Lisa brings deep financial expertise, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to reconciliation and decolonization. Her values-driven approach is grounded in transparency, relational leadership, and accountability, to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. We extend our sincere thanks to the members of the hiring committee—including Jennifer Langerud, Bernadette Franke, Naomi Brown, and Nadeane Nelson—for their thoughtful work in this process. Their dedication and care helped bring us to this exciting moment. Please join us in warmly congratulating Lisa Scott on her appointment as Executive Director. We look forward to supporting her as she leads CWAV into this next chapter.
With gratitude,
Kate Chandler & Staci Nelson Co-Chairs, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society Board of Directors
Join us in welcoming Liza! The future of CWAVS is exciting and we are so grateful for everyone walking alongside us on this journey to create a community of safety and equity for all.