CO-CHAIR

Jaime joined the CWAV Board team in 2019 with a desire to meet passionate women and directly serve her community. With a background in multi-unit management and high-level change leadership, she joined at the perfect time as the Society navigated tremendous growth. Jaime’s position as District Manager with Starbucks Coffee Canada allows her to bring extensive experience and business acumen to build and sustain healthy foundations as the Society executes new strategic plans. Prior to joining CWAV, Jaime led numerous initiatives, from actively participating in Pride networks to developing food donation initiatives in different markets, that created community partnerships and focused on empowering and uplifting the most vulnerable. Outside work, Jaime enjoys exploring various bodies of water around the island with her family and is an avid amateur potter. Her passion for empowering women in business continually drives her dedication to CWAV as it uplifts and removes barriers for women impacted by acts of violence.

CO-CHAIR

Emily Peiffer (she/her) joined the CWAV Board of Directors in 2024. As a lawyer, Emily is both an advocate for justice and someone who finds joy in drafting super-detailed policies, procedures, and contracts. As a settler in these lands, she is committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous people and communities whenever possible. As a mom to two small kids, Emily looks for ways to bring about a more just, fair, and livable future for coming generations. One of these days, she will have individual hobbies again, but for now Emily and her family are happiest being outside and being in the water. It is such a privilege to be able to contribute to the extraordinary team at CWAV, where the organization's vision, mission, and values are rooted in human dignity and true service to the community.  

TREASURER

Jaime, Treasurer at Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAV), joined the team in June of 2023. With a background in accounting and business, and distinguished as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), she brings knowledge of all things numbered. She is committed to her work and helping to make a difference in the community. She was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley and is proud to call this place home. She is currently a partner at Palmer Leslie Chartered Professional Accountants here in the Cowichan Valley. When not working or volunteering, Jaime enjoys spending time with her extended family or touring any number of the beautiful vineyards that the Cowichan Valley has to offer.

SECRETARY

Ashley Nicole Gimbel is a mom of 3 of settler heritage who has the privilege to live and work in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. She has committed her professional work to child welfare and child serving systems in B.C and looks forward to supporting CWAV as a board member in their incredible work serving women and families.

DIRECTOR

Kate has been a member of the Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV) Society Board of Directors since 2022. Originally from Vancouver Island, Kate is an award-winning communications leader who has worked with top-tier educational institutions, government entities, the private sector, and non-profits in Canada, the Middle East, and beyond. She is the principal and founder of Chandler Communications, a strategic brand and communications consultancy. With a deep belief in the power of education and working in partnership towards a better future, Kate was drawn to the transformative impact of CWAV’s programs supporting change, choice, growth, and a safer, more inclusive community for all. As a board director, she is honoured to play a role in advancing CWAV’s role and capacity to support vulnerable women and children across the Cowichan Valley. Outside of her work, Kate can often be found on the tennis court or in nature with her husband and dogs, Thabo and Sitka.

DIRECTOR

Alanna (she/her) joined the Board of Directors of the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society in the summer of 2026. She brings a strong background in operations, leadership, and community-focused work through her role as Director of Operations with the Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC. Alanna is of mixed European descent, most notably Ukrainian, British, Swedish, and Norwegian, and grew up in the Cowichan Valley. Committed to fostering safe, healthy, and inclusive communities, Alanna is honoured to contribute her time, experience, and perspective to the CWAV Board. She is grateful for the opportunity to support the important work of creating a caring community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

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DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nora Livingstone, has been a Board Director at CWAV (Cowichan Women Against Violence Society) since 2023. Born in Canada, Nora has lived, worked and travelled to many different countries. She is the CEO of a B Corp that helps people volunteer on locally lead conservation and animal welfare programs. She is a Nature Canada, Woman for Nature and in 2023 was named Volunteer of the Year for her extensive work in the women's mentorship initiative. She was instrumental in the writing of the Fair Trade Learning certification, making sure international gap year programs meet strict animal welfare guidelines. She doesn't just lead amazing organizations and serve on committees - she also likes riding bikes.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

FINANCE DIRECTOR

FACILITIES AND HR ADMINISTRATOR

Jacquelyn brings over a decade of non-profit experience with a heartfelt dedication to empowering the lives of marginalized individuals. As a military veteran with a background in international humanitarian law, Jacquelyn's passion for preventing gender-based violence is both a professional and personal dedication.

Having thrived in diverse teams globally, she not only believes that 'life is a team sport' but also champions authentic collaboration with individuals and community partners. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jacquelyn draws love and inspiration from her family, fueling her commitment to genuine growth, resilience, and authentic healing within our community.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER