Vernon Women in Business

Tamara Cinnamon
Tamara is a young   real estate agent who recently purchased the Sutton Group and now acts as   owner and broker. Tamara is recognized   among her real estate peers as having ‘great ideas to help people in our   community. She has organized an annual   Car Show which raises money for Habitat for Humanity, the “Warm n’ Fuzzy”   drive to collect winter clothes and blankets for those less fortunate, and   even the “Spooky Bowl” to encourage everyone to ‘give back’. Tamara’s most recent commitment is to the   “Sutton Scoop” which gives a voice on the internet to people and businesses   in Vernon. Tamara has also been   involved in “Mind, Body & Sole” a benefit to help children who could not   otherwise join sports groups. Tamara   was recently nominated for the Young Entrepreneur and New Business of the   Year awards through the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Tamara has been   nominated by co-worker Susie Helland.

Teresa Durning   
Teresa came to Vernon in 2009 to take on the   role Team Leader at the Vernon Visitor Centre – one of the only multiple   Visitor Centre’s in the province.   Teresa has established herself in that short time as a leader with   vision, initiative, creativity and courage.   Teresa is dedicated to her staff of employees and volunteers and often   assists them in obtaining skills outside of the workplace; skills that allow   them to gain future employment in their chosen field. Teresa is constantly educating herself in   order to ensure that Vernon’s Visitor Centre is at the top of its field in   marketing our great city. She has been   involved with Toastmasters and recently achieved her National   Supervisor Designation with the Ministry of Tourism. Teresa   teaches a tourism class in the Queen Silver Star Excellence program in order   to ensure that the ladies chosen to represent Vernon are true   Ambassadors. She also recently   sponsored a Queen Silver Star candidate. Teresa is also active in the “Adopt   a Creek” program and received an “Environmental Leader Award” from the   Regional district. Teresa has been nominated by Margaret Hogan, Vernon   Visitors Centre and Vernon Winter Carnival volunteer.

 Dauna Kennedy Grant
Dauna is “Executive   Director” for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and has always been involved in   her community both professionally and on a volunteer basis. Dauna currently leads the Steering   Committee for the proposed new cultural complex for the North Okanagan, as   well as sitting on the board of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Dauna was instrumental in developing “Riot   on the Roof” – an annual art event held in Vernon Parkade – and for promoting   a raffle as part of “Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts”. In addition to supporting cultural events,   Dauna has also been crisis line volunteer and trainer and on the board of the   Kokanee Swim Club.   She believes in   creating a healthy vibrant community for the younger generation to grow and   live in. Dauna has been nominated by Mary-Jo O’Keefe, operator of MJO Tours   and City of Vernon council member.

Lorna Robb
Lorna, owner of   Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio, is a trained dance instructor who competed   professionally for many years all over North America. While working with the Arthur Murray Dance   Studios in Toronto Lorna’s focus changed from her own competitive dancing to   Pro-Am competitions because of the progress her students made when dancing   with her. “I’m proud of my advanced   students” says Lorna, “but my preference is to teach beginners.” Lorna has   been a promoter and advocate of the Vernon Winter Carnival and the Queen   Silver Star program, as well as a supporter of the Downtown Vernon   Associations efforts to keep downtown vibrant. More recently, Lorna started a local   fundraiser for Hospice called “Dancing with the Vernon Stars” which has   raised over $58,000 to-date. Lorna is   known for bringing a dance culture to Vernon that is both entertaining and   fun. Lorna has been nominated by neighbor Angie Tumlinson of The Sprouted  Fig.

        Mary Williamson
Mary has been a   Registered Nurse for over 51 years and states “You go into nursing for the   love of the work, not the pay cheque”.   At the age of 72, Mary is still taking on new challenges and loves to   share her knowledge and experience with others. In 1987 Mary opened the first private care   facility called “Mary’s Manor”. Mary   was always an advocate of private supportive living and founded the Okanagan   Private Supportive Living Association and continues to serve on its board. Mary operated her business for 10 years   before moving on to work with We Care Home Health Services. She is known for serving seniors in our   community through her “wellness clinics” and her expertise as a Foot Care   Nurse. Mary was awarded the   “Excellence of Service” plaque by the College of Registered Nurses of BC in   2010. In addition to her nursing duties, Mary has been involved with the   Vernon Winter Carnival and BC Winter Games, as well as spending many years in   Guiding and on a parent’s group for Scouting. Mary has been nominated by her “We   Care” team.