Board of Directors

Clare Mochrie

Clare is the founding Director of global Frameworks Ltd., a Vancouver-based consultancy that provides services in the areas of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, project management and performance assessment. Clare works with a broad range of clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Her passion lies in working with people on complex and challenging issues - and devising innovative solutions that result in real improvements. Clare has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Masters of Planning from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining the Atira Board of Directors in 2009, Clare was chair of the Aurora Institute, a not-for-profit organization focused on corporate accountability.

Deb Jack

A 1965 graduate of McGill University (Arts), Deb was a Probation Officer in B.C. for 36.5 years, 22 as a local manager.

She has been involved in a wide variety of volunteer positions over the years both connected to her work, the Board of YM/YWCA in Victoria and various positions including Presidency of the B.C. Corrections Association; and in the community as a parent and later a general member of the community, often serving in an executive capacity.

Deb has served on Atira's Board since the mid 1990s; since 2005, Vice-President of White Rock/Surrey Naturalists; and since 2004, President of Surrey Environmental Partners.

She is affiliated with a number of organizations which focus on retired persons and seniors' issues. She recently became a Grandmother and has added that perspective to her commitment to contribute to the community.

Deb is honoured to be the recipient of the following awards: 2012, Good Citizen, City of Surrey; 2011, Outstanding Individual, Recognizing Leadership in Environmental Stewardship, City Awards, City of Surrey; 2005, Silver Community Spirit Award, Burns Bog Conservation Society, Celebrating Women and the Spirit of the Cranes.

Helen Sheridan

Kathy Butler

Kathy is Managing Director and the Co-Head of BC Investment Banking for CIBC World Markets. Kathy joined CIBC World Markets in 1996 and has been involved in a number of private and public financings as well as mergers and acquisitions advisory mandates.

Kathy holds an MBA (honours) from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (honours) from the University of British Columbia.

Besides being on the Board of Directors of Atira Women's Resource Society, Kathy is also a member of the BC Jobs and Investment Board, a partner with BC Technology Social Venture Partners and an active participant with various Vancouver associations such as the BC Technology Industry Association and Forum for Women Entrepreneurs.

Kay Sinclair

Kay first became a member of the Atira Board in 2000. Kay works for a public sector union and is a strong supporter of the role that social programs play in making our society more equal and just. As a feminist, Kay looks forward to the day that the use of male sports analogies will go the way of fighting in hockey. (oops)

Ming Song

Ming Song is a practicing lawyer working exclusively in the area of Aboriginal law representing First Nations since 1992. She began her career by articling and practicing with a national firm providing litigation support and legal advice regarding Aboriginal rights and title. Since then she has spent her entire law career in various aspects of self-government, reserve land, housing, taxation, corporate and commercial transactions, Aboriginal rights and title, right of way issues, treaty and economic development. In addition to her law practice Ming was also an instructor at Capilano University teaching Business Law, Aboriginal Commercial Law and Tourism Law. Ming currently sits as Treasurer on the Canadian Bar Association's National Aboriginal Law Section and as a member at large of the Vancouver Aboriginal Law Subsection.

Miriam Sobrino

Miriam was a director of Atira for nine years, then after a one year break has returned.

She is the communications officer for the Health Sciences Association, holds an undergraduate degree in the arts and a journalism diploma. She has a background in community newspapers and communications both in the public and private sector.

She is the mother to three energetic children and is an active member of her community, volunteering with minor hockey and numerous other organizations.

Sarah Boatman

Sarah is currently the Director, Business Development & Strategy for BigPark.

Previously she has also held roles of Director, Business Strategy and Finance of Electronic Arts' (EA) downtown Vancouver studio, Director of Strategic Marketing for NxtPhase and was one of four founders to launch Bang Networks, an Internet infrastructure company based in San Francisco, CA.

Sarah is currently a Board Member for ATIRA Property Management Inc. and a member of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), where she mentors women starting new businesses.

In 2003 and 2004, Sarah was also a jury member for the TELUS New Venture Business Plan competition. Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Polina Hristov

Polina Hristov is an associate lawyer at Hammerberg Altman Beaton and Maglio LLP and her practice includes strata property litigation, real estate and construction related matters, builder liens and wills and estates, amongst others.

Polina obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC and her law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Her previous volunteer work includes involvement in access to justice and legal reform initiatives, including working to improve minority women's access to justice and as a volunteer with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver.  

  Susan Werner

Sue Werner is currently the Director, Financial Planning and Analysis for Avigilon. She has worked in various senior financial roles for local entrepreneurial companies from watches to trains, from biotech to wine and entertainment, and brings her financial expertise and spirited enthusiasm to the board.

Outside of her career, Sue thrives on mountain biking, skiing, boating and traveling abroad.  She also volunteers as Treasurer for a smaller non-profitand is involved with the Association for Women in Finance, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and has mentored students as part of a program with the Vancouver Board of Trade.

Most importantly in her view, Sue had been looking for a chance to give back to the community and Atira has been extraordinarily rewarding and meaningful.  She looks forward to continued growth at Atira, as we help to improve the lives of women in need.