Sandra Severs is a former non-profit leader, working for a decade in the area of homelessness, poverty, mental health and addictions in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and in community mental health in North Vancouver. She has been a resident of downtown Victoria for seven years and currently is the President of the Victoria Downtown Residents Association. Sandra has a masters degree in environmental ethics and is interested in issues of urban livability, especially for those who choose to live in the downtown core.  Participating in the development of the Community Safety and Well-being plan for the city of Victoria has enabled her to gain better insight into the challenges and opportunities of problem-solving at the municipal level.

Robert is managing director with Jawl Properties Ltd, Victoria, BC’s largest owner, manager and developer of commercial real estate. Recent project activity includes 1515 Douglas Street, the Atrium, Capital Park and the Selkirk Waterfront Community. Prior to Jawl Properties, Robert was an associate with the Blackstone Group involved in the firm’s real estate private equity investment initiatives. Earlier, Robert was an analyst in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs & Co. Robert holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania (summa cum laude) and a Masters of Science in Sustainable Urban Development from Oxford University (distinction).

Robert is a current director of the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Greater Victoria Police Foundation, past chairperson of the Urban Development Institute Capital Region and a past director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Through work with the Jawl Foundation, Robert is also engaged in a range of philanthropic initiatives with a principal focus on youth, education and community wellbeing. Robert lives in Victoria with his wife and two sons

Shelly D’Mello is a skilled relationship builder, collaborative coach, and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience spanning private, government, and non-profit sectors. She excels in strategic planning, financial acumen, organizational development, and change management.

With degrees in Economics and an international MBA, Shelly is a member of HRPAO and holds a Certificate in Adult Training and Development from the University of Toronto. Her career has encompassed executive roles in settlement, management consulting, IT, education, and healthcare.

Born in Guyana, South America, Shelly is dedicated to empowering women in leadership. Over the last 13 years, Shelly has immersed herself in the settlement and integration sector in Toronto designing, developing, and delivering programs and services to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees while addressing barriers to integration such as language, credential recognition, access to employment, mental health, and housing.

Shelly is a founding member of Aurora House, aiding survivors of modern slavery, and serves as Treasurer for the Workforce Housing Non-Profit Corporation, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through homeownership.

Gladys Atrill, Mayor of Smithers is a lifelong Smithereen.  She was first elected to Council in 2014 and to the role of Mayor in 2020. She is proud and humbled to be Mayor of her hometown.  Commitment to community service and local government drew Gladys to the Boards of Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, Northwest Regional Hospital District, North Central Local Government Association, Northern Development Initiative Trust and BC Transit.  She is committed to good governance and fostering respectful relationships. 

The serious issues of community safety and the social challenges arising from tent encampments are an ongoing challenge and priority in the Town of Smithers.  Gladys is actively involved in community safety initiatives and engages in meetings with experts and stakeholders, to enhance public safety.  Finding solutions for vulnerable people and at the same time ensuring a safe, vibrant community for businesses and residents are parallel goals. 

Beyond her experience in local government, Gladys has worked in and contributed to the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors in Smithers and Northern BC, driven by her deep appreciation for the region's breathtaking landscapes and its entrepreneurial community. In her leisure time, she enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, tending to her extensive gardens, and traveling with her partner. 

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto is a facilitator by trade with university degrees in law and science.  A businesswoman active in community causes for decades, Marianne was first elected to Victoria City Council in 2010, and elected as Mayor in 2022.

Mayor Alto is currently co-chair of the Victoria/Esquimalt Police Board, in addition to many other committees and organizational bodies in Victoria, the capital region, and beyond.

Mayor Alto is matriarch of the City Family (a unique collaboration among the City, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations) having nurtured a long, rich relationship with those Nations. Married and a mom of two boys, Marianne is a lifelong activist who vigorously advocates for equity, inclusion and fairness for everyone.  Much of Mayor Alto’s work this term has centered around reconciliation, sustainable cities, housing, governance, relationship building, and community safety and wellbeing.