The 11th annual BASS Banquet recognizes business community leaders

Submitted by Winnie Jung

The BASS Banquet is the Beedie School of Business’ signature networking event, which showcases the brightest students of the BBA program to the Vancouver business community. Consisting of a networking reception and a sit-down dinner, the banquet is an evening of fine dining, inspiring leadership, and stimulating conversation.

Taking place on March 14 at the Four Season Hotel, the 11th annual BASS Banquet aims to celebrate the community within the Beedie School of Business by inviting alumni and past stakeholders to support the continued success of Beedie students.

The benefits of attending the event include:

• Mingle with top industry professionals
• Converse with Beedie alumni and celebrate the Beedie Community
• Practice your networking skills
• Enjoy a delicious three-course meal

Each year at the BASS Banquet, two awards are presented to a business leader and a student: the Corporate Impact Award and the Student Impact Award.

The recipient of the Corporate Impact Award is an outstanding business leader who exemplifies Corporate Social Responsibility not only in their business practices, but through their substantial philanthropic contributions to the Vancouver community as well. The students at the Beedie School of Business would like to honour the chosen recipient’s personal humanitarian endeavours, which have had an extraordinary impact in the business community.

The Student Impact Award is given to one student whose amazing attitude and ability to positively influence the people around them inspires the entire Beedie School of Business community. The recipient of this award is recognized for their noticeable contributions to the community through their success in class and through personal humanitarian endeavours.

The 2012 BASS Banquet organizing committee is happy to announce this year’s recipients of the two distinguished Impact Awards.

Corporate Impact Award
Recipient: Janet Austin, CEO YWCA

As CEO of the Vancouver YWCA, Janet Austin has overall responsibility for one of BC’s largest and most diversified non-profit organizations, offering services for 60,000 people annually in more than 30 locations throughout Metro Vancouver.

Prior to joining the YWCA of Vancouver, Janet served as Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland.  She has also served as Director of Development Services for BC Housing, where she oversaw the development of the Province’s social housing for seniors and families, as well as transition housing, homeless shelters, and group homes for people with disabilities.

Janet is a recipient of the Business in Vancouver – Influential Woman in Business Award, the Vancouver Board of Trade Community Leadership Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and the Big Sisters “Big Heart” Award for outstanding contribution by a volunteer.  In 2008, she was named to the WXN (Women’s Executive Network) list of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

In the past, Janet has been an active as a community volunteer with a wide variety of organizations, serving in Board and volunteer positions with the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, MOSAIC, United Way of the Lower Mainland, The Council for Early Child Development, Leadership Vancouver, and the BC SPCA. She has also served on the Blue Ribbon Council on Vancouver’s Business Climate and the City of Vancouver Women’s Task Force.  As well, she has served as a weekend puppy-sitter for assistance dogs in training with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society.

Student Impact Award
Recipient: Stephanie Wong

Stephanie Wong is an aspiring business leader completing her final two semesters at SFU. Passionate about diversity, Stephanie founded Young Women in Business (YWiB) SFU in 2009, which is in its third year of successfully supporting female students from numerous faculties. Her entrepreneurial drive spurred her to create two innovative programs: the Supporting Our University Leaders (SOUL) Mentorship Program, SFU’s only one-on-one professional mentorship program connecting SFU alumni with female students, and Project GIVE (Generating Innovative Visions of Entrepreneurship) for social entrepreneurs.

Her past and present community involvement includes being a proud Beedie Ambassador, an avid volunteer for Junior Achievement, a columnist for the Vancouver Observer, and a facilitator for the BASS First Year Representative Program. She has also received her LEAD Certificate in Innovative Leadership and has traveled to China to collaborate with top students and business leaders from around the world through the International Scholar Laureate Program.

For more information about the BASS Banquet: http://sfubiz.ca/banquet