BY J.M. LEE
Chantelle’s parents immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka before starting a family, to ensure their family would have every opportunity to succeed.
“I’m deeply grateful to my parents for leaving their home and families to set up a better life for us all,” Chantelle says.
“Being CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, an organization dedicated to supporting girls and youth, is an absolute honor and privilege. I have spent much of my career and volunteer work advancing gender equality because I know how many barriers remain, particularly for marginalized communities.”
As a female leader, Chantelle took time to build the confidence to find and use her voice. She came to realize early on that hearing different points of view and mastering the art of compromise, are vital to getting things done.
“I have had many role models throughout my life,” she confers. “Including working for some outstanding leaders who taught me the value of a strong work ethic, encouraged me to follow my curiosity, and gave me many opportunities to lead. One that truly stands out for me is the Honorable Janet Austin, BC’s 30th Lieutenant Governor. I learned so much from her, including the importance of collaboration when advancing systemic change.”
One of Chantelle’s first professional jobs was at a busy public relations agency; her boss was an industry veteran. He taught her how to think strategically and was a fantastic mentor. During this time, she was having difficulty moving across the country away from her family.
“When I tried to leave my job and move back home, my boss made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, which included time off to spend with my family. This not only supported me to overcome a very challenging time, but it also helped me to build confidence in my skills and abilities early in my career. This kind of empathetic and encouraging leadership is something I aspire to today, and I am forever grateful to him for helping me to stay on my path.”
Chantelle has always experienced mentorship as a reciprocal relationship—she gets so much from mentoring young women. As CEO of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, she sees this with the mentorship programs her organization delivers; volunteers who dedicate their time to mentoring girls and youth seem to find deep meaning in being this trusted adult in their lives. In turn the youth Big Sisters serve are supported by someone, outside of their family, who shows up for them week after week. They play an important role in helping them navigate the exciting and sometimes challenging experiences they face as young people.
“When someone approaches me to be a mentor, I first ensure I have the time and if I do, I usually say yes! I’ve benefitted so much from incredible mentors, both formal and informal, and I believe in paying it forward.”
Growing up in a Sri Lankan household helped Chantelle to understand her heritage and culture from a young age. Sri Lankan folks are among the warmest and most vibrant people. She grew up with family and friends around, lifting her up encouraging her. Her grandparents on both sides were deeply connected to their communities and instilled in her a strong sense of civic duty. Seeing so many members of her community uproot their lives in search of a better future for themselves and their families, made it seem like anything was possible. This has translated into her leadership journey.
“In leadership, risk-taking is important—it opens up new opportunities and builds character,” Chantelle opines. “I’ve found my biggest growth to take place when I went out on a limb and took an enormous risk. This mindset can be quite beneficial as women grow their careers. To that end, managing ambiguity is also a critical success factor—we don’t always know what will come. Still, the payoff to trying new ways of doing things can be huge if we work at it and have a positive, solutions-oriented outlook.”
Chantelle likes to lead with curiosity, passion, and by example. If she expects something from her colleagues, she believes it’s important to show up that way too.
On the homefront, Chantelle is raising a young family and dealing with the juggle of a hectic home and work life. “I have an amazing husband who is a true and fair partner and always supports me in my career,” she says with a smile. “We have two young children under 5—and with him, it certainly lightens the load. We both work full-time and have busy lives, yet we always laugh at the chaos of running our household!”
The focus on inclusion in our society today gives Chantelle hope for a more equitable future. “Inclusion is not just about inviting people in. It is about learning about one another and finding beauty in what makes us all unique.” One of her ultimate mentors has been her mother whom she regards as an ongoing source of inspiration. “My mom is a remarkable woman. She is a talented painter and growing up had to set aside her passions to raise my sister and I. But she always incorporated creativity and self-expression in everything, and it taught me to appreciate art, culture, and the beauty of this world. She is also deeply driven and always has the unique ability to have many successful endeavors on the go at all times—I’m lucky to say some of this has rubbed off on me! After retirement, she became a successful artist, and audiences across the country appreciate her talent. I’m so proud of all she has achieved at this stage. Today, we are still mother and daughter but also dear friends.”
