Get to know the Kelowna Chamber's Board of Directors and Ambassadors in our new newsletter segment. This new bi-weekly update will introduce you to the people behind-the-scenes at the Chamber, and get to know more about them, why they got involved with the Chamber, and what they love about serving our business community. This week we want to introduce you to Ellen Boelcke, a wonderful member of our Board of Directors.

  

ELLEN BOELCKE | KCR Community Resources

What is your position / title and company, and what do you do there?

I am the Executive Director of KCR Community Resources, a multi-service agency working in broad areas including Employment, Immigrants, Family and Adoption and Community Services. Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of leading a team of dedicated people who are passionate about achieving KCR's vision of a community where individuals and families are supported in leading healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. 
 
I feel fortunate to be able to work in a place where my own personal core values are so strongly aligned with the mandate of the organization and I know everyone on our team, from our volunteer Board of Directors, to employees, contractors and volunteers, is committed to KCR's values of respect, integrity, inclusiveness and empowerment.

How long have you been in the Okanagan? If you aren’t originally from the valley, what led you to call the Okanagan ‘home’? 

I am originally an immigrant, born in Germany and moved to Canada halfway through my childhood. I moved to the Okanagan 25 years ago and while I love to travel and explore the world, I am always so grateful to come to what I call home - the Okanagan. This is absolutely where I choose to be, and do not see myself ever leaving. 

What do you enjoy most about your role with the Kelowna Chamber?

Being early in my tenure, I am listening and learning. I want to be a positive influence to the wellness and equity of all in Kelowna. The Chamber allows me to have a voice to grow Kelowna in a way that ensures everyone can prosper. I am proud to be a part of the dynamic and impact-driven world of non-profit organizations and feel a responsibility to represent this sector at the Chamber table. 

What are you looking forward to / planning for the future?

As the past few months have shown, the future of our whole world can shift suddenly. I am proud that during this difficult time, we have been able to be strong and come together as a community. At KCR, my focus was to ensure we stay open so that we could continue to provide essential services to the community. I am proud that we were able to do this and to shift with the changes, to meet new and growing needs. My goal moving forward is to help all of the community stabilize and to work collaboratively with others to help define a new, equitable, sustainable and inclusive normal.

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