Our Team
Wear 2 Start is a non-profit society and registered federal charity. We are a volunteer-driven organization that operates through the generosity of volunteers, community partners and private donations.
View Annual Report and Financial Statement
Our People
Board Directors
Leelah Dawson
President
Leelah has served as dean of the School of Business and Media at BCIT, associate dean of the business school at Camosun and dean of Social Sciences and Management at Langara College. She has been a volunteer director at the Burnaby Board of Trade and served on the Board of Examiners for CPA Canada.
Kim Campbell
Vice President
With almost 30 years of experience in driver licensing at ICBC, coupled with my Project Management certification and educational background including a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and a Business Analyst certification, I bring a diverse skill set to my role as a board member at Wear 2 Start. My belief in the power of community and my passion for helping those in need have driven me to volunteer in various capacities for over 40 years, with a particular focus on empowering women.
Laura Savage
Secretary
Laura is a commercial property manager, currently managing Westshore Town Centre in Langford. With 16+ years of experience, she is still learning the art of listening and believes communication is the key to workability. Her volunteer experience includes large and small events, golf tournaments, casino nights and performances and has spent many hours fundraising for her daughter’s schools and dance studios. Introduced to Wear 2 Start in the early 2000’s, Laura was reintroduced to the organization at the Women’s Expo in 2023 and was inspired by their work. She’s motivated by a desire to give back to those needing support as they start the next chapter in their lives.
Anne Holtzman
Director
Anne built her 40-year hospitality management career on her dietetics and nutrition education with operations and leadership roles. Over the past 12 years she managed food, housekeeping, and laundry services for clients in the public healthcare sector and private senior living communities. Most recently she was Senior Regional Director of Operations for British Columbia with Marquise Hospitality, a division of Compass Group Canada. She consistently met financial targets, legislated and corporate standards and client expectations. Her superpower lies in her ability to be an innovative problem solver and leader of people. Her passion is managing high performing teams that include operations, district, and regional managers.
Catherine Patterson
Director
Catherine Patterson is a long-time BC Public Servant who values diversity and inclusion, and who strives to make a difference in her community. Catherine’s volunteer experience includes over 20 years as a mall representative and phoning families for CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, many years on Parent Advisory Committees, and countless hours grilling in concessions during
little league baseball games.
Catherine began volunteering with Wear2Start in July 2023 and joined the Board of Directors in March 2024. She is both moved and inspired by the commitment and passion of the volunteers to provide a safe inclusive service that uplifts self-identified women to move forward with their
individual journeys.
Staff Members
Zoey Wells
Program Manager
As a professional Fundraiser and Relationship Manager with a non-profit background, Zoey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Production Management, Sales, Human Resources, Volunteer Management and Special Events.
Zoey is thrilled to be joining Wear2Start and working with our amazing group as we continue to make an impact in the lives of self-identified women in our community!