Overview
Culture Connected: Empowerment Through Identity is an evening of storytelling, celebration, and community connection. Hosted by Wear2Start Society, the event brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to honour the many cultures and identities that shape our lives.
Through powerful stories and meaningful dialogue, we explore how embracing identity fosters confidence, belonging, and positive change. The event creates a welcoming space for attendees to show up fully and proudly, recognizing that our differences strengthen the fabric of our community.
Held at the Royal BC Museum, Culture Connected invites everyone—community members, leaders, and allies—to celebrate identity as a force for empowerment and unity.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Royal BC Museum, Conference Hall — enter through the East doors off Douglas Street, across from Mungo Martin House
Hosted by: Wear2Start Society
Event Highlights:
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Cultural celebration
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Empowering storytelling and dialogue
This free event has limited space, so we encourage you to register early. Refreshments will be provided. Please consider supporting Wear2Start with a donation.
Speakers
Dr. Adel Guitouni
Professor, Gustavson Schoolof Business Director of Programs
Adel Guitouni is an award-winning professor at Vic’s Gustavson School
of Business, specializing in decision support systems and strategic
planning. He has advised on global events like the Olympics and G8
summits, and supports leadership and entrepreneurship development in
the MENA region through education, coaching, and international
partnerships.
Ashley McDonald
Program Manager & Community Advocate, Kopar Administration & WearStart
Ashley McDonald is a program manager specializing in workforce re-
entry, coaching, and advocacy. With over a decade of experience, she
supports vulnerable populations, navigates CD social services, and
builds community partnerships. She also serves as Office Manager at
Kopar Administration and Volunteer Coordinator at Wear2Start.
Cari Taylor
Regional Mentor/Manager,South Vancouver Island &Southern Gulf Islands, BCCommunity ResponseNetwork (BCCRN)
Cari is the South Vancouver Island & Southern Gulf Islands Mentor/Manager for the BCCRN-British Columbia Community Response Network. Their mandate is to educate the public and raise awareness about Abuse, Neglect and Self Neglect in Elders, Adults & Vulnerable
peoples. They support the community to take a coordinated response to the problems of abuse that is a global issue everywhere and not often talked about or understood. Cari has been in the NonProfit world for the past decade and more and is well known for her energetic personality type, public speaking skills & positive attitude. She is clearly a people
person and those that know her – consider her “a morning person – all day long”.
Julia Harrison
Mental Health & ACCESS Program Manager, Volunteer Victoria
Julia Harrison is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada and holds an MSc in Mental Health Dual Diagnosis, along with a BSc in Psychology. She has been active in the mental health field both locally and internationally, including work in London, UK. A long-time team member at Volunteer Victoria, Julia is passionate about fostering safe, inclusive spaces and empowering
communities through education. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find her by the ocean with her child and dog, soaking up island life.
Lorna Ketler
Owner & Body-Love Advocate, Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.
Lorna Ketler is the owner of Bodacious Lifestyles Inc. and a passionate
body-love advocate. She encourages women to embrace their beauty,
bodies, and curves at every size. Through Bodacious, Lorna creates a fun,
safe, and welcoming space where clothing celebrates confidence and joy.
With a love for small moments and big transformations, she’s dedicated
to helping women feel seen, empowered, and radiant at every stage of
life.
Nataliia Zhuravlova
Senior Communications Professional
Natalia was born in Moldova and spent most of her life in Ukraine.
Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, she spent three years in
Armenia – another country marked by tragic history and ongoing military
threats. Natalia is a senior communications professional with nearly 20
years of experience leading international communications for major tech
companies.
Sheila Ferguson
Deaf Educator & ASLInstructor
Sheila Ferguson is a Filipina-Canadian Deaf educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching ASL to children and families on South Vancouver Island. Originally from the Philippines, she immigrated to Canada in 1995 and later studied Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. Sheila is also a performer, with roles in The Dragon Prince, Hallmark films, and commercials for Marriott. Her lived experiences as a Deaf person, immigrant, and person of color inform her inclusive teaching style and passion for sharing Deaf culture through language and
community.
Shelly D'Mello
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), Chief Executive Officer
A visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in private,
government, and non-profit sectors, specializing in strategic planning,
organizational development, and change management. An advocate for
collaboration and community growth, with a background in economics,
an international MBA, and certifications in HR and adult training.
Tish Sera Josep
Youth Activist &Community Volunteer
Tish is a Grade 11 student who moved to Canada from the Philippines at
the age of 12 and has been living in Victoria ever since. She is passionate
about visual arts, performance, literature, and activism. A strong
advocate for youth involvement in volunteerism and social justice, Tish
dedicates much of her free time to working with nonprofit organizations
and community initiatives.
Turquoise Chiang
City of VictoriaYouth Council Member
Turquoise Chiang is a member of both the City of Victoria Youth Council
and Soroptimist Canada West Online. She is going into her second year of
post-secondary this upcoming fall to pursue a degree in psychology.
Turquoise has spoken on a number of panels concerning youth issues and
is very passionate about women and gender studies, inclusion, and
fostering strong communities.
Vanshika Awasthi
Youth Programs and TrainingServices Lead, Volunteer Victoria
Vanshika, who goes by Vinny, was born in India and spent much of her
childhood in Oman before moving to Canada at 16-a journey that has
shaped her deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. She is passionate
about giving back and encouraging youth to engage in volunteerism.
Vinny is a proud member of Soroptimist International of Victoria
Westshore, an organization that advances equity for women and girls.
Musical Guest
Yavhel Velazquez
HR EDIA Associate Director, Vocal Performer & Community Advocate
Yavhel Velazquez (he/him) is a gay cisgender man of Mexican heritage who
shares his lived experience and creative gifts to help build a global community
rooted in love. A long-time resident of Lekwungen Territories (Victoria), Yavhel is
an HR EDIA Associate Director, vocal performer, and active community volunteer.
He is passionate about fostering inclusion through both his professional and
creative work, and is honoured to contribute to Culture Connected as a vocal
performer.