Amanda
SHATZKO
ACTIVE
LEADERSHIP
FOR THE
OKANAGAN
"A notable business leader in our economy - whose work is central to the economic activity in BC.” - Glacier Media
"A resourceful woman redefining leadership in British Columbia"
- BC Biz
CHANGE MAKER
"A prominent figure with the ability to blend insights across different industries, with a forward-thinking approach. Bringing much-needed diversity of viewpoints to the table, ensuring decisions reflect the needs and experience of a wide range of individuals...
enriching the cultural dynamic and fabric of our society!"
- MT Regional President, RBC
About Amanda
PUBLIC LEADERSHIP
Amanda is a two-term elected official and executive board leader who understands good governance, community engagement, fiscal budgets, and how to create partnerships across diverse perspectives. Amanda is widely known for her bold and fresh leadership, her understanding of what matters to Okanagan families, and her ability to get things done. She has a successful track record of influencing governments to change policy and bring much-needed resources and funding to the Okanagan.
Amanda has held leadership positions in the fields of education, food sustainability, community infrastructure, sports, healthcare, housing development, recreation, parks, arts, culture and tourism.
Some of her positions include:
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Electoral Area Director of BX/ Silver Star
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Vice-Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan
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Chair of the Electoral Area Advisory Committee
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Chair of the Regional Growth Advisory Committee
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Trustee for the Okanagan Regional Library
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Board Director for the BC Municipal Finance Authority
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Director for the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Hospital District.
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Okanagan Basin Water Board
- Top 100 Most
Powerful Women
in Canada -
Growing up representing both rural agricultural areas and urban sectors, Amanda understands the fine balance and perspectives of tourism, sport, food sustainability, business and sustainable economic development.
In recognition of Amanda's impact on public policy, in 2022 she was selected as the first Canadian representative for a Vital Voices fellowship - an international program that supports outstanding women political leaders making and influencing policy across the globe.
To give back to the community Amanda also serves as
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President of Impact Toolbox (offering training, fellowships, and incubation programs to empower community, entrepreneurs, and social change leaders, partnering with Accelerate Okanagan and Purppl)
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Executive for the BC United (formerly BC Liberal Party) Kelowna-Lake Country Riding Association
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Vice-President of the BC Alliance of Arts and Culture
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Past Vice-President and Advisor of the United Nations Association in Canada - Vancouver branch
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Past President of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan
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and involved in philanthropy projects raising money for youth scholarships, and health-based foundations.
Acknowledged for her activities and community support in Lake Country, Kelowna, and Vernon/Coldstream, Amanda was awarded a Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal, named a Multicultural Community Champion by the Social Planning Council and BC Ministry, a Volunteer Spirit Award by the Central Okanagan Foundation, and one of the top four Change Makers in Kelowna by Kelowna Women in Busines.
TAKE THE STAGE
Amanda was born and raised in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. She grew up performing on theatre stages throughout the Okanagan as she danced with local Kelowna studios, taught in Lake Country, and competed internationally representing Canada in gymnastics.
Over the years Amanda's talent took her to perform in the tv and film industry, to public speaking at international conferences and working in the arts, media and events sector creating projects and presentations in over 30 countries.
Some of her experience includes being selected to present her expertise at:
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United Nations headquarters in New York
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2010 Olympics in Vancouver
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European Union in Brussels
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Senate in Ottawa, Canada
In addition to the performing arts, Amanda is a trained visual artist and has created art installations throughout the Okanagan to New York city in Times Square.
For her contribution to the arts and culture sector, Amanda was awarded a BC Lieutenant Governors Award.
EDUCATION
Amanda has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master's in Communications and currently completing her Ph.D. at UBC Okanagan in political science.
Involved in student affairs she serves as a Senator for UBCO, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and advises on the Learning & Research Committee and Graduate Student Advisory Committee. Amanda has published in academic journals, op-eds in magazines, and presented research at international conferences.
As a student, Amanda understands the youth perspective and advocates for more diverse representation at decision-making tables. With her understanding of legislation, Amanda has represented UBC at events such as Model Senate in Ottawa.
- BC's Top 40 Under
40 in Business -
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Credited for her work in the private sector, Amanda has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women (WXN and Financial Post), BC's 25 Most Powerful Women Leaders (BC Business Magazine), BC's Top 40 Under 40 in Business (Business in Vancouver), Top 20 Under 40 (Chamber of Commerce), and globally distinguished as a Top 100 World of Difference Awardee for her contribution to women's economic empowerment (TIAW).
Amanda is committed to making life better in BC and loves working with her community to make visions come to reality!
PRESS
CASTANET - Shatzko Seeks BC United Nomination for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream
KELOWNA CAPITAL NEWS - Shatzko in running for new Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA
KELOWNA NOW - Okanagan Woman Named Change Maker of the Year
BC BUSINESS MAGAZINE - Winner - Women of the Year Award
INFONEWS - Top 10 Badass women of the Thompson Okanagan
VERNON MORNING STAR - Vital recognition doubled for Vernon politician
OKANAGAN BOULEVARD MAGAZINE - Mixed Mediums
VERNON MATTERS - RDNO Director received Lieutenant Governor Award
South Asian and Canadian Heritage Set in Stone
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC - BX Ranchlands Draft Plan
LAKE COUNTRY CALENDAR - Shatzko named Canadian delegate for UN session on women
OKANAGAN WOMEN MAGAZINE - Daydreaming is ok!
LAKE COUNTRY CALENDAR - New beach name reflects Okanagan Indian Band history
CASTANET - Partnership key to future
VERNON MATTERS - BX Know Your Farmer tour
KELOWNA DAILY COURIER - BX Ranchlands to stay publicly owned
OKANAGAN EDGE - RDNO re-elects heirarchy
VERNON MATTERS - Duteau Creek water quality
TODAY IN BC - Project impresses defence minister
VERNON MORNING STAR - Community Champion: Amanda Shatzko
LAKE COUNTRY NEWS - North Okanagan online to isolate and create
VERNON MATTERS - Local politicians focus on cultural centre
OKANAGAN EDGE - Shatzko cracks Top 40
WATER CANADA - North Okanagan receives $24M for wastewater recovery project
ENTERPRISING WOMEN - TIAW World of Difference Awards
CASTANET - Cool cash for ski club
TODAY IN BC - Vernon Chamber Top 20 Under 40
KELOWNA CAPITAL NEWS - NextGen grants
TODAY IN BC - Okanagan director named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women
want to see more press... there are actually over 100+ articles...
to read more google 'Amanda Shatzko'
CONTACT
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to share your concerns and opinions about our community, Amanda would love to hear from you!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Amanda has taught across BC in over a dozen school districts extracurricular activities such as athletics, arts and leadership. Due to her contribution, in 2016 Vernon Secondary School renamed their prestigous annual award the 'Amanda Shatzko Dedication to Arts Award'
“I have never had the privilege of a community member giving so much of their time, energy, and expertise to their chosen field to my school as I have experienced with Amanda - a world leader in their craft.” - M. Reid - SD22