ACTIVE LEADERSHIP
FOR THE OKANAGAN

Meet Amanda

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 successful partnerships and collaborations across diverse perspectives.

She is the Electoral Area Director of BX/ Silver Star, Vice-Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan, Chair of the Electoral Area Advisory Committee, Past Chair of the Regional Growth Advisory Committee (working on regional housing solutions, climate change, sustainable food networks, and inter-jurisdictional partnerships), Trustee for the Okanagan Regional Library, Board Director for the BC Municipal Finance Authority and a Director for the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Hospital District.

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 President of Impact Toolbox (offering training, fellowships, and incubation programs to empower community, entrepreneurs, and social change leaders, partnering with Accelerate Okanagan and Purppl), Executive for the BC Liberal (BC United) Kelowna-Lake Country Riding Association, Vice-President of the BC Alliance of Arts and Culture, Past Vice-President and Advisor of the United Nations Association in Canada - Vancouver branch, past President of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, 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, Amanda was awarded a Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal, named a Multicultural Community Champion by the Social Planning Council and BC Ministry, and a Volunteer Spirit Award by the Central Okanagan Foundation.

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 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.

In addition to the performing arts, Amanda is a trained visual artist and has created art installations throughout the Okanagan including Lake Country, Kelowna and Vernon.

For her contribution to the arts and culture sector, Amanda was awarded a BC Lieutenant Governors Award.

Amanda Shatzko_Lake Country Public Art.jpeg

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, such as the United Nations in New York, and the European Union in Brussels.

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.

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 loves working with her community and making visions come to reality!