ABOUT US
INSPIRE – EDUCATE – MOTIVATE – EMPOWER
We are a vibrant and growing organization connecting enterprising women in the Okanagan Valley. Our organization shares a common desire to give back to our communities through the use of our special talents, unique products, as well as donations of our time and resources.
Women come from far and wide to enjoy our group because we are relaxed and fun to be around and they know when they show up that it will be worth every second of their time. In our group we show up, we network, we confide, and we learn!
We meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 4:30pm-6:30pm at a venue in West Kelowna and we want to meet YOU! We break for the months of July and August because we value family & friends and appreciate that these are often months designated to Summer holidays away.
NO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES!! Bring $10 cash every monthly meeting and pay at the door.
Not only will you get time to mingle with the group, EVERYONE gets the floor to give their THIRTY SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH as well as the opportunity to contribute a little something as a door prize. Whether that be a product you sell, or a discount/gift card, the world is your oyster. We are genuinely interested in all you have to offer to our community.
Every month we’re on a quest to learn something new and exciting. NEW keeps us all on our toes. Forget the monotony and the mundane…we spice things up monthly with a TRUSTED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERT GUEST SPEAKER to help educate us, and keep us informed on topics like community resilience, philanthropy, health & wellness, local and national issues, business opportunities and personal growth!
So SHOW UP, BE CONSISTENT, BUILD TRUSTING, RESPECTFUL FRIENDSHIPS, and GROW WITH US!
Support
We support one another, listen actively and with purpose, and take accountability for our actions.
Client Collaboration
We help build connections and foster meaningful relationships to enrich the lives of everyone we engage with.
Data-Driven Creativity
Harnessing data insights to inspire and guide innovative, creative solutions.
The Team
Marci Paynter
Co-Chair
“I LOVE YOU”, “I’M SO GRATEFUL”, “IT’S WONDERFUL”…
These are just a few of many optimistic & kind things you will hear Marci say numerous times throughout the day. You’ll never want to miss an opportunity to sit down and have a meaningful and inspiring conversation with her. Marci and her late husband Geoffrey are true pioneers of the Westbank area and she feels so blessed to have five truly wonderful children, and many grand children that she remains so close with.
Marci is the founder of West Kelowna Women of Influence and is the President of New Dawn International Marketing. She believes that this group is another wonderful way to build sincere, trusted & inspiring relationships. She has thousands of products that can aide all kinds of people in both positive nutrition & a positive mindset. From daily vitamins and nutrients to an assortment of products used around the home. Marci’s primary goal is to promote optimal well being and an all around enthusiasm in the lives of people close to her and in her community.
Carol Heath
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Co-Chair
Carol has been connected with Mary Kay Cosmetics for almost 30 years because she loves the products and wanted something fun to do that also gave her life more balance. After her job as the patient care manager of the Cardiac Surgery & Heart & Lung Transplant Program in Edmonton she decided to pursue Mary Kay as her fulltime career. Twenty five years later she is now an Independent Sales Director.
Carol is excited that Mary Kay was named #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care & Color Cosmetics in the world in both 2023 & 2024. This means women love her products, and Carol continues to be excited about the future, and hopes she can connect with others to help enrich their lives.
Carol is one of the “originals” of our group! She has been witness to the many successes of women in business in the Okanagan, and she has enjoyed being part our flourishing community.
Treasurer
Meet Karen.. and like you, she wears a lot of hats. Together with her daughter they run a bookkeeping business, but her true passion is sharing good food thru Epicure. She loves a good book, scrapbooking and walking by the lake. The Okanagan is the best place to live! Family and friends fill her heart and soul and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
Karen has been a part of West K Women of Influence for many years and she loves the support, encouragement and knowledge that is shared when everyone gathers together. Karen believes this group is a great place for women to come together, no matter where they are in their life or business.
RE/MAX Kelowna Westside
Secretary
Transitions Made Simple
With over 25 years of success in real estate sales, I specialize in helping families and
individuals navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. My approach is centered on
exceptional communication, personalized strategies, and a deep understanding of market
trends and real estate law.
As a skilled negotiator and problem solver, I bring innovative solutions to the table, ensuring my
clients feel supported and confident throughout the entire process. I have been recognized for
my ability to close deals while managing client expectations with professionalism, integrity, and
a focus on achieving superior results.
With macro and micro knowledge of real estate trends and issues I bring clarity to your
objectives!
I’m an active member of the Okanagan community.
I have been involved open-water swim events and led fundraising initiatives since 2009. These
experiences have honed my teamwork and leadership skills.
Judy Davidson-Pringle
SNAP Photography
Events Coordinator, Marketing
Julie is the owner of Snap Commercial Photography, where she has spent nine years specializing in real estate and commercial photography. With a deep passion for connecting people within the community, she is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. Known for her vibrant energy, Julie thrives in collaborative environments, drawing inspiration from engaging conversations and the enthusiasm of those around her. In fact, this is why Julie now holds the position of Vice-President of the Greater Westside Board of Trade.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with family and friends, live music, good food & wine, traveling to new destinations, and seeking out exciting adventures. Julie gets her energy from others, so the more the merrier!
JC Plett
Galleria Fashion
Events Support
JC is the owner of Galleria Fashions Boutique, which has been a local favourite shop for over 8 years. JC’s eye for dressy casual clothing has helped her build a loyal clientele. In addition to her passion for fashion, JC’s artistic expression has been on display as a vocalist sharing the spotlight for over 28 years with her husband Andy in their band, “Room To Dance”.
As an entrepreneur and entertainer, JC has never shied from making friends and she enjoys connecting with other women in business. JC sees the West Kelowna Women as a community of women who can come together to support each other and lift each other up in friendship as well as in business.
Lynks Web Services
Website, Marketing
Krista has over 30 years experience in the areas of web development, marketing, printing and customer service. For over 20 years Krista has focused on website design and graphic design, merging marketing with creative and technical solutions. She enjoys helping businesses create a professional presence on the internet and helping businesses be found on the web through search engine optimization.
Krista is excited to be a part of the West Kelowna Women’s group. She enjoys discussing business with other business owners. Krista loves the Okanagan Valley with the lakes, mountains, golf courses and wineries. She has a passion for skiing, boating, wines, and golfing.