2024 Heart & Stroke Gala Committee

Adrienne Martin spent 20 years in the mining industry, before shifting her focus to raising her family. After Adrienne had a stroke in 2020, she and husband Greg became connected with Heart & Stroke, and attended the 2023 Gala. They loved the event and now Adrienne shares her leadership and creativity as 2024 Gala Committee Co-Chair.

Virginia (Ginny) Morgan is VP of Investor Relations and ESG at Lithium Americas. She has been a part of the Gala since 2014 because of her drive to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke so we can save more lives. With incredible energy and dedication, Ginny returns this year as the 2024 Gala Committee Co-Chair!

Amber Belzer is a Global BC helicopter traffic reporter and an incredible Heart & Stroke supporter. She joined the Gala Committee in 2017, and was Committee Co-Chair for the very successful Gala in 2022. Amber’s personal connections with heart disease motivate her to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke within the BC community she loves.

Naz is a Consultant with Longevity Icon and returns to the Heart & Stroke Gala Committee for her 2nd year. Naz has great experience with gala planning and coordination – and attending! She is passionate about health, helping others and driving research that will ensure that fewer families are impacted by heart disease and stroke.

Debbie Clark has worked as a Speech Language Pathologist and a chef, and is now a homemaker and artist. In 2005 Debbie had a stroke, before she was 40 years old, and has had a full recovery. Today she is motivated to help raise awareness and help other women prevent being affected by a life-altering fate.

Tricia Doddington spent 25+ years working as a CPA in the finance/accounting industry before retiring recently to care for her aging parents. Many of Tricia’s loved ones have been impacted by heart disease and stroke which has fueled her drive to raise awareness – and to join the Gala Committee for her first year!

Avyn Duimel is the Office Manager at the Pacific Flying Club. Many loved ones in Avyn’s life have been affected by stroke, which motivated her to join the Committee in 2021. She is committed to helping to raise awareness of the risks and signs of heart disease and stroke so we can save more lives.

Danielle Dyer is a CDA and commercial actor, and has volunteered with the Gala Committee for five years. In 2022 Danielle served as Committee Co-Chair, and she always brings great creativity and energy to the team. Danielle finds inspiration in working to fund more research and make a real difference for so many people. 

Harp Gosal is the Manager, Investor Relations & Brand with NexGen Energy Ltd. After losing several beloved family members to heart disease, Harp decided to channel her grief into something positive and impactful, which led to her joining the Gala Committee in 2019. She is passionate about raising awareness in her community about how to protect your health.

Vicki Hamill is an executive assistant in the investment industry. Her motivation to join the Committee is clear: her sister and niece both had strokes by the time they turned 30, so Vicki is passionate about helping to improve outcomes for stroke survivors and their families. This is Vicki’s 3rd year as a Gala Committee member. 

Alyssa Klimek is the Marketing and Operations Manager with MALVADOS Footwear, and this year marks her 6th year with the Gala Committee. Alyssa lost her grandfather and her best friend’s dad to heart disease, and is committed to working with Heart & Stroke so we can avoid losing our loved ones too soon.  

Melody Lu is the founder of creative agency Kaydence, the Gala’s Web Design Sponsor! She joined the Committee in 2022 because heart disease and stroke have touched her life personally. Witnessing the profound impact of these conditions firsthand has ignited a deep desire within Melody to create a meaningful difference.

Fareeha Salahuddin is a consultant, and her personal core values include health, wellness and philanthropy. Heart disease and stroke have impacted many friends/family within her close circle, which led Fareeha to join the committee in 2021, as a meaningful way to honour their memories and support her community.

Devi Sangara is an esteemed philanthropic leader who has shared her skills with the Gala Committee since 2016. Devi serves on the Heart & Stroke BC Advisory Board, including a term as Board Chair. In recognition of her incredible support, Devi was named Honourary Chair of the 2022 Gala. She is an ardent supporter of women’s heart and brain health.

Rebekka Schultz, a valued former Heart & Stroke employee, and current government relations professional. In 2015 Rebekka’s dad was diagnosed with a blockage in his carotid artery – the same diagnosis that took his father’s life decades before. The life-saving surgery to repair his blockage is what motivates Rebekka, who is returning to the committee for her 3rd year.

Jas Uppal is an incredible volunteer who is active in supporting her community. Her family has been impacted by both heart disease and stroke, and Jas is passionate in supporting the funding of heart and stroke research excellence that will save more lives. Jas joins us for her 2nd year with the Gala Committee.

Jennifer Wick is a registered massage therapist and a lead fitness instructor at Equinox Vancouver. After seeing many friends and family members impacted by heart disease and stroke, Jennifer decided to join the Gala Committee this year! She wants to help raise awareness so we can save more lives.

Business Consultant Joanne Yan attended the 2022 Gala and loved it! Just months later, a respected business partner and close friend of 25 years had a heart attack. His excellent recovery made her realize the importance of awareness of the risks and signs of heart attack and stroke, which prompted her to join the 2024 Gala Committee!

Gillian Ong, Senior Manager, Global Trade Optimization lululemon, is new to the Gala Committee this year! She has lost both of her grandmothers to strokes so she is personally connected to the theme of women’s heart and brain health. She wants to share her expertise on the committee to help raise awareness and funding to tackle health inequities.