Eight years ago when Ginny Becker was driving home from her well-paying, comfortable job it dawned on her that she wasn't making a meaningful difference to anyone.
So, she quit her safe position and got into the not-for-profit sector.
"I felt a driving need to make a change, to take my workdays and commit them to something bigger than myself," remembered Becker.
"I wanted to make a difference and not just once a month as a volunteer."
Fast forward eight years and Becker is the executive director of The Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna and the recently crowned 'social change' regional winner of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards presented by Women of Influence+.
"Change rarely happens all at once," commented Becker.
"Achieving change is about relentless drive and endless perseverance. It is about never giving up. With enough tiny movements, suddenly big change becomes possible."
It's quite an achievement considering the program saw over 11,000 nominations from across the country and only seven women were honoured with regional wins.
The Social Change trophy goes only to an exceptional leader of a registered charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit that is dedicated to their unique brand of social change at a local or regional level.
Becker does exactly that.
Under her direction, The Child Advocacy Centre supports those impacted by child abuse and neglect.
It does so with an innovative empowering of front-line agencies from law enforcement, child protection and victim services to healthcare and mental health to work together to improve outcomes and build resilience for children, families and the community.
"I am deeply humbled to be included in this incredible group of changemakers from across the country," said Becker.
"This honour is a recognition of the unwavering commitment of our partnership, the dedication of our frontline, the donors who drive our work forward and the collective strength of all those who stand with us in support of survivors."
Becker is most proud of all the work the centre does on behalf of each and every child it helps.
On a personal level, Becker reveres her two teenage children.
"My absolute proudest accomplishment in life has been in raising kind humans who are bound to do great things in this world," she said.
Rumeet Billan is the CEO of Women of Influence+, the promoter of women-led leadership.
"This year's award recipients represent what influential leadership looks like in business and the community and we're proud to spotlight and celebrate their achievements," she said.
Andrew Prior, a partner at Pihl Law, is chair of The Child Advocacy Centre board.
"We are not surprised at this well-earned recognition of the great work Ginny has done for the The Child Advocacy Centre and for our communities throughout the Okanagan and the Interior of BC," he said.
"Ginny is a local hero to all of us and it is great to see her honoured on a national stage."
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