OUR COMMITTEE

Women in Business and Leadership Medicine Hat, also known as Women in Business (WIB), is a non-profit society that provides opportunities for networking, business and community connections, and professional development to female business professionals in the Medicine Hat region. Our committee is dedicated to uplifting the female business community.

We achieve this by organizing events, fundraising for event sponsorship, and working together in the best interest of the committee as well as the business professionals who sponsor, support, and attend these events.

OUR History

The Medicine Hat Women In Business group was established in 2001 by five visionary female professionals. They identified a pressing need for business training, workshops, and speakers tailored for women in Medicine Hat. From its inception, our group has emphasized networking opportunities for female business professionals.

MEET OUR 2026-2027 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

  • Victoria Lees

    CHAIR, INSPIRE EVENT COORDINATOR

    Victoria is an active mother of 4, who loves nature and being outside. She is passionate about supporting local businesses and can often be found in one of Medicine Hat’s coffee shops. Professionally, Victoria brings excitement to the financial industry - helping families understand finance to create a stable financial future and create generational wealth. She has a growing love for home education, enjoys learning new things and going on adventures with her kids and dog.

    Job Title:
    Independent Financial Broker, World Financial Group

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2024

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Houseplants & Gardening
    Whole Body Health & Fitness
    Spending time with family and friends

  • Sarah McNeill

    VICE CHAIR, WINE & CHEESE EVENT COORDINATOR

    Sarah is the proud owner and operator of 7 Rivers Trading Co., a cozy little gift shoppe that specializes in local goods and Medicine Hat swag, nestled in the heart of downtown. She grew up in Medicine Hat (shout out to CHHS grad 2000!), and is passionate about supporting local and helping our downtown core thrive. Married with two amazing kids, life is fun and busy! When not at her shoppe, you’ll probably find her enjoying a great cup of coffee, playing board games with her family, camping in Elkwater, or strolling through downtown—her favourite part of our city. Sarah is excited to be part of the Women in Business community and to connect with other women who are building, creating, and making an impact.

    Job Title:
    Owner, 7 Rivers Trading Co

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2025

    Activities & Affiliations:
    WLC Parent Council
    Downtown Voice
    Yoga
    Crocheting & Drinking Coffee

  • Nicole James

    SECRETARY, MARKETING CO-DIRECTOR

    Nicole is a lawyer at Bishop Koch Lawyers in Medicine Hat. She specializes in the area of residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, estate administration and corporate law. While Nicole did not originally grow up in Medicine Hat, she did grow up just down the way in Brooks, but has now called Medicine Hat home since 2020. When not in the office, you can find Nicole with her two young boys (and another on the way), at trivia, or playing all of the New York Times puzzles. Nicole is passionate about supporting local women in the community!

    Job Title:
    Lawyer, Bishop Koch

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2025

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Word Puzzle Enthusiast
    Disney World Lover
    Mom
    Baker

  • MISHELE ROMANUCK

    CO-TREASURER, INSPIRE EVENT COORDINATOR

    Journeyman hairstylist by trade, Mishele is currently pursuing a Business Administration diploma at Medicine Hat College. Originally from Mongolia, Mishele came to Canada and first called Medicine Hat home, attending Medicine Hat High School. She later spent 10 years in Saskatoon, working as a hairstylist earning her Journeyman certification, where she built strong experience in both customer service and management before moving back to Medicine Hat. Mishele is passionate about learning and genuinely connecting with people. Outside of work, she is a busy mom of 2.

    Job Title:
    Journeyman Hairstylist

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2026

    Activities & Affiliations:
    BAS Club President, Medicine Hat College
    Case Club Involvement, Medicine Hat College
    Travelling with family

  • Candice Prince

    CO-TREASURER, CO-SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR, WINE & CHEESE EVENT COORDINATOR

    Candice Prince is an entrepreneur, financial professional, and community-minded business leader based in Medicine Hat. With a Bachelor of Management specializing in Accounting from the University of Lethbridge and more than 15 years of experience in accounting, finance, and business operations, Candice brings both technical expertise and an entrepreneurial perspective to her work.

    She is the founder of Prince Accounting Services and Prince Wealth Financial, where she works with individuals, families, and business owners to improve their financial confidence, build wealth, and plan for their futures. She also owns and operates Howdy Neighbour Contracting alongside her husband and serves as Finance Manager and a member of the Board of Directors for Wicked Woods Music Festival in British Columbia.

    Candice is passionate about financial education, entrepreneurship, community involvement, and creating opportunities for people to succeed. Since making Medicine Hat home, she has become increasingly involved in the local business and community landscape and is excited to connect, collaborate, and contribute as a member of Medicine Hat’s Women in Business Council.


    Job Title:
    Financial Professional, World Financial Group | Owner, Prince Accounting Services

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2026

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Wicked Woods Music Festival Board Member
    Music Festival Lover
    Camping Enthusiast
    Dog Mom
    Community Volunteer
    Proud Mom

  • Kateryna McVeigh

    CO-SPONSORSHIP CO-DIRECTOR, EMPOWERMENT DAY EVENT COORDINATOR

    Planner by her nature, Kate is a Wealth Advisor at Qopia Financial. With a Master’s degree in Economics, over 8 years of experience in the financial industry, and her Ukrainian heritage, she brings both expertise and heart to every unique financial situation. Kate is passionate about personal and professional growth paired with social networking and contributing to the community. On a personal note, Kate loves traveling, meeting new people and learning different cultures and languages.

    Job Title:
    Wealth Advisor, Qopia Financial

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2025

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Community Future Entre-Corp
    Feeding thirst for new connections, skills and knowledge
    Travelling & adventuring with family

  • Julie Monteath

    MARKETING CO-DIRECTOR, INSPIRE EVENT COORDINATOR

    Julie is an instructional designer, technical writer and the owner of Impact Training Designs. Julie began her career in finance, discovered her passion for training and spent over 15 years transitioning into various training and training management roles. She continued her journey to the nonprofit sector, where she worked on large government job-readiness projects and developed service and leadership training for hospitality and tourism organizations. Eight years ago, Julie started her instructional design business and collaborates with a diverse range of organizations, including service, health, construction, transportation, and education, to create engaging learning experiences that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she likes to work in her garden, engage in creative activities, or practice yoga.

    Job Title:
    Owner | Instructional Designer, Impact Training Designs

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2025

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Yoga
    Crochet
    Photography
    Piano & Guitar
    Gardening

  • Jenelle Lesmeister

    SOCIAL MEDIA CO-DIRECTOR

    Jenelle grew up around her family business, Sewline Upholstery, and today works alongside her parents helping with everything from customer consultations and fabric selections to marketing and the day-to-day workings of the business. With a love for creativity, design and connecting with people, she also created Burk & Co. as a space to share and curate ideas for home and everyday life. A passionate supporter of her community, Jenelle especially enjoys championing local businesses and the people behind them. Outside of work, she is a busy mom of three who loves antiques hunting, getting lost in a book, painting when she has time and getting involved in her kids’ school and community.

    Job Title:
    Creative Director at Sewline Upholstery | Creator of Burk & Co.

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2026

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Mom to 3
    Book Lover
    Antique Hunter
    Creative Soul
    Events Coordinator - St. Patrick’s Parent Council

  • LARA HAWEL

    SOCIAL MEDIA CO-DIRECTOR, EMPOWERMENT DAY EVENT COORDINATOR

    Lara recently made Medicine Hat home after relocating from Vancouver, BC. With more than 10 years of experience in sales, customer success, SaaS, and entrepreneurship, she now works with Auto-Star, helping local businesses navigate payment processing, merchant services, and POS solutions.

    Never one to shy away from a new adventure, Lara has embraced making Medicine Hat home and building connections throughout the community. 

    Outside of work, Lara has a passion for travel and has explored more than 30 countries around the world. One of her most memorable experiences was trekking through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp. Closer to home, she enjoys volunteering, listening to audiobooks while gardening, getting outdoors, and planning her next getaway.

    Job Title:
    Sales Representative - Auto-Star/ClearTEQ

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2026

    Activities & Affiliations:
    Yoga
    Volunteering
    Travelling
    Hiking & Outdoor Activities

  • Cassidy Rath

    SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TEAM


    Cassidy is a lawyer with Stringam Law in Medicine Hat, where her practice focuses primarily on family law, employment law, and civil litigation. Before pursuing a legal career, Cassidy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the Paul J. Hill School of Business at the University of Regina. She then attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she obtained her law degree. Born and raised in the Medicine Hat area, Cassidy is passionate about building connections within the community and is excited to collaborate with and support other women through Women in Business. Outside of the office, she enjoys playing hockey, and spending time outdoors.

    Job Title:
    Lawyer | Stringam Law LLP

    Years on the Committee:
    Since 2026

    Activities & Affiliations:

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR COMMITTEE?

If you’re passionate about supporting local female-led businesses, helping your community, and meeting new friends, we’d love for you to apply! Just fill out the application below, and we’ll take a look during our selection process in May.

We can’t wait to hear from you!