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
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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 GroupYears on the Committee:
Since 2024Activities & 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 CoYears on the Committee:
Since 2025Activities & 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 KochYears on the Committee:
Since 2025Activities & 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 HairstylistYears on the Committee:
Since 2026Activities & 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 ServicesYears on the Committee:
Since 2026Activities & 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 FinancialYears on the Committee:
Since 2025Activities & 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 DesignsYears on the Committee:
Since 2025Activities & 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 2026Activities & 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/ClearTEQYears on the Committee:
Since 2026Activities & 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 LLPYears on the Committee:
Since 2026Activities & 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!