Who We Are

Hi there! I am the Chief Executive Officer of Accelerate Okanagan. I started with the organization back in 2014 as the Community Manager, and I had the opportunity to work as the Director of Operations for a couple years before officially becoming the CEO in 2019. I have been supporting the growth of the local tech industry for over 10 years through economic development efforts which include; launching new entrepreneurial programs and investment initiatives. I am a proud alumni of Okanagan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration program. Outside of AO I champion OKGNtech by participating as an Advisory Board Member for the Canadian Technology Network, and volunteering as a Board Member for local organizations. When I am not in the office you will find me spending time with my family, and enjoying the best of the Okanagan.

Hi everyone! I’m Thuy, pronounced “Twee” and I’m the Director of Programs. I grew up in the Okanagan for over 35 years and have seen a lot of changes to this region. Specifically, I have been working in the tech industry for over 15 years, and have been supporting the growth of the tech community for the last eight years through my work at AO leading strategy and development for our mentorship programs and services. I also spearheaded the development of the OKGN Angel Summit program to help stimulate investing activities in the region, lower barriers for entrepreneurs to access capital and to help foster better quality companies. Outside of my work life, you can find me trail running, taking photos of friends and family, driving my kids around town for sports activities, and being an “enthusiast” hockey mom at the rink 10 months out of the year.

Hello! I’ve been with Accelerate Okanagan since its inception in 2011. As the Finance Manager, I work closely with our CEO, board, and management team to oversee our cash flow, monitor the budget, and ensure the financial health of the organization. I have an extensive background in project coordination and office management, so I also support the day-to-day operations, and coordination of new initiatives. I enjoy utilizing my analytical and communication skills to problem solve, and build relationships with the OKGN tech community.  When I am not busy crunching the numbers, you can find me exploring and capturing the natural beauty of the Okanagan with my camera.

Hi folks! I have been a part of Team AO since 2014. Like many of us in the startup world, I wear many hats but my official title is Brand and Communications Manager. As a born and raised Kelowna local, I have a passion for all-things-Okanagan. Before working at Accelerate Okanagan, I spent 7 years working at Club Penguin and got to see first hand how a scaling business can create a sense of community and economic impact. Through my work at AO, I love having the opportunity to support entrepreneurs who are building great things in our region. When I am not at work you can find me out at a local event, enjoying an audiobook or podcast, and hanging out with my cat, Princess.

Hey friends! I am the Community Manager at Accelerate Okanagan, but I am currently away on maternity leave. I’ve been connecting and collaborating with people interested in and involved in innovation and entrepreneurship in the Okanagan since I started with AO in 2016. My focus is on developing and nurturing relationships with community partners, and helping build industry connections. I grew up in the South Okanagan, but lived in Vancouver while I was attending UBC. When I am not at work, you can find me enjoying the 4 season playground that is the Okanagan by skiing, playing volleyball, and being outdoors with my pups, and of course who doesn’t love a good patio session.

Hi, OKGN Tech! I’m Leslie Louie, the Community Manager at AO. I’m originally from Ontario but moved to Vancouver in 2009 to attend UBC and have been living in Kelowna since 2017. I joined AO in 2022 and I wear many hats to support our thriving community; from supporting our co-working spaces in Vernon and Kelowna to HR, planning events, and working with our amazing ecosystem partners. Before joining AO, I worked for the Innovation Centre and Pela, always in community-driven roles. I love connecting people and helping them feel at home in our community. When I’m not working, you’ll find me enjoying quality time with my toddler, which lately has meant looking for airplanes in the sky and ants on the ground.

Hey friends! I joined Accelerate Okanagan as the Community Coordinator back in 2019. Since then I have had the opportunity to grow with the organization, and now I am the Brand and Communications Lead. Born and raised in West Kelowna, I attended Okanagan College, and received my Diploma in Communications, Culture, and Journalism. That program alongside my time at AO has ignited my passion for creating impactful content for the tech community. Having the opportunity to work in different roles at Accelerate Okanagan has given me a wealth of experience and a holistic perspective of AO’s mission, vision, and values. When I am not at work you can find me enjoying the best of the Okanagan including camping, kayaking, golfing, running, and visiting local wineries.

Hey there! I joined Team AO in 2020 as the Community Lead at The VIEW. Since becoming the Program Lead, my main focus is supporting founders, coordinating programs, and continually improving our offerings. It excites me to play a small role in helping our clients to achieve their dreams. Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, I studied Art & Design at Georgian College and earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Visual Communications from Medicine Hat College. I started as a freelance brand and web designer, growing into my own marketing + PR agency. Along the way, I acquired a graduate certificate in Corporate Communications Management from Seneca College and held various contract roles as a Marketing Specialist, Project Manager, Instructor, and Advisor. When I’m not working, you’ll find me reading, practicing yoga, or hiking with my son and dog.

Hi everyone! I joined Accelerate Okanagan in early 2023 as the Client Services Coordinator, primarily based out of our Vernon location, the VIEW. I received my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, and my Masters in Management which allows me to successfully run The VIEW, take care of our growing community, hold events, and support AO’s programs. I love being surrounded by bright and creative people, and I do my best to inspire and enable them to build their dreams. Coming from an Irish town full of life and colour, I love music, adventures, great company, and good humour.

Hello there! I joined the Accelerate Okanagan team in 2023 as the Community Coordinator. I strive to support the growing tech community through my work fostering connections, hosting and supporting events, and sharing resources. After growing up in the Lower Mainland, I traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to study a Bachelor of Arts degree in Costume Studies at Dalhousie University. Following graduation, I worked in the costume department on various film and theatre productions. I am thrilled to now be a part of the tech industry and enjoy learning about start-up businesses and new innovations. In my spare time, I love to travel, watch movies with my husband, and play with our two rambunctious kittens, Vesper and Mr. Hinx.