Board Members

BOARD MEMBERS

Shaurie Bidot

Interim Executive Director

I am a queer activist and artist who has been in movement building for 10 years with an academic background in Latin American art history and decolonial theory. I am also a co-founder of a local grassroots activist organization that fights against imperialism and white supremacy locally and internationally. My passion and calling in life is to push for equity and justice within my surrounding communities and serve those who are currently being affected by modern day colonialism.

Stephanie Sotlar (she/her)

I am a dedicated advocate with years of experience in social services and community outreach. My approach is firmly grounded in trauma-informed care and intersectional feminism. I am driven by my lived experience. I am devoted to maintaining genuine loving compassion and strong accountability. As I work towards completing my degree in social work, I remain committed to supporting the Downtown Eastside community. Wellness and equity are deeply meaningful to me. Wellness is a holistic state of well-being that includes physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health, supported by compassionate, trauma-informed care. Equity means fairness and ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need despite systemic barriers. I want to highlight the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments where all individuals feel valued and understood. As an intersectional feminist, I am committed to addressing the compounded inequities that arise from intersecting identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status. Ultimately, wellness and equity are interconnected goals, striving to create a world where everyone can heal and thrive.

Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (she/her)

I am a Master of Public Health candidate at Simon Fraser University with a passion for health promotion, equity and community empowerment. I began volunteering with the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective in 2022 and was inspired by the impactful work of the collective and the resiliency of the VWHC community. I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the Board and work collaboratively with other members to advance the mission of the VWHC. When I think about wellness I think of community and interconnectedness and how influential these two factors are on an individual or group’s well-being. To me, health encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social well-being of an individual. I strongly believe that equity must be at the forefront of any discussion around health. Equitable access to appropriate and quality care is a cornerstone for establishing an environment where individuals and groups can thrive. Equity is inextricably linked to justice and the pursuit of creating a world where nobody is denied opportunities to improve their health or access resources.

Laura McQuarrie Salter (she/they)

I am a helping professional with seven years of experience working in social service and mental health care settings. Inspired by intersectionality, my practice is rooted in a trauma-informed, justice-oriented, and community-centred approach to helping. I am committed to upholding sincere compassion, steadfast accountability, and ongoing learning in my work. I see wellness and equity as deeply interconnected. Mass inequities impact our collective wellness across biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. To promote holistic wellness for all, I advocate for systemic reform in keeping with the principles of healing justice. Everyone deserves equitable access to competent care tailored to suit their unique needs.

Karanpreet Kaur Johar (she/her)

Hey there! I'm Karan, a social entrepreneur on a mission to champion global health and wellness with a strong belief in fostering equity with justice. I am an uninvited settler on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of q̓ ʷɑƛ̓ ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ ic̓ əy̓ (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and Se’mya’me (Semiahmoo) First Nations (Langley). My journey into the health and wellness space was sparked by a personal encounter with endometriosis, driving my commitment to raise awareness about chronic conditions and their profound impact on individuals and their support systems, both physically and emotionally. I am a governance professional with passion for youth and women wellness. To me, health and wellness encompass the holistic well-being of individuals, addressing not just physical health, but also mental and emotional wellness. It's about creating environments where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Equity is fundamental in this journey; it means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to resources to achieve their best health and wellness. This involves addressing systemic barriers, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering a community where inclusion is the basis of everything we do!

Board Members

BOARD MEMBERS

Shaurie Bidot

Stephanie Sotlar (she/her)

Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (she/her)

Laura McQuarrie Salter (she/they)

Karanpreet Kaur Johar (she/her)

About VWHC

Our History

Our Mission

Board Members

Our Community Partners

What we do

Drop-in Centre

Naturopathic Clinic & Community Acupuncture

Cultural Care

Yoga

Contact Information