We are honoured to have Karen Flavelle on board as one of our ambassador’s for the Dress
for Success Vancouver Power Walk 2013! Karen is the Chief Executive officer of
Purdys Chocolatier and has been monumental in the success of one of Vancouver’s
most renowned companies. A leader in both the local and international
community, Karen has proven to be an inspiration to many women across the
globe. Karen encompasses everything that Dress for Success stands for and we
are so excited to have her join the 2013 Power Walk!
Many different experiences have provided the
tool box for Karen to successfully lead Purdys, the largest Chocolatier in
Canada.....a B.Comm from Queen's, living in Japan and Asia for 2 years,
speaking fluent French, being trained in classic packaged goods marketing at
General Mills, developing innovative new products at Product Development
Partnership in the UK, and growing a popular chain of 140 restaurants: Swiss
Chalet.
Sport, particularly endurance sports like
running, road biking, roller blading and skiing, give Karen the high energy she
is known for.
At over 106 years old, Purdys is a delicate
balance between tradition and innovation, giving customers their favourites
while exciting them with new ideas and chocolates.
Giving back to Africa, where 70% of the
world's cocoa comes from, is an integral part of Purdys. Currently Purdys is
working to educate farmers in the Ivory Coast to help them increase their
incomes through growing more productive farms with better quality beans, and
helping the women be more successful in their businesses. In addition, Purdys contributes to many, many
local Canadian organizations with a focus on helping children and their
families. Karen is
currently active on the International Council of Shopping Centres’ Board of
Governors.
Karen’s past
Board positions include: Retail Council of Canada, BC Business Council Board of
Governors, BC Business Laureate Hall of Fame Board of Governors, Canadian
Association of Family Enterprises (Personal Advisory Group Chair),
Confectionary Manufacturing Association of Canada, International Council of
Shopping Centres (Provincial Retail Chair), Retail Merchants Association of BC,
Young Presidents’ Organization (BC Forum Chair, WIN Regional Chair, WIN GCC
Chair).
Business awards
received: Influential Women in Business Award, Centennial Recognition Award –
International Council of Shopping Centres, Business Hall of Fame – Vancouver
Board of Trade, #1 – Golden Plate Readers’ Choice Award, BC Hall of Fame for
Excellence in Food Processing (Lifetime Achievement Award), One of the Biggest
BC Businesses Owned by Women, “One of Top 50 Companies to Work for in Canada”,
Henry Singer Award for Excellence in Retailing, and WXN Top 100 of the Most
Powerful Women in Canada.
We can’t wait
for you to meet Karen at the 2013 Power Walk on May 11th! Register a team for the walk now!
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