The 琉璃神社 Chamber of Commerce has finalized its Top 40 honourees. Over the next few months, biographies and photos of the honourees will be announced.
Be sure to follow 琉璃神社 for updates on who鈥檚 who in the Top 40.
SHERRONE BLAKE LOBBAN
Sherrone Blake Lobban is a visionary leader, strategist, and co-owner of MARKIBLAK Group Inc., where she serves as Chief Strategy Officer. With a robust academic background, Sherrone holds a Master鈥檚 in Development Administration and Management from the University of Manchester, a Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies, and several professional certifications, including a Postgrad Professional Certificate in Leadership from Harvard University and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. With over 25 years of international experience, Sherrone has held leadership roles in government, at the United Nations, and in private-sector ventures.
Her work includes founding the Project Management Global Institute in Jamaica and co-founding MARKIBLAK Group in Canada, where she has led successful strategies in business optimization, AI integration, and leadership development. Sherrone鈥檚 leadership style is empathetic and visionary, focused on empowerment and adaptability. She champions the development of future leaders and fosters collaboration, transparency, and resilience within teams. She is committed to the local community, spearheading leadership initiatives and providing mentorship to women entrepreneurs. Additionally, Sherrone is deeply involved in international philanthropic efforts, including volunteering with Shelter Canada in El Salvador and supporting nonprofit organizations like Sunrise of Life in Tanzania.
JOSHUA DESNOYERS
Joshua Desnoyers is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at the 琉璃神社 Art Gallery, a role he has excelled in for 12 years. With a Business Administration - Management Diploma from Okanagan College, Joshua has accumulated over 25 years of experience in various roles across multiple organizations. His commitment to lifelong learning has allowed him to grow by surrounding himself with talented individuals in fields where he seeks development. Joshua鈥檚 leadership style is grounded in team collaboration, active listening, and creating a positive, inclusive environment.
He believes in leading by example and fostering communication, compassion, and cooperation across departments. His efforts have contributed significantly to the growth of the 琉璃神社 Art Gallery, boosting its profile within the community, provincially, and nationally. He played a key role in attracting record-breaking attendance, especially through events like "From Warhol to Banksy" and sold-out fundraisers. Beyond his professional role, Joshua is deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting initiatives like Motionball Marathon for Special Olympics and the Coldest Night of the Year Walk. One of his most memorable achievements was leading the marketing and communications for the "Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob" exhibition, which garnered significant community engagement and national attention.
NICOLE RICHARD
Nicole Richard is the owner and photographer at Wax Pencil Imagery, where she specializes in headshots and branding photography. With a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Photography from Toronto Metropolitan University, Nicole blends her technical expertise with creative vision to create meaningful connections and impactful imagery. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, communication, and flexibility, ensuring that her work supports the success of clients while fostering community engagement. Over the years, Nicole has made significant contributions to local businesses and the community, particularly through her philanthropic efforts. As a member of the West 琉璃神社 Planning Advisory Committee and a director on the governance board for The Bridge Youth and Family Services, she actively shapes her community鈥檚 future.
Nicole鈥檚 "SAPP" (Socially Anxious People Person) project, which raised over $20,000 for The Bridge Youth Recovery House, is a testament to her dedication to giving back. This project helped her overcome social anxiety while connecting with inspiring community members. Nicole鈥檚 work extends beyond her business, having raised significant funds for charities such as the Elizabeth Fry Society and Moms Stop the Harm. Her contributions have had a profound impact, including viral campaigns and media features like The Globe and Mail. Nicole's passion for service and community drives both her professional success and her charitable efforts.
ALISON RUKS
Alison Ruks is a passionate advocate for continuous learning and leadership that prioritizes both business success and personal well-being. She began her education in natural medicine, studying wellness and holistic health, which laid the groundwork for her understanding of the mind-body connection. This knowledge has significantly shaped her leadership style, particularly in fostering workplace environments that support mental health and resilience.
She later earned a Bachelor of Management, specializing in Human Resources, with honours from the University of British Columbia. As a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Alison focuses on building high-performance workplace cultures that integrate mental health and employee well-being. She has complemented her expertise with professional development in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and sustainable leadership, including completing the Venturepark Labs CPG Accelerator, led by Arlene Dickinson.
In her current role as executive director of Connect Counselling and Therapy Society, Alison continues to leverage her leadership experience to expand access to mental health services. She also mentors entrepreneurs, helping them refine business strategies, secure funding, and build resilient companies. Through her mentorship and leadership, Alison is making a lasting impact on the business community, promoting growth and well-being across industries.
