2023 Board of Directors
Erin Arnold - Treasurer
Erin Arnold has worked for various ministries since 1998 including the Attorney General, Public Safety and Solicitor General, Children and Family Development and Public Services Agency of BC. Erin holds a graduate certificate in complex trauma and child sexual abuse intervention, a undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Care Counselling and has over 18 years of facilitation, victim services and trauma-based work experience. Erin has managed multi-year government contracts, organized and executed large public events and assisted in drafting public policy on various progressive issues. Erin is passionate about volunteering in her community and has done so in a variety of capacities. Key areas of interest are women’s rights, maternal mental health, trauma informed programs and refugee services. Erin holds various board positions on subjects ranging from public education, mental health, global education, various levels of politics etc. Erin is a mother, leader, survivor, social justice advocate and change-maker. Erin hopes to continue to bring compassion and empowerment to her role with SMA. Erin has been a SMA member for five years.
Josephine Gyamfuah-Amonu
Josephine’s professional experience includes over twenty years working for the federal government in various human resources roles, including employee relations, conflict resolution, disability management, and performance management. She has insight into the diligence involved in providing tangible advice and service. Josephine has a strong perspective and an appreciation for ongoing support when dealing with sensitive and confidential situations.
Josephine has a Bachelor of Administration (Human Resources and Industrial Relations) from Athabasca University, a Conflict Management and Mediation Certificate from Conrad Grebel University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, and Business Administration Diploma and Human Resources Management Certificate from Humber College. When not working, Josephine is a one-caregiver busy caring for her three children, who are active in multiple activities.
Mai Eagle Speaker
Mai Eagle Speaker is a mother of four, she is also the caregiver of her niece and nephew. Her father is from southern Vietnam and her mother is Blackfoot from Kainai Nation (the Blood Tribe) in southern Alberta. Mai has faced many adversities growing up in East Vancouver. Mai is deeply impacted by intergenerational trauma, abuse, neglect discrimination, grief, loss, and was also a child in care. Despite all that, she has gained valuable employment experience demonstrating commitment to supporting Indigenous and other marginalized populations over the past seven years of her career, excelling in leadership and supportive roles with MCFD Maples Adolescent Treatment centre, YWCA’s Crabtree Corner, Strive living society, and the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society. In her personal and professional experience, she has developed a strong understanding of the challenges facing those with FASD, other cognitive disabilities and mental health. Mai is a passionate advocate for Indigenous people, justice and social equality. Today Mai works at Xyolhemeylh Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society as a Family Cultural Connections Worker. Mai has been an SMA member for five years.
Kate Jarman - Secretary
Katherine Jarman is a devoted single mother of one who spends her days and nights loving all the adventures she and her child experience. Katherine is a fearless advocate for the rights of children, families, and educators in her personal and professional life and completed her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Care and Education. Katherine is currently the Director of Advocacy for the Capilano Students' Union. Katherine fulfills her commitment to social justice as she strives to support post-secondary students navigating the bureaucratic challenges that often get in the way of their goals. She works to ensure their voices are elevated, amplified, and supported on a daily basis, and works closely with the collectives of students from marginalized communities at Capilano University ensuring the Capilano Students’ Union, university, and provincial government do the work necessary to build success. She also holds a board position for ECEBC where she supports the governance of the organization and supporting the work of the tireless staff to elevate the early childhood education profession.
Andii Stephens - Chair
Andii Stephens is an advocate for human rights and social justice. As a union employee (BCGEU) championing worker’s rights, she’s also involved in her own union, MoveUP, as a member of the Women’s & Gender Rights Committee, Political Action Committee, and as the Returning Officer. Andii’s social sciences background informs her passion for equity and community involvement with a compassionate and critical lens. She actively advocates on women’s issues, including affordable housing and childcare. Her research interests include unpaid reproductive labour, the precarity of work for immigrant and migrant workers, and the representation of women in the workforce. Andii is a single mom to a young boy learning the value of feminism. She has been a member of SMA for two years.
Leila Trickey - Co-chair
Leila Trickey is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through intersectional research methodologies, policy advocacy, and equitable community and health practice. She also sits on the Board of Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), where she serves as President, on RISE Community Health Centre’s Advisory Committee, and CNH’s Anti-Racism and Equity Committee (AR&E). Leila is currently a Community Engagement Specialist with United Way British Columbia’s Hi Neighbour initiative and the loving mother of Sahel.