2026-2028 Western Canada Region Board Of Directors

Shirley Stewart
Region Governor
Surrey, BC
Club: Soroptimist International of the Langleys
Shirley has been a Soroptimist since 2006. Initially she was looking for something to fill a desire to support women in her community. After learning about the amazing programs that SI, SIA and local clubs offer to ensure that women and girls have access to quality education and employment, she was hooked.
She has served in many positions on her club executive and as chair of many committees. Serving at the Region level was not on her radar, but she is so very glad she said yes! Shirley is looking forward to the remainder of her term as Governor-Elect and the adventures that await her as Governor.

Colleen Murphy-Beresh
Governor-Elect
Saskatoon, SK
Club: Soroptimist International of Saskatoon
Colleen joined Soroptimist International of Saskatoon in 2020 and has served her club in several leadership roles, including President, President-Elect, and Secretary. She has also been actively involved in programs and committees including Live Your Dream, Dream It Be It, membership, advocacy, and fundraising. From 2023–2026, Colleen served as the Western Canada Region Live Your Dream Chair.
Colleen brings many years of experience as an educator and staff development professional. She values connection, learning, and helping others grow, and looks forward to bringing her experience, energy, and commitment to Soroptimist to her role as Governor-Elect.

Lana Deruyter
Treasurer
Chilliwack, BC
Club: Soroptimist International of Chilliwack
Almost two years ago, Lana Deruyter was searching for an organization that focused on helping women and girls. After seeing some posts from friends on Facebook, she took the leap and attended a membership event, followed by a meeting and the rest is history.
Being a part of a community that strives to educate and empower women has given volunteering a whole new meaning to Lana. She is looking forward to all the being a Soroptimist has to offer and spending time with the friends she has made throughout the region.

Vanessa Turke
Secretary
Maple Ridge, BC
Club: Soroptimist International of the Langleys
Vanessa joined Soroptimist International of the Langleys in 2023 and currently serves as Chair of the club’s Live Your Dream program and Secretary of the Western Canada Region Board. She was also a participant in the 2025–2026 Soroptimist Leadership Fellows Program and previously served as 2025–2026 Club President.
Vanessa joined Soroptimist because she wanted to contribute her skills and time to making a meaningful difference for women and girls. Vanessa brings a background in user experience and service design and enjoys helping organizations communicate clearly, stay organized, and turn ideas into action.

Margo Wipf
Board Member
Barriere, BC
Club: Soroptimist International Canada West Online
Margo joined Soroptimist in 2025 as a member of SI Canada West Online and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Western Canada Region Membership Committee and as a Board Member-at-Large.
Margo has especially enjoyed the fellowship, collaboration, and opportunity to connect with members across regions. She brings a background in governance, policy, risk management, and committee support, along with a practical and organized approach to helping groups work effectively. She values clear communication, inclusion, and creating opportunities for members to connect, share ideas, and strengthen Soroptimist together.

Melanie Kenny
Parliamentarian
Saskatoon, BC
Club: SI Saskatoon
Melanie joined Soroptimist International of Saskatoon in 2010 and is heavily involved with her local club’s ongoing projects. She is a past Governor of the Western Canada Region (2018-2020) and was Region Program Co-chair for 4 years. In 2023 she was elected to SIA’s International Board of Directors (2023-2025) and was appointed as the Chair of the Laws and Resolutions committee of the SIA Board. Currently she is President of SI Saskatoon.
Melanie retired from her career with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, in 2018, after 25 years. During her career she was a labour relations and alternate dispute resolution specialist, plus an adult educator, workshop facilitator, counsellor and mediator.
