Shirley Higgins, Chair
Women's Enterprise Centre

Shirley Higgins, Chair

Shirley Higgins has always been an entrepreneur at heart, and has operated home-based businesses since 1974, winning numerous awards and recognition as a top seller for several lines she represented. Located in Vernon, BC since 2008, Shirley's corporate training and event management firm has helped thousands of people since it was founded in Houston, BC in 1992.

On the corporate training side, Shirley has worked with the forest industry to deliver the annual mandatory company-sponsored Contractor Training Program. Clients include Canfor-Houston, Houston Forest Products, Pacific Inland Resources, BC Timber Sales and numerous logging contractors. This involves the development of the program, managing all logistical aspects, ensuring successful participation and delivery of the program as well as managing the training records for 1500 loggers. Shirley is an approved trainer providing Environmental Management System training throughout BC.

Shirley believes life is fun and LOVES to plan FUN for others. In her event planning business, she has organized dozens of corporate, community and private parties, weddings and fundraisers for groups ranging in size from 100 to 2,000.

Prior to starting her training & event business, Shirley had a variety of roles, which reflects the nature of life in rural BC. She has served as a substitute teacher for SD#54, Manager of the Houston and District Chamber of Commerce, Training Consultant and Manager for the Morice Community Skills Centre and had contracts with Tourism BC and Houston Today.

Shirley has a real understanding of the issues and challenges facing women in rural BC communities. Born in Nelson, BC, Shirley has lived in Golden, Prince George, and Houston (30 years) prior to taking up residence in Vernon BC to be near her children and grandchildren. Over the years, Shirley has earned the Provincial Instructor’s Diploma from Vancouver Community College, a Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills from the Justice Institute, has been qualified as a MBTI professional, holds numerous Professional Development certificates, but insists her best education has been her life experience to date.

Shirley is truly committed to community service. She was a Justice of the Peace for ten years, a Marriage Commissioner for sixteen years, and has been involved as a volunteer with many other groups. Some examples include: Volunteer Coordinator for Houston Hospice (16 years), President of the Houston Concert Association (12 years). She presently sits on the Property Assessment Review Panel, has been a director for Women’s Enterprise Centre since 2004 and is now the Board Chair.

Born and raised in an entrepreneurial family, she is married to her entrepreneur husband Hal, is the mother of three adult daughters who are each successful entrepreneurs, has 10 grandchildren and is passionate about helping, motivating and inspiring women to succeed in business.

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