In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Angela Ackerley Allen.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I've lived in the Okanagan for 40 years but was originally born in Cheshire, England.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My grandson Hudson. He reminds me why I am passionate about making positive changes in the community.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would travel the Mediterranean to find inner peace and balance. Experiencing different cultures to enrich your own character, stay in tune with your passion and find the moment.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The Wardrobe Boutique. It excites my inner Pin Up Girl and brightens up the creative statement of who you are. I also love Grey Monk and Mission Hill Winery. Fantastic local place to relax and connect!
What is your favourite activity?
I love to dance; Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Belly Dancing. I have to get back into the groove!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Vegetarian tacos.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Falling down a flight of stairs at a bar 30 years ago.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a grandma. It's given me another opportunity to invest unconditional love to another human being. I didn't understand it until the moment I held my grand child.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Living off the grid on a self-sustaining farm, learning about nature, operating a chain saw and swinging an axe at 9 years old. As well as spear fishing white fish under abandoned beaver dams in Salmon River and playing Queen of the Castle on the pig stye roof with the neighbour boys. Life was simple yet hard, but we embraced the opportunity to play and use our imaginations. Climbing the mountains surrounding us makes me really feel connected to our Okanagan Valley.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have dedicated thousands of hours to improving our work environment. I also believe in a safe work environment and enjoy protecting Human Rights.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would breathe passion, confidence and courage into the lungs of all who wish to become better people and who seek equality and equity. To open the minds of others to accept the unique identities we all have for the power of a good for all. It can happen; one person at a time, but it starts with you. Be the change you want to see. Seek personal excellence in all you do to become a better person today than you were yesterday.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Exploring the wineries and tasting our beautiful Valley's nectar of the gods!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
We have beautiful trails everywhere, but I love to be amongst our wild birds and animals with the picturesque lakes.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I want to see us all working in fair and equitable workplaces free of bullying and harassment. I'd also expand the road infrastructure to handle our visitors and people who call Kelowna 'home'.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our natural environment and people co-existing with it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1.Visit more wineries
2. Spend time at Sparkling Hill Spa
3. Take our kayaks out on the lake
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I spent three years living off grid and living off the land.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Facebook or face to face. I'm here to assist in making a positive impact however that may be.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Interior Health Authority.
Why did you get into/start this business?
My parents were psychiatric nurses which made me gravitate to the field of nursing and assisting others.
What is the goal of your business?
To help others when they are most vulnerable.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Hurting people. Compassion and empathy goes a long way. Sometimes that means being kind to yourself and finding balance in life remains a challenge.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Life has its mysteries. We do not understand the lessons as we go through this journey but I trust the process, and listen to my intuition.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Continue to pursue personal excellence every day to become a better person today than you were yesterday.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My family. My two children and their partners, my grandson, husband and my two pets, Roo and Atia.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support our local economy!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mother to my children, and engaging in leadership representing people's rights. Never underestimate the power of positive influence.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The care teams at Kelowna General Hospital.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ian Allen.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Ian Allen is a pharmacist at a Save On Foods in the Mission. He goes over and beyond to help his patients and supports a healthy work atmosphere in his pharmacy.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
