Meet Stephanie Mikalishen-Deol! Stephanie has worked at the YMCA in Prince George for 10 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It's a tie between my three best friends in life- my husband, my bestie and my mom (and my fur babies).
What is your favourite local store in Prince George and why?
The Plateau because they have unique adorable finds for every season.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere in Southeast Asia because it is the next big trip on my list!
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Hiking and kayaking in our beautiful outdoors
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh gosh, I feel like these happen to me every day…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was able to participate in a YMCA leadership program where I was able to visit programs in Colombia, including a YMCA school.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up like many little girls I wanted to be a princess. My favourite princess to this day is Sleeping Beauty. When I was eight my family travelled to Disneyland and I met the 'real' Sleeping Beauty!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am a firm believer in giving back to your community. I think if everyone gave a small portion of their time then the world would be a much better place.
I have spent my time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Guides, the Canoe and Kayak Club, teaching Sunday School classes and the B.C. Camps Association; currently, I am serving as the President of the Association which is the accrediting body for summer camps for the province. I am passionate about all the organizations with which I have worked; however, the BCCA holds a special place in my heart knowing we are assuring children are having the safest and highest quality camp experiences possible.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I wish that we could give all the children the same chance to succeed. The reason I do the work that I do is because I was very fortunate to grow up in a privileged home – I had a great education, a loving family, many activities including summer camp, etc. It is this start in life that put me on the path to success. It breaks my heart that not all children are given the same chance to succeed – it is a cycle that doesn't need to exist.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
I love Forests for the World- it's so close you can be there in a few minutes, but it is a quaint as a park far from the city.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
I want to see positive changes to support our children and youth to thrive!
What do you think makes Prince George great?
The people- there is something so special about the people that live here. You can't describe it to outsiders but when you're a part of this community, you can just feel it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
My bucket list is big and mostly destinations to travel:
1. Backpack Southeast Asia
2. Do a Lord of the Rings tour in New Zealand
3. Go to a country music cafe in Nashville
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am a kickboxing instructor!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
YMCA of Northern B.C.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started with the YMCA 10 years ago now which seems unbelievable! I started as a camp counsellor and my responsibilities grew with my abilities. I was pursuing a career in teaching; however, I found my perfect fir at the Y along the way.
What is the goal of your business?
The YMCA is committed to building healthy communities; I have the privilege to be a part of that – making our community the best it can be.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
As a professional and overachieved, a lot of people don't know but I hope my story will inspire others that I have had a harsh struggle with depression and anxiety.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I don't believe in regrets. I believe that everything happens for a reason.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Keep Smiling – it is my life motto.
Tell us your best piece of life advice
It would have to also be keep smiling- I believe if you do your best, you work hard and you stay true to yourself then as long as you smile, everything will work out the way it is supposed to and you'll be sure to enjoy the ride (at least a bit).
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
The first name that pops into my head is Sheryl Sandberg or Michelle Obama – they are both such incredible female leaders who are fearless and demonstrate an astounding amount of integrity.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Because communities are a family of support – if I want my community to help me succeed then it's my responsibility to help others and celebrate their talents!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Probably my career – I feel very privileged that I am trusted to do the work that I do and I never dreamed I would have such amazing opportunities so quickly.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband! He is the Michelle to my Barack. I am only able to do everything I do because of him. When I have a project or event he always asks how he can help and does so quietly with a smile!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think PG is BC's best-kept secret. I moved away to attend UVic and moving back was the best thing that ever happened to me! I love everything about my life here and feel so privileged to call this special place my home!
A little more about me:
Currently, I live with my wonderful husband and our two fur babies. In addition to spending time outside, we spend our time with our friends and family.
We both grew up in PG – actually down the street from each other! But we never met until a few years ago when we were set up by my best friend.
Professionally, I currently work as the Manager of Philanthropy, Marketing and Camps for the YMCA of Northern BC where I am responsible for our camp programs, including YMCA Camp Kanannaq and the Aurora Leadership Program. I actually created the Aurora Leadership Program a number of years ago. At the time we didn't have any camp programs for ages 13-15 so I put together a program proposal and pitched it to our CEO – to this day this is one of my proudest career accomplishments as it has created such impact for youth in our community. I also implemented YMCA beyond the Bell at a local school this fall which provides low-income families academic and recreational support to close the achievement gap. As the head of philanthropy, marketing and communications for our Association, this past year I was a part of the team that brought Foundry to PG. — I feel so privileged to be able to be a part of this work for local children and families.
If there is one thing I am passionate about it is making positive change for the children and youth in our community.
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.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
