June 29, 2020- We are delighted to announce that our 2020 JABC Exceptional Alumni Award winner is Parveen Walia, from Langley, BC.
Parveen was introduced to JA when she was a grade 10 JA Company Program student at David Thompson Secondary in Vancouver, BC. As a 20 year alumna, Parveen says, “I still have fond memories of that time, and because of that terrific experience I sought out to volunteer with Junior Achievement about 6 years ago. I always find the enthusiasm of the children contagious, and it’s fulfilling to know that the life skills they are learning will come in handy for years to come.”
In addition to holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, she has both a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation, the highest distinction in the investment management profession.
She is currently a Portfolio Manager with Odium Brown in Langley, the President of the Association of Women in Finance and was honoured as the Fraser Valley Volunteer of the Year in 2017.
As a JABC volunteer, she has shared her financial expertise with youth since 2014. By facilitating a variety of JA programs, including Dollars with Sense, More than Money, and Economics for Success, she has helped hundreds of students in the Langley area develop their financial literacy skills. Parveen adds, “I really believe in the power of education, and how it can shape a young person’s future.”
“This is our inaugural year for the JABC Exceptional Alumni Award, and we are delighted to recognize Parveen Walia,” says Sheila Biggers, President and CEO of JA British Columbia, “She embodies all of the qualities we seek in an exceptional JA alumna. She has a record of outstanding business achievements, has attained a high level of respect in the community and is a role model for BC youth. Congratulations and thank you Parveen for your contributions to JA.”