Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive 2SLGBTQ+ community in White Rock and South Surrey. We are committed to our mission: bringing together the White Rock Pride communities, families, and allies through events that offer social connection, belonging, celebration, understanding, and acceptance.
We are proud to represent and support the 2SLGBTQA+ community in South Surrey and White Rock, working year-round to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Board members are selected annually at our closed AGM, and all candidates must have prior volunteer experience with our organization. If you’re interested in volunteering and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at admin@whiterockpride.com to get involved.
ROB CHRISTENSEN: PRESIDENT
Rob is a Realtor in the White Rock area with The Chris Shields Home Selling Team.
He is passionate about giving back to his community, especially through volunteerism having supported and worked with local
community theatre groups and local charities including Sources Community Services and The Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
The White Rock Pride Society is important to Rob, as he believes everyone should feel welcome, supported and safe in their community.
“People should always be proud of who they are. It’s a pleasure to serve
with such a committed team of wonderful and positive directors.”
DEIRDRE GOUDRIAAN: VICE PRESIDENT
Deirdre is a passionate advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, committed to fostering inclusivity and acceptance.
With a strong belief in the power of self-expression and belonging, Deirdre works to create safe spaces for individuals to celebrate their identities without fear or judgment. She does this through education, events, and community-building at Sources anti-violence programs, and through her successful consulting company, Team Play Consulting.
With a focus on mental wellness, trauma-informed approaches and intersectionality, Deirdre is dedicated to amplifying voices and ensuring that everyone, regardless of orientation, gender identity, or background, has the right to live authentically and unapologetically.
MICHAEL BARWELL: CO-TREASURER
Michael Barwell is a founding member of the White Rock Pride Society. He grew up in Hope, BC and lived for many years in Vancouver and Burnaby, having moved to White Rock in 2010 where he lives with his husband.
Michael has owned and operated English Bay Travel and continues to work as a travel agent.
He also co-operates Ashberry and Logan, The Art of Flowers with his husband donating time and merchandise in support of many local community initiatives.
Michael is generous with his time volunteering in the community and with his family.
HEATHER JOHNSON: CO-TREASURER
Heather Johnson, CPHR is a semi retired human resources and governance consultant focusing on human resources consulting, people and culture programs, governance and strategic planning.
Heather works mainly with small and medium-size businesses, with a focus on First Nations, Not for Profits, and food processors. Heather also volunteers for Vantage Point and CPHR BC & Yukon.
Heather has taken a personal pledge of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
LISA Côté: SECRETARY
Lisa is a dedicated ally to friends and family in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, is a lifelong volunteer, and is passionate about helping to foster a culture of belonging. She is excited to meet more neighbours, make new friends, and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive White Rock as a member of the White Rock Pride Society.
Lisa’s professional background spans change management, coaching, communications, and training. Throughout her career, the common thread has been her interest in supporting and connecting people, helping them navigate transition and find shared purpose. She is now channeling that expertise into the local community, actively working to build a supportive and deeply connected environment where everyone is welcome
DREW DENNIS
I am passionate about celebrating queer, trans and two spirit people and the allies who love us.
My professional and community service over the last 25 years has centered around building and fostering inclusion within the 2SLGBTQA+ communities.
I was privileged to serve as Executive Director with Out On Screen, an organization that touches many lives through the annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival and its province-wide Out in Schools educational program.
In 2022, my partner and I moved to South Surrey and we are enjoying getting to know the area and the communities we have joined.
I am honoured and humbled to bring my passion to the White Rock Pride Society.
KAREN MCKORMICK
Karen is an Administrative Co-Ordinator in Surrey. She is passionate about volunteering and has been involved with one festival for 18 years of running. She has recently moved back to BC after 6 years away and joined the White Rock Pride Society to get involved in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and meet likeminded people.
JOANNE MARASHLI
Joanne Al Marashli, is a passionate advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and acceptance especially within the youth community.
Having moved to Canada from Australia in 2022. And to White Rock in late 2023, her aim has been getting to know and support the area and local community.
Joanne works as the White Rock/South Surrey Youth Space Coordinator, at Alex Neighbourhood House. Joanne’s focus is to ensure the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are represented and heard, and endeavours to ensure growing collaboration between WRPS and the local 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Joanne is honoured and humbled to be a member of the White Rock Pride Society Board and Community.