Our People


Miriam Sobrino

Miriam has been a director of Atira Women’s Resource Society for 16 of the past 18 years and has been on the board of APMI since its inception in 2002.

Miriam first became a member of the Atira Board in 1996 and has stepped down three times and returned, in accordance with Atira’s bylaws.

She is the communications officer for the Health Sciences Association, holds an undergraduate degree in the arts and a journalism diploma. She has a background in community newspapers and communications both in the public and private sector. She is the mother of three and an active member of her community, volunteering with minor hockey and numerous other organizations. Miriam lives on the shared traditional lands of the Katzie, Semiahmoo, Kwantlen and other Coast Salish peoples. Her pronouns are she/her. Active in BC’s union movement, she has been the Director of Communications and Member Organizing at the Health Sciences Association of BC for the past 20 years and has a background in government communications and as an editor and reporter in community newspapers.

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Claire Mochrie headshot

Clare Mochrie

Clare is an experienced leader, planner and project manager. Currently serving as Director of Planning and Performance with the First Nations Health Authority, Clare has over 20 years of experience working with communities, First Nations and all levels of government to devise innovative solutions around challenges related to health, housing, land use and real estate, economic development, accessibility and sustainability.

Prior to joining the FNHA in 2021, Clare ran a Vancouver-based consultancy for over 15 years. She worked with the Province, health authorities and communities throughout BC on various planning processes, policy initiatives, research projects and engagements. As director of a multinational corporation, Clare led stakeholder and government relations for a world scale climate change project. She also facilitated strategic planning processes with various non-profit boards and member organizations in the IT sector. Clare holds a Master of Arts degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia, where she is currently an adjunct professor. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University.  The areas of women’s wellness, gender and racial equity are ones that Clare is particularly passionate about and since 2008, she has volunteered with organizations committed to gender-based programming, anti-violence and advocacy. She is also a proud mother of two amazing young boys.Her passion lies in working with people on complex and challenging issues – and devising innovative solutions that result in real improvements. Clare has a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a Masters of Planning from the University of British Columbia.

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Deb Jack

Deb has been honored to be involved on the board of what became Atira WRS since early 1990s when we were one transition house, Atira, in Surrey.

A primary focus has been violence and oppression of women and girls and the creation of residences and programming for them.

She spent 32. 5 years with BC Corrections (Probation) during which she wrote a significant paper on spousal abuse/assault and a 1982 Project Report (book) on Community Service later requested by The Law Reform Commission of Canada.

Over the years she has had extensive experience on boards of a variety of community organizations enjoying the collaborative aspects.

Her other main interest is Urban Biodiversity Conservation (ubc).She is a co-founder, President of and chief spokesperson  for Surrey Environmental Partners; also, vice-President and Conservation Chair of White Rock and Surrey Naturalists. ubc. is critical for health and well-being.

Deb’s activities pretty much flow from her graduation in Sociology and History from McGill, 1965. City of Surrey designated Deb as Citizen of The Year 2012. Other awards include 2005  Silver, Community Spirit Award Spirit of the Cranes Burns Bog Conservation Society; 2011  Outstanding Individual Recognizing Leaders in Environmental Stewardship Green City Award City of Surrey; 2013  Environmental Leader Community Leadership Awards, 11th year The Leader Newspaper; 2017  Community Group Recognizing environmental leaders who take action and inspire White Rock and Surrey Naturalists (Vice-President and Conservation Chair) Green City Award City of Surrey; 2019  Environmental Leader, Honourable Mention Community Leader Award, 17th year The Now-Leader Newspaper. Deb is now a board member of Atira Women’s Arts Society.

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Emma McLagen

Emma is a dedicated advocate for empowering all people, especially women and marginalized people, through the transformative power of creativity and storytelling. As the founder and CEO of EmotivContent Inc., Emma brings almost two decades of experience in creative content and brand strategy for national and global corporations.

Her expertise extends to building in-house creative teams, collaborating with industry talent worldwide, and telling compelling stories from diverse corners of the globe. As a Board of Director for Atira Women’s Art Society, Emma will leverage her extensive background, including as a former schoolteacher, to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. This includes fostering meaningful peer relationships, building community connections, and creating economic opportunities for women through the transformative medium of art, music, and entrepreneurship.

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Kay Sinclair

Director AWRS since: 2000 (lastly 2016-10-12) Kay has stepped down twice and returned, in accordance with Atira’s bylaws. She works for a public sector union and is a strong supporter of the role that social programs play in making our society more equal and just.

Kay is a strong advocate for women’s rights, human rights, and the union movement. She brings experience in governance and labour relations.

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AWAS Board Chart