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?
Mary Clark.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from Edmonton and our family moved to Kelowna July 30th, 1996. It was an interesting day to make the move as it was a blue moon. I’m so glad we chose to come to the Okanagan.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband and my four wonderful children because they never cease to amaze and inspire me.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment, where would you go and why?
Iceland. I love spending time outdoors and the landscape there is incredible. I love volcanoes, hot springs, and being immersed in pristine natural landscapes.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Nature’s Fare. I am passionate about local, organic, and ethically sourced food.
What is your favourite activity?
I love hiking the Rockies and skiing at Big White.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I would choose the burger if it were from a restaurant which serves ethically sourced meat from BC.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once fell over backwards in my chair while hosting a political meeting for my ex-husband. My chair flipped right over (because I had fallen asleep!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I led a campaign to reintroduce the anatum Peregrine Falcon back into the Okanagan. Watching the peregrines learn to fly after all the work we had put into the project was a very emotional and meaningful experience for me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Growing up in Edmonton. I used to hike in the mountains almost every weekend with my parents. That’s really where I came to appreciate the wonder of our natural world.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I’m a member of Capri Rotary and I’m really proud of the work that Rotary does in our community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would bring the world together to remove all plastic from the oceans.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Cycling Myra Canyon.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would walk up Knox Mountain.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see downtown Kelowna continue to develop into a thriving, pedestrian-centered, and culturally rich community. I would like to see our college and university continue to grow. I would also like to see Kelowna go plastic-free.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our kind people, beautiful scenery, fresh air, and community spirit.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. I want to climb Temple Mountain.
2. Hike in South America
3. Complete the Pacific Crest Trail. My girlfriend’s and I hike a section of the trail every summer.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have an honours degree in botany. I love plants!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
I’m on LinkedIn, and our Agents of Discovery team is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Agents of Discovery.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I am passionate about nature, protecting our environment, and spending time moving outdoors. As a former teacher, I am also passionate about education.
What is the goal of your business?
We believe that 21st century learners want to learn on the go. Our platform is designed to get kids moving and learning outdoors, where they can create connections with the natural world. We enable educators, who have a vested interest in the well being of learners, to create their own augmented reality mobile games.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
There are many struggles to embrace and navigate throughout life, but I would say that being a female CEO, particularly in tech, is like nothing else I have experienced.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The same. I think that everything has happened the way it was meant to.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'I’ll have just one more cup of tea.'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Bill Gates.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We’re so blessed to have wonderful farmers and bountiful harvests in the BC Interior.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My four kids!
Give someone you think that deserves a shout out and explain why!
Maxine DeHart. Because she has always been such a great supporter of women in business.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Deborah Buszard or Steve Thomson.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Kelowna is a wonderful community. I think we should be doing everything we can to encourage residents to travel by bike, transit or foot. It would be nice to see our community become a leader in green, healthful lifestyles.
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.
