Fundraising Events

Diane Dupuis, CFP,CLU,CH.F.C., CHS

President

Since opening her firm in 1985, Diane has built The Dupuis Langen Group into one of the largest, most respected companies in the insurance industry in British Columbia.

Diane is a Certified Health Insurance Specialist, a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Certified Financial Planner.

Education is important to Diane and as a result The Dupuis Langen Group financially supports education and lifelong learning for its employees for designations such as the GBA (Group Benefits Associate) and CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) designations through Dalhousie University.

In 2014, Diane with her husband, Fred, founded The Act West Community Foundation.  This registered charity provides bursaries to single mothers to obtain a full post-secondary education in order to secure meaningful employment and build better lives for themselves and their children.  This is funded annually by The Dupuis Langen Group.

Dr. George Abbott, Ph.D

George is President of Circle Square Solutions Ltd., a public policy consulting company.

George Abbott has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in politics and public service.  He served as BC’s Minister of Education (2010-12), Minister of Health for four years (2005-09), Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (2009-10), Minister of Sustainable Resource Management (2004-05) and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (2001-04).  From 1996 to 2001, George served as Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition.

Prior to his election to the Legislature, he served for 17 years in local government including as Director and Chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District and as a Counsellor at the District of Sicamous.

George was a Sessional Lecturer in Political Science at Okanagan University College from 1980 to 1996.  He is currently a Sessional Lecturer and doctoral candidate in Political Science at the University of Victoria.

Valentina Araneda, CPA, CGA

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Privacy Officer at GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions since 2010.
Previously, Chief Financial Officer at Delta Building Products for approximately 10 years.

Valentina has held numerous responsibilities in her capacity as the CFO such as managing and executing on the strategic direction of the business.

Anna Nyarady,
BA, CFP, C.Dir

Secretary/ Treasurer

Anna has over 30 years’ experience providing business and financial consulting services in the areas of strategic business development and corporate governance for both private businesses and publicly-traded companies.
Anna has been a director, owner and/or CEO of numerous businesses in the following industry sectors: financial planning, securities and banking, real estate development and leasing, mining and oil & gas development, water desalination/filtration, high tech medical technology, water theme parks and entertainment. Her experience with these corporations led her to work on projects in Canada, United States, England, France, Ireland, Mexico, China, Brazil, Columbia, Ghana, and Kyrgyzstan. This broad spectrum of experience has given Anna an excellent understanding of the issues that are important to most employers.

Mary Waring

Mary is the Chief Executive Officer of Western Logistics Inc.
Mary has an extensive background in many facets of transportation, in sales, marketing and operations management. She holds a B.Comm and is a CCLP (Canadian Certified Logistics Professional). This designation is through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.
Mary was recently honoured with 2015 Canadian Award of Excellence from the national CITT organization. Also, Mary was the recipient of the 2016 Enterprising Women of the Year award. She is an active member of the Women Presidents’ Organization and lives in Vancouver BC

Despina Williams

Despina is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at The Dupuis Langen Group. She has been with the Dupuis Langen Group for over 15 years and specializes in benefit plans.
Despina has received her GBA (Group Benefits Associate) designation from Dalhousie University.