A West Kootenay woman of influence

Kootenay Business magazine recognized four West Kootenay businesswomen with its second annual Influential Women in Business awards. Here we speak to Rebecca Vassilakakis, a financial advisor at Krueckl Financial Services in Castlegar, B.C.

KB: Do you know why you were nominated?
Vassilakakis: I was nominated partly because I give sound financial advice, but mostly for organizing the West Kootenay Women in Business (WKIB) group which meets twice a month, once in Castlegar and once in Nelson. There are about 250 women in the group, some of whom are very involved and some who are less—whatever works and is useful for them. The nomination was very nice; someone recognized the time and effort it took to get the group started and then support it for two years.

For anyone interested in WKWIB, check out Facebook/WKWIB. The group provides a great opportunity to network and connect with like-minded women and to get feedback from other business owners and managers.

KB: What does this recognition mean to you, and why?
Vassilakakis: I was really excited to be nominated. The group is all about women supporting women. Those of us who started the group wanted to meet other women in business, hoping we could help influence women to become better in their business. This nomination confirmed that we have been pretty successful.

KB: In your mind, what are the characteristics of an influential woman?
Vassilakakis: I think in order to be influential, a woman needs to be trustworthy, approachable, practical and involved in the community. I think that if you really believe in something, then you share it. Your enthusiasm attracts people to naturally get on board.