Above and Beyond, honourable mention
Iris Solorzano began her career at Options Community Services Society in 2001 as a volunteer. In her current role as program manager, she oversees the BC Newcomer Services Program (BC NSP), BC SAFE HAVEN Program, Migrant Workers Program (MWP), and Food Security Program.
"For the past 23 years, I have had the privilege of working at Options Community Services, where every day I see people from all walks of life coming to our doors in need of support. A single mother without a place to live, a student searching for work, a temporary foreign worker who has faced abuse at their job, a refugee fleeing for their life, a young person in distress, a father unsure how he’ll provide for his family, or a recent immigrant who arrived full of hope only to see that hope feel distant—each story is unique and urgent," Solorzano said.
Solorzano leads dozens of staff who serve diverse clients across multiple programs.
Her recent accolades include the Latin American Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Award.
Under her leadership, the Newcomers Employment and Resource Fair was launched in 2018, with 100 participants in the first year – that expanded to 2,000 newcomers in 2024.
"What keeps me going is knowing that every small gesture, whether it’s a listening ear or a word of encouragement, truly matters. I am also strengthened by a supportive community that shares this commitment. When I reach out, I am never alone, and together, we make a meaningful difference," she said.
