TIME Magazine's yearly list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World hit newsstands last month. While some individuals who made this year's list — leaders such as Barak Obama and Sarah Palin, artists such as Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga, and thinkers such as Lee Kuan Yew, just to name a small handful — will come as no surprise, it's the everyday heroes that will pleasantly amaze you. Of the 25 that made it on this year's list, one particular female caught our attention just a little bit more.

Her name is Chen Shu-Chu, and she is a vegetable seller in Taitung County's central market located in eastern Taiwan. So what does a seller of vegetables on the other side of the Pacific Ocean have to do with you? What's remarkable about her story is not her occupation, but what she does with the money earned. Although Chen earns only a modest income, she has managed to donate an astounding amount of money — nearly NT$10 million (US$320,000) — to various causes, including a children's fund, a school she attended and a local orphanage. Despite her recent attendance at the Time Gala in New York and all the media attention she has received, it has not fazed her. If anything, it has made her more determined to sell more vegetables so that she can make and then donate another NT$10 million! Fellow countryman Ang Lee notes that "What's so wonderful about Chen's achievement is not its extraordinariness, but that it is so simple and matter-of-fact in its generosity." Chen complements this by saying "Money serves its purpose only when it is used for those who need it."

In some respects, Chen's story is similar to WIL's Founder and President Maya Kanigan. It illustrates how a little good seed can grow into something amazing. When Maya decided to launch the foundation in 2001, she only had a modest amount of money in her pocket — $300 to be exact. In the early years, Maya hosted free events with a focus on women leadership because she believed in showcasing female role models. She believed, and still believes in inspiring women and celebrating their successes. Fast forward to today and you will notice how much the foundation has flourished. With $3 million invested to date to advance women's leadership in Canada, the foundation has grown to become a national organization; it continues to host various events to advance women in leadership roles, including the recent BC and Calgary Women in Business Luncheons; and has expanded its mentorship program to two additional cities this year — Toronto and Montréal — in addition to the pilot city of Vancouver.

WIL has a very clear vision — to advance women in leadership. And the mission is to delivery inspirational programs that mentor, educate and recognize women to create positive change in the future of women's leadership. We believe each woman — and that means you — has the power to make a difference, to inspire others, and that together, we are able to support each other's journey and celebrate success.

But, we cannot do this without you. We need your support. If you believe in what WIL does, you can show your support by making a donation to support our programs — individually or corporately. Whatever the denomination, your contribution will ensure the continual growth of WIL's programs. Remember — it's not necessarily the amount you donate; rather, it's the act of donating. Your support, no matter how small or large, will accumulate into something larger within our society. However, if you're interested in receiving something in return, for a minimum of $20, your donation becomes tax deductable.

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As WIL's Mentorship Program expands by going east, additional funding is needed to keep it going strong. If you have participated in the program or know anything about it, you are aware of its positive effects — not only for the mentees and mentors, but the community at large. How? Simply the ripple effect it has on participants' families, their employment and the overall economy. Building the women leaders of today through inspirational education, training and mentorship will help grow each woman's leadership skills and potential.

To be selected as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World is an honour and has become quite a journey for Chen. While this list changes yearly and a brand new list of individuals will be featured next year, the power of Chen's story will last for years to come. Thank you Maya for being our local everyday hero. The seed you planted nearly 10 years ago has sprouted remarkably, and we look forward to seeing you grow the foundation to even greater lengths in the next 10 years.


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Keep the inspiration going by forwarding us any contacts you think should be receiving this.

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WIL will be hosting its Third Annual SuperWomen & Friends Red Carpet Gala in Vancouver this November. To get the ball rolling, we are currently looking for dynamic, energetic and fun individuals like you to get involved in our Gala Committee. There are many different opportunities available — we are sure there is one that will suit your skill set. Contact Tamara Nixon to express your interest.

Are you located in or around Toronto, Montréal or Ottawa? Applications are still being accepted for Event Committee Chairs, Communication Specialists, Logistic Coordinators and Strategic Partnership Coordinators to help with this year's events. Full details and apply now

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Because of your support, this month's BC Women in Business Luncheon was a sell-out success for the second year in a row. For those that attended, you discovered the coveted secrets of being highly productive and happy. Couldn't attend? Here the scoop on what you missed — straight from the panelists themselves.

"Dark chocolate!" laughs Linda Oglov. On a more serious note, Linda continues by saying "I have done very well for myself professionally and personally, so essentially everything I have done has made me happy. The next thing for me is helping others be successful. This is what will make me really happy."

Nicole Byres starts off by professing "Yea, I'm productive, I'm happy." She notes that the fundamentals for her are "Making time for exercise (e.g. yoga), eating well (this is priority) and taking time for herself (e.g. going on dates with her husband)."

"The drivers of success for me are to know what I want to do, and to change it if I'm not happy," shares Sue Sinclair. "A lot of times, people complain that they're not happy with their job. Well, you can do something about it," professes Sue.

Last but not least, the final secret was revealed by Doris Cheng. Short and sweet, Doris divulged that "Happiness is about you — and going out of your comfort zone."

Interested in finding out more? Read guest blog by Shyla Chandra and complement it with visuals from our photo gallery below.

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Photographs of the BC Women in Business Luncheon compliments of Claudette Carracedo Photo.

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Stay in touch with WIL and follow us on:

Twitter @ WIL_Fdn for the blue bird's latest Tweets of inspiration.

Facebook for the latest happenings and to connect with fellow fans. Become a fan now.

LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professional women. Start connecting now.

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Join the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs BC on June 3 at Birks Vancouver as they celebrate the accomplishments of 14 incredible women entrepreneurs in their e-series program. Known as the Entrepreneur Affair, this event boasts rare, face-to-face time with leaders in the business community, a cocktail reception, silent and live auction, celebration showcase, and with every ticket purchased, a chance to win a 2-night stay at the Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler! Tickets are available for only $125 + GST. More information and purchase tickets now

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