In celebration of Minerva’s 25th Anniversary, we are shining a spotlight on individuals and organizations who have worked alongside us over the years to help advance women and girls in leadership.
Earlier this year, we caught up with Sherry Baker, a community leader whose tireless dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on British Columbia’s communities.
Sherry was one of the incredible women who helped establish the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. To this day, she remembers getting the call from MLA Sue Hammell, then Minister for Gender Equality, who had an idea for a non-partisan organization to invest in women and advance gender equality.
Sherry jumped at the opportunity to contribute and spent hours with other leaders creating the mandate for the new foundation. To this day, she still has copies of meeting notes, and a large binder filled with correspondence. “All of our communication was through fax!” she says, laughing.
Sherry is proud of helping develop curriculum for Learning to Lead™, Minerva’s first leadership program. At the time, she had recently enrolled in a master’s degree at the University of Seattle, and the program had a big impact on her life. “That learning experience was so challenging. It was all new to me, and I had to work so hard. But that learning changed my life. I wanted to bring the same transformational experience to Minerva’s programs.”
Sherry’s journey as an advocate and leader spans decades. She has played pivotal roles in organizations such as the Ishtar Transition Housing Society and the BC Centre for Elder Advocacy (now Seniors First). Throughout her career, Sherry has chaired and served on many boards, including the Council to Reduce Elder Abuse and the Board of Registration for Social Workers, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community care. She has just completed 14 years developing the BC Association of Community Response Networks building the awareness of abuse, neglect and self-neglect throughout BC.
Sherry’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Canada 125 Medal, four Paul Harris Fellowships from Rotary International, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. These accolades reflect her significant contributions to building safer, more resilient communities throughout British Columbia and Canada.
Sherry’s life has been shaped by her upbringing. The daughter of a WWII officer and a registered nurse, she learned the importance of self-sufficiency at a young age. Her academic journey—earning scholarships, a degree in Home Economics, a diploma in Education, a diploma in Business Administration, and a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science—equipped her with a wide range of skills she has applied throughout her diverse career, from teaching and interior design consulting to city politics and community arts.
As we celebrate Sherry’s contributions, we know that this is not the last we will hear from her. Sherry continues to contribute to community through her consulting work and by supporting non-profit leaders through coaching.
Thank you Sherry for being part of Minerva’s story!
