We’re a community board passionate about addressing and ending violence in relationships
On this page:
Members of our Board of Directors come from all walks of life. Their role is to ensure the organization is sustainable and takes steps to address, reduce and eliminate violence.
It is incredible for me to stand with these amazing, caring individuals… I get to learn more and more of the good, hard work that needs to happen.
– Squayten Cheryl Gabriel, Kwantlen Elder & NEVR Board Member
Sqwayeten Cheryl Gabriel
elder kwantlen first nation
Elder Squayten Cheryl Gabriel began her journey as an Aboriginal Support Worker in the Langley School District, spanning a decade, followed by nearly 19 years as Kwantlen First Nation Education and Language Coordinator. Throughout, she actively engaged with Langley, Maple Ridge and Mission School District Aboriginal Advisories, Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society, Inclusion Langley, Encompass, Xyolhemeylh and services within Langley City, and the Township of Langley.
Together with her husband Lekeyten, Elder in Residence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University since 2015, Cheryl is dedicated to sharing traditional knowledge of Kwantlen First Nation. This includes history, culture, and Indigenous worldview.
Cheryl has been with NEVR since 2020/1, cherishing the camaraderie and meaningful discussions on eliminating intimate violence. She’s passionate about learning from diverse perspectives and standing up for respect and inclusivity.
Vera LeFranc
Board Chair
With a degree in Business and Liberal Studies from Simon Fraser University, Vera LeFranc brings a solid mix of business sense and a passion for social justice, reconciliation and ending violence to her role as Board Chair of NEVR.
From 2014 to 2018, Vera served as City Councilor with the City of Surrey. She spent most of her career in the non-profit sector, focusing on anti-violence, employment, poverty reduction, crime prevention, housing and homelessness, and community economic development.
Vera led the Surrey Urban Aboriginal Leadership Committee to create a population profile and a social innovation strategy to ensure the full economic, social and cultural participation of the Indigenous people who call the City of Surrey home.
She was responsible for the inaugural Surrey Social Innovation Summit and the Surrey Social Innovation Leaders Network. In 2018, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities named Vera one of the top 10 inaugural Municipal Innovators.
For four years, Vera served as COO at EFry, which provides services and housing to the most vulnerable women and children. Now in Health Care, Vera leads a team that supports physicians to improve patient access to primary care.
Sandy Sihotai
Vice president
Sandy Sihota has been part of the NEVR board since 2021. Her commitment to NEVR stems from her extensive experience working with victims of family violence within the justice system. She believes in educating the public about the different degrees of violence and hopes awareness will decrease its existence.
Sandy Sihota is the founder of SiLaw Group, a boutique family law firm in Surrey, BC. Since 2013, Sandy practices as a family litigation lawyer, a collaborative lawyer, and a children’s lawyer. In 2021, Sandy’s practice expanded towards out-of-court dispute resolutions and she is accredited as a Family Law Mediator, a Family Law Arbitrator and a Parenting Coordinator.
She is also trained in writing Views of the Children reports for children. Sandy contributes to the legal education sector as a contract Instructor for the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) with the Law Society of British Columbia.
Melissa Jay
Secretary
Melissa Jay is the Senior Director of Operations and Communications at AMSSA. AMSSA is a British Columbia umbrella association that supports over 90 member agencies and hundreds of stakeholders working with immigrants and newcomers to build inclusive communities.
Along with over 10 years’ background in not-for-profit, Melissa brings experience in human resources with focus in organizational management, communications including social media and graphic design.
She enjoys traveling, exploring art and culture, and learning about Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, recognizing her responsibilities as a privileged settler on stolen lands and striving for decolonization. With a passion in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, Melissa seeks to build and advocate for a truly inclusive society.
Rani Gill
Treasurer
Rani Gill is a Director of Finance at a multinational private company based out of Surrey, BC. She has over 35+ years of experience across various professional Finance positions in privately held computer, medical, and electrical distribution companies.
In addition to her work with private companies, Rani brings entrepreneurial experience, with an in-depth understanding of the hard work, leadership, and team effort involved in running a small business. Rani was actively involved in taking this company public in the U.S. and gained firsthand experience with the extensive reporting, governance, and compliance requirements of operating a publicly traded company.
Having raised 3 children as a single parent while working full-time, Rani is a firm believer in making time to volunteer and give back to the community.
More in this section
Who is NEVR?
Started by community request, NEVR is founded on breaking silos and working together to end relationship violence.
Who is part of the network?
NEVR brings together various sectors to address relationship violence. Find our who are community partners are.
What’s our commitment?
NEVR Society is committed to ensure we do no harm to Indigenous Peoples. Learn how we are doing this.