Wendy McNeil
Acting CEO
Wendy brings her passion for marketing and project management to this organization, and enjoys networking and collaborating with her team and members on the numerous award-winning events and marketing initiatives HAVAN offers.
Prior to joining HAVAN in 2001, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from UBC and a Diploma of Technology in Marketing Management (with honours) from BCIT.
A born-and-raised in Vancouver, Wendy currently resides in Surrey with her husband and two young (and very active) sons. She loves travelling, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying all that Vancouver has to offer — from incredible eateries to the great outdoors.
Renée Auer
VP Membership & Sales
For more than 15 years, Renée and the Membership Committee have worked tenaciously to increase HAVAN’s membership and introduce new events, programs and services of value to members.
Prior to HAVAN, Renée worked at such international companies as J. Walter Thompson, Eveready and the American Marketing Association (Toronto Chapter). She also owned and operated an award-winning tourism business and consulting company in the 1990’s in Toronto.
Renée loves film noir, classic movie musicals, visiting museums and art galleries, and cooking at home. She also speaks three languages. Her natural curiosity makes her want to learn more from those around her. She is also a confident public speaker.
Dawn Sondergaard
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
A native Vancouverite, Dawn grew up on the North Shore, earning her Marketing and Advertising Diploma from BCIT. Not one to sit still, she has lived and worked in three countries, travelling to over 30 (using at least nine different modes of transportation, including two tour buses, both of which, she admits, were mistakes.)
Described as a natural people person, Dawn is passionate about communication. She brings with her 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, advertising and public relations. Working with international media firms BBDO, News Ltd. and Jupiter Images to local strategic communication firm Greenspirit Strategies Ltd. and as a retailer owner of Kuddel Muddel Kids, Dawn proclaims it’s all about the people.
Diana Dilworth
Director of Government Relations
The newest member of the HAVAN team, Diana brings a strong background of expertise in engagement, developed over 30 years working in corporate, government and non-profit organizations.
Having previously worked in the community housing sector, she is strongly committed to advancing the goal of a stable, affordable home for everyone. And as a long-term elected official, she is aware of the collaboration needed between all stakeholders to achieve that goal.
Pre-COVID, Diana loved travelling and spending time in NYC with her adult daughter whom lives in the States. Recklessly optimist, she is planning to trek the El Camino from France and across Spain next summer.
Carolyn Beale
Manager of Membership & Sales
Carolyn Beale joined HAVAN in 2015. She brings her passion for outstanding customer service and care to the association, and enjoys the opportunity to connect with prospective and new members while contributing to exciting association events and initiatives.
Having previously spent 15 years living in the Fraser Valley, Carolyn returned to BC (from Ontario) to welcome her first grandchild into the world. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, live music, food and wine, and the adventure of exploring Vancouver’s many and varied attractions.
Vanessa Swanson
Manager of Online Education & Marketing (On Mat Leave)
Vanessa is the Manager of Online Education & Marketing, and has been with HAVAN since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) in Communication with a Minor in Business from Simon Fraser University. With an eye for detail and an ability to deliver results, she brings to the association creativity and passion for communication, marketing, and design.
Prior to joining HAVAN, Vanessa acquired event management, design, and digital marketing experience working for SFU’s Meeting & Event Services, non-profit organizations, and various freelance projects. In her free time you might find her competing in recreational volleyball leagues, raising houseplants, at the gym, and exploring BC and beyond. She resides in Surrey with her husband and dog.
Sonali Rayas
Brand Manager
Sonali is passionate about everything to do with Branding, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design and everything in between. In the last 10 years, she has played an active role in working with businesses and understanding their marketing needs and goals. An innovative and results-driven marketing professional who combines a strong knowledge of strategic planning and marketing, new business development, traditional and digital media, brand management and graphic design, Sonali holds a post-graduate diploma in Advertising & Marketing Communications from the United Kingdom, and a diploma in New Media Design and Web Development from BCIT.
She has been hit by wanderlust and is always on the lookout for new travel experiences with her family. During her free time, she enjoys doing art with her two daughters and cooking up a storm in her kitchen.
Justine Nadia
Events Manager
Justine is HAVAN’s Events Manager and current staff liaison for the Young Professionals Committee.
Her unique skillset includes event & project management, branding, graphic & web design, and digital marketing. She loves all things creative and views events as the best outlet to take an idea and bring something beautiful and memorable to life.
Born and raised in Indonesia, Justine moved to Beautiful British Columbia ten years ago to study Communication & Graphic Design at Simon Fraser University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2018. When not at her desk (or out at a HAVAN event), you will find her relaxing at a cozy reading nook at home, playing the piano, watching movies on The Criterion Channel, or making cocktails on TikTok.
Sheri Lemire
Office Manager
Sim Chhoker
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Sim comes with a decade of combined experience in client-oriented roles, including digital marketing, event management, and real estate. Her passion for the industry began with her first property investment at a young age. After graduating from BCIT with a Bachelor’s in Forensic Investigation, she was ready to pitch CSI: Vancouver to CBS until she discovered her knack for social media marketing, excelling in community growth and digital engagement. Sim thrives on building meaningful relationships. An adventurer at heart, she has explored 16 countries and counting! Sim is always seeking new adventures and opportunities to connect!
Donovan Arseneault
Manager, Policy & Research
Originally from Nova Scotia, Donovan made Vancouver his home while attending Simon Fraser University. There, he completed a double major in Political Science and Business in 2024, when he joined HAVAN as the Manager, Policy and Research. His passions for policy analysis, housing affordability, and mitigating the climate crisis, along with a keen interest in the goings-on of all levels of government, all drew him to HAVAN.
In his free time, Donovan enjoys relaxing hobbies such as reading, cooking, and the occasional outdoor activity such as hiking or tennis. Now that he’s out of school, he hopes to travel the world in the coming years.
