We need a City Council that works together to address the issues facing our community
During my time on school board I witnessed first hand how important relationships were with other levels of government in securing funding for our district. Working with others helped us open a new school in Albion, implement the new Integrated Child and Youth teams, and expand child care facilities on school grounds.
The diversity of our community is our strength, and working together we can revitalize our downtown and support local businesses, expand recreational and cultural facilities, and build the affordable housing our community so desperately needs. I believe a better Maple Ridge is possible, and I look forward to sharing my vision for our city with the community.
As a school board trustee and chair, I was able to spend time listening to our youth and hearing their vision for a better community. Their voices are powerful, but time and again I would hear the same thing from these amazing young people and their families – they love our community but feel their voices aren’t being heard. They are limited by affordability or future career options here in Maple Ridge and are looking to other cities.
We need to do better for the generations of today and tomorrow. We need to focus on building vibrant, whole communities that are inclusive and welcoming.
A Proven Leader
Korleen Carreras, her husband and two children moved to the area over fourteen years ago and quickly became involved in the warm and welcoming community.
Korleen was first elected to the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School Board in 2014 and elected to Chairperson November 2018. She has been a representative on the BC School Trustees Association’s Provincial Council, Professional Learning Committee, COVID working group, Fraser Valley Branch Executive; the SD42 Aboriginal Education Committee, Inclusive Education Committee, and Policy Development Committee. At the local level she was active on the City of Maple Ridge Social Planning Committee, City of Maple Ridge Active Transportation Committee, and Ridge Meadows Education Foundation.
Korleen has always embraced leadership and forging community connections. In her early 20s she started a successful dance studio business in Port Moody. She oversaw 25 staff members and contributed to the arts education of 450 children each year. During this time she successfully completed her Advanced Teaching Certificate with the Association of International Dance Teachers in both Tap and Modern. After retiring from teaching she has been active in the labour movement holding elected position within her Union. She continued to stay active in the arts community as a member of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council for six years finishing her term as President in 2017 and is a current member of the Maple Ridge Culture Collective. She was a member of the 2014 Pitt Meadows Centennial organizing Committee, Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games organizing committee as Director responsible for Ceremonies and Special Events, and 2020 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games legacy committee.
Korleen has worked at the BCGEU since 2015 and has taken on leadership roles in their Lower Mainland Area Office and Research and Interactive Services.
