Staff Directory
Rocio Zielinski General Manager Phone: (604) 824-5272 Cell: (778) 552-4704 Email: rzielinski@stolocf.ca Rocio Zielinski, whose Indigenous background is from Mexico, is dedicated to leading the rapidly expanding Indigenous economy in S'ólh Téméxw. Rocio joined Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) in 2005, and in her role as General Manager, she continues her strong connection to Indigenous Communities, businesses and entrepreneurs by supporting the development and expansion of the Indigenous business economy. Rocio has focused the activities of SCF on a grassroots approach to building the capacity of the Indigenous economy, by linking Indigenous businesses with SCF’s services, including Indigenous community development corporations with the financing services to proactively expand Community-owned businesses and projects. Rocio has expanded SCF’s reach by initiating Satellite Offices throughout S’ólh Téméxw, giving the benefit of having SCF’s services directly in the 24 Stó:lō Communities SCF represents. She has facilitated accessible business training programs in operations, finance, marketing, and social media, as well as opportunities in the energy sector and with various uses for drones. Rocio was the Chair of the former Aboriginal Business Services Network, and played a key role in SCF’s 2014 development and launch of the Brand initiative, STÓ:LŌ MEANS BUSINESSTM, which was shared on the provincial and national stages. In her previous role as SCF Operations and Loan Manager, Rocio was part of SCF’s 2015 Community Futures (CF) of British Columbia Award for Excellence and Innovation as well as the 2016 CF Investment Fund Portfolio Award. Rocio continues her work in leading SCF, by providing capital to Indigenous businesses, with funding through Western Economic Diversification (WED). Rocio has been instrumental in securing additional capital with partnerships, and the development of innovative Indigenous business lending programs - the SCF/BMO Micro Loans Program and the Stó:lō Community Loan Fund (now the SCF/Vancity Indigenous Impact Lending Program). 
Shannon Smith Business Analyst Phone: (604) 824-5278 Cell: (604) 807-0514 Email: ssmith@stolocf.ca Shannon Smith has been a valuable asset to Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) since she began in 2013. Shannon began her journey with SCF as an Executive Assistant, and in 2017, became SCF’s Business Analyst. Shannon plays an important role with SCF’s Indigenous clients, by working with them to start a new business, expand an existing business, reviewing and evaluating business plans and strategies, and helping clients develop cash flows and business contingency planning. With Shannon’s extensive history in the financial service industry, she played a developmental role in creating the SCF/BMO Micro Loan Program in 2014, that has been a huge success with our Indigenous clients, as well as the SCF/Vancity Indigenous Impact Lending Program Community. She also works with the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, and refers Clients to resources to overcome barriers for business success. Shannon’s continued dedication, commitment and work ethic has brought SCF to new heights with various programs, funding and resources, that are available to new and existing Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. 
Kimberley Lessard Administrative Assistant Phone: (604) 824-5299 Email: klessard@stolocf.ca Kimberley Lessard is a member of the Deninu K'ue First Nation (DKFN) of Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories (NWT). Kimberley’s work experience has been with Indigenous Governance, which started after completion of her Computerized Bookkeeping Diploma in 2000. Having worked with various Indigenous organizations within S'ólh Téméxw, she had the opportunity to assist with Financial Management, Office Management, Records Management, Human Resource's Hiring Panels, Lands Management, Rights & Title and Economic Development. She also had the opportunity to assist with creating and developing positions, businesses, laws, and policies and procedures. Kimberley looks forward to helping Stó:lō Community Futures with Indigenous Entrepreneurs move their businesses forward. 
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