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. 
Laura Purcell Student Administrative Assistant Laura Purcell is Ucwalmicw and is a member of Samahquam First Nation. She is a full-time student at The University of the Fraser Valley enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program studying Psychology. She has her certificates in Cosmetology and has worked in the beauty industry for many years doing hair and makeup, specializing in weddings. Laura was more recently the Assistant Manager of an industrial supply company and holds many safety certificates she received through SASET training programs. Laura is excited for the opportunity to be a part of Stó:lō Community Futures in helping assist Indigenous Entrepreneurs with success in their businesses. 
Chandler Farlin Student Administrative Assistant Chandler Farlin is a member of Saulteau First Nation. Chandler is currently a student in his 4th Year of the Bachelor’s of Arts program in Economics at The University of the Fraser Valley. He spends his summers between school with local Indigenous organizations. He has worked in the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management archives as a student archivist assistant. Having the opportunity to work with local Indigenous organizations has given him the opportunity to reconnect with a part of his culture he thought he had lost. Chandler is grateful for the opportunity to work with Stó:lō Community Futures in helping Indigenous Entrepreneurs and Businesses achieve Success. 
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