A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.

Our community is strong and growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.  

Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech (@OKGNtech). A showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement. Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @OKGNtech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.

First up, Krista Mallory (@kmalls). Krista is a Business Development Officer at the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commision (COEDC). She splits her time between her office on KLO Road and her desk in the Innovation Centre shared workspace. We recently caught up with Krista to learn more about her love of all things Okanagan and how she plugs into #OKGNtech.

What do you love about #OKGNtech?

“I love how open the tech industry is. As somebody who is not employed in what would traditionally called tech, it’s nice to be able to find my place within the tech industry.”

How does your company service the Okanagan? 

“Anything that helps create a better environment for entrepreneurs is something that the COEDC wants to support. Innovation is important across all industry sectors.”

What’s your favourite thing about the Okanagan? 

“The Okanagan is such an unreal place to live. Besides the four seasons, I really love the feeling that I’m on the ground floor of something that is emerging and I think the Okanagan is there. There is just so much growth and it’s an exciting time to be here.”

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

“I’ve received so much good advice in my life but something that always sticks with me is, I had an old boss once say, if an opportunity scares you a little, it’s probably the best one for you. I have always kept that philosophy in mind.”

Who inspires you?

“I am inspired by the selflessness of refugees and immigrants. We have family friends that are refugees from Rwanda, who have gone through some of the most atrocious things you could possibly imagine and now they’re here in Canada making our community a better place.”

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

“I grew up figure skating. My mom is a coach so I skated up until about three or four  years ago when I learned how to play hockey” [Editor’s note: welcome to the dark side #blackskates]

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

“My friends would probably describe me as curious, optimistic, kind. But if you were to ask my toddlers they would probably just say silly.” #kidstellthetruth

 Connect with Krista. Learn more about the COEDC. Meet more #OKGN faces.