Image: Accelerate Okanagan
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). It’s 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.
Meet Joanna. Joanna Wrzesniewski is a Lawyer and Managing Partner Kimmitt Wrzesniewski Law. When Joanna is not at her office on St.Paul Street you’ll likely find her grabbing a coffee at the Bean Scene or some sun on her patio in West Kelowna.
We recently caught up with Joanna to learn more about how she was first connected to #OKGNtech and what she loves about the industry.
What do you enjoy about being a lawyer at Kimmit Wrezesnieski?
“I really love working with people. There is nothing more exciting to me then to see my client’s companies thriving and growing. When clients come in with a new business idea, their excitement is contagious and that really kind of drives our team here.”
How were you first connected with #OKGNtech?
”We have a really strong connection with #OKGNtech. Accelerate Okanagan are actually our old neighbours. Many of my clients are doing really interesting work in the tech space and the more I learn, the more excited I get. I really love that I get to help entrepreneurs and grow with their businesses.”#givefirst
You have been a huge supporter of tech. What is it about tech that makes you want to give back?
“#OKGNtech is a clean industry. It’s also an industry that offers a lot of opportunity for young people. Whatever we can do to support that – we’re all on board. I know that if a new company does well the whole community does well and more good paying jobs are created and we need those types of jobs in our community.”
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
“I came to Canada when I was 10 so I had to pick up the language. By the time I finished high school I had been in ten different schools in three different continents — we moved around a lot. I also lived in Africa for two years when I was younger. That kind of global context gives me a unique perspective on life.”
What do you have to offer to tech companies seeking help? Is there something that sets you apart?
“I am licensed to practice law in British Columbia and New York State. I love that we are able to offer our clients that kind of cross-border expertise. Understanding the American system is really important for local tech companies that are operating on a global level”
What does your last name mean?
”My last name is the name of a small village in Poland but it also the Polish word for September.” [Who wouldn’t want to live full-time in September #sweaterweather #PSL].
What do you love about #OKGNtech?
“I graduated from KSS and then did a handful of classes at Okanagan University College before transitioning to UBC Okanagan. My parents are both retired profs at UBC Okanagan so I’ve really had a chance to experience the growth of the University first hand. It is so exciting to see the Okanagan grow, to witness the build of a world-class University, and to see the technology sector thrive.
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