Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader in British Columbia and Canada.
Ms. Lisogar-Cocchia has built a successful career in the hospitality industry. She is the founder of the Absolute Spa Group and grew the company from one location to Canada’s largest independent spa chain. Most recently, she was the Chief Executive Officer of Crew Management Ltd. and the Century Plaza Hotel, in Vancouver.
A champion for disability rights and services, Ms. Lisogar-Cocchia is the co-founder of the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN), in British Columbia. The PAFN is a first-of-its-kind knowledge and research network in North America that provides essential services to people living with neurodiversity, including autism spectrum disorder, and their families across the lifespan.
Beyond this, Ms. Lisogar-Cocchia has been an active member of her community throughout her life. She has served as Governor of the Business Council of British Columbia, as the first female Trustee of the Vancouver Police Foundation, and as the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s fifth and youngest female Chair. She is a Fellow of Royal Roads University, in Victoria, and was a founding Director for Destination BC.
In recognition of her leadership and community involvement, Ms. Lisogar-Cocchia received Variety’s Corporate Fundraiser of the Year Award, the British Columbia Community Achievement Award, the Order of British Columbia, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She is a member of the Order of Canada, is the recipient of two honorary doctorates, and was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women as part of the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Awards in 2014.
Ms. Lisogar-Cocchia holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.