Richmond honors women in business: A tribute to strength, leadership and success

Women entrepreneurs and business leaders are shaping Richmond’s thriving economy, driving innovation, and creating opportunities across industries. From small business owners to corporate leaders, these women are breaking barriers, redefining success, and inspiring the next generation.

Their contributions go beyond building businesses—they foster community, champion diversity, and push for meaningful change. The entrepreneurs and professionals featured here represent just a fraction of the talented women making an impact in Richmond. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and leadership in shaping the future of business. Below is a list of inspiring women-led businesses in Richmond.

Vivid Green Architecture

Great architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about vision, leadership, and dedication. That’s exactly what Rosa Salcido and her team at Vivid Green Architecture bring to the table.

Born and raised in Mexico, Ms. Salcido earned her Bachelor of Architecture before moving to Canada, where she gained valuable experience working with established professionals. When the 2008 recession hit, she seized the opportunity to forge her own path. She became a Registered Architect with the AIBC in 2010 and launched Vivid Green Architecture in 2011—starting in her basement and growing it into the thriving firm it is today.

Vivid Green Architecture is known for its expertise in mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential projects. In addition, Salcido holds a Certified Professional (CP) designation, enabling the team to provide Accelerated Permit Assistance and help clients navigate complex building regulations more efficiently.

But Salcido’s impact extends far beyond architecture. As a Board Member for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Surrey’s Advisory Design Panel, she champions mentorship, sustainability, and diversity in the industry. Through speaking engagements—both locally and internationally—she inspires the next generation of architects to break barriers and build with purpose.

This International Women’s Day, Rosa Salcido and Vivid Green Architecture are celebrated for proving that expertise, passion, and perseverance can shape not just skylines, but the future of the industry itself.

Richmond Chamber of Commerce

The Richmond Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit membership association, is celebrating 100 years of being the trusted partner for business, driving growth, innovation and community prosperity. Cila Kwong, vice-chair of the Chamber, is committed to ensuring that businesses of all sizes, backgrounds and leadership styles are given the recognition and support they need.

As a leader within the Chamber, first elected to the Board in 2021, Kwong brings her depth of experience gained throughout her career. As the Senior Manager, Sales Development for the Western Region at RBC Insurance, her clear passion and strength for supporting businesses and providing strong mentorship shines through.

Kwong also chairs the organization’s Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC), whose mandate includes empowering women throughout their careers and assisting organizations in enhancing gender equity. Events hosted by the WLC, offer valuable opportunities for networking and fostering real conversations, allowing women across industries to share strategies and create meaningful opportunities.

The Chamber’s 100th Anniversary Annual General Meeting and Networking Reception is scheduled for April 29 at Nook Coworking Space. Kwong will be on the slate again – this time as the organization’s Chair. 

Kwong points out “women in business still face barriers like access to funding, representation in leadership roles and balancing multiple responsibilities, so over the years, the Chamber has hosted events specifically for women leaders and entrepreneurs, creating spaces for real conversations and networking.”  She continues, “As the incoming chair, I am committed to ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, background or leadership makeup, feel valued and supported.” To learn more about the Richmond Chamber, visit www.richmondchamber.ca.

Herbaland Naturals

Building a brand that prioritizes wellness and sustainability is no easy feat, but Aisha Yang has done just that with Herbaland Naturals, Canada’s largest gummy vitamin manufacturer. What began as a small team of two—Aisha and her husband—has grown to over 150 employees, with products reaching nearly 40 countries and producing around 70 million bottles of gummies annually, while staying true to its core values of health, quality, innovation, and social responsibility.

Herbaland is reshaping wellness with innovative products like YumBiotic, a convenient probiotic powder that melts without water, alongside vegan, low-sugar supplements free from allergens, palm oil derivatives, and artificial ingredients. Yang’s mission extends beyond products—her brand champions women’s empowerment, diversity, and social impact.

Committed to sustainable manufacturing and vegan practices, Herbaland ensures every gummy is crafted with care. Initiatives like the Sustainable Lifestyle Scholarship recognize students promoting eco-friendly practices, inspiring future generations.

A 2022 Influential Women in Business Award recipient and 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Canada Winner, Yang represented Canada at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) event in Monaco in 2024. Her success is driven by empowering others and making a lasting impact on health, sustainability, and community. Beyond running a thriving business, Yang also works with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and supports nonprofits that uplift others.

Terra Nova Medical

Access to healthcare is a growing pain point for many in B.C., with the shortage of family doctors leaving countless residents struggling to find consistent medical care. As a family physician, Dr. Julie Wilson saw these challenges firsthand—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid mass physician retirements. To address this crisis, she founded Terra Nova Medical Clinics, creating a solution that prioritizes both patient care and physician well-being.

Her physician-led network combines the personalized care of small practices with the efficiency of larger systems, ensuring high-quality care for both patients and healthcare professionals. Terra Nova’s focus on reducing administrative burdens, offering flexibility and enhancing team-based care has fostered a thriving workplace for doctors and staff.

Under Dr. Wilson’s leadership, Terra Nova has become the largest integrated primary care group in the province. The network’s cross-coverage system enables seamless collaboration across locations and Terra Nova has earned multiple awards, including Great Place to Work® certifications in 2024.

Dr. Wilson’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (2023 & 2024) and Best Female Entrepreneur in Canada (Stevie Awards, 2023). 

A passionate advocate for physician well-being and healthcare innovation, Dr. Wilson continues to set new standards in primary care. Terra Nova Medical Clinics is actively recruiting healthcare professionals eager to join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance, learn more at www.terranovamedical.ca. 

TriCap Financial Group

Rachel Li is redefining investment and fiance solutions for Vancouver’s commercial real estate sector. As the founder of Tricap Financial Group, she brings over a decade of commercial banking experience to create innovative, high-yield investment opportunities while providing strategic short-term bridge financing for business owners.

Under Li’s leadership, businesses and investors benefit from smart, secure and profitable opportunities in the ever-evolving real estate market. With a streamlined business model, Tricap maximizes efficiency, allowing investors to achieve higher returns than industry norms. By conducting thorough risk assessments and leveraging a highly skilled credit team, Tricap provides flexible financing solutions while maintaining an impressive zero-default record in today’s competitive market.

Li’s leadership is backed by a seasoned executive team with more than 40 years of collective experience has managed portfolios exceeding $1.5 billion and facilitated more than $80 million in private placements, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the field.

Whether assisting borrowers with short-term bridge financing or helping investors secure high-yield opportunities, Tricap Financial Group remains dedicated to delivering success with integrity and expertise.

Canada Shaws Immigration Consulting

For many, Canada and the U.S. represent hope, opportunity and a fresh start. But for those navigating the complex immigration system, the journey can feel overwhelming. 

Cellia Xiao understands this firsthand. Before becoming a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), she walked the same uncertain path, facing the same challenges. 

Now, with over 20 years of experience, she leads Canada Shaws Consulting and has helped thousands of foreigners seeking a brighter future. Whether they are international students, workers, visitors, families reuniting, entrepreneurs, or investors, Canada Shaws is always here to help them achieve their goals. What sets Canada Shaws apart is the personal touch. Xiao and her team take the time to understand each person’s unique journey, providing guidance, clarity, and support needed at every step. Behind every visa application is a dream, a child’s education, a family’s hope, an employment opportunity, an entrepreneur’s or investor’s business expansion, and the goal of obtaining permanent residency. 

As immigration rules tighten, expert advice is more valuable than ever. To help you get started, Canada Shaws is offering a free consultation. If you are ready to take the next step toward permanent residency, business expansion, career success, or bringing loved ones together, Xiao and her team are committed to making your Canadian and American dreams a reality.  

Nook Coworking and Events space

Nook is a thriving hub where visionaries, creatives and entrepreneurs come together to spark ideas, build connections and bring projects to life. Whether you’re launching a startup, hosting an event, or seeking a collaborative community, Nook is designed to elevate your experience every step of the way.

Founder Jessica Liang believes that success is built through shared knowledge and meaningful connections in a judgment-free space. Her vision was to create a home away from home, fostering a space of belonging and an abundance of creativity. These conversations often flow for hours, sometimes migrating to the podcast room for impromptu recording sessions. 

Initiatives like Kids Startup Week empower early-stage entrepreneurs of all ages by providing guidance, resources, and opportunities to learn from seasoned experts within an ecosystem of reciprocity. Through speaker-led sessions such as Lunch and Learn, masterclasses, art and music sessions, and event collaborations, Nook is shaping the next generation of thought leaders while fostering a culture of mentorship and innovation. To celebrate the achievements made by members throughout the year, Nook hosts an annual boat cruise Sail and Savor, which raised over $11K for YWCA’s Housing Action Fund in 2024.

Attend an event at Nook in Richmond, B.C. and discover a space where creativity, connection, and opportunity thrive. Visit their website ilovenook.co and follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.