Anita Braha

As a progressive lawyer and educator, Anita sees her role and service on Vancity's board as a continuation of over two decades of work on systemic change on social and economic justice issues.

Called to the Ontario bar in 1988 and the BC bar in 1990, Anita has practiced law through her own firm for over 20 years, with a special focus on human rights, labour, freedom of information and protection of privacy. Through her work with trade unions, public sector employers and not-for-profit organizations, she displays passion about acting for and addressing social justice issues.

First elected in 2011, Anita is currently serving her third term. A member for over two decades, Anita is thrilled at the opportunity to lend her expertise and participate in our financial co-operative. As an advocate for the disadvantaged, she embraces Vancity's steadfastness to its values and commitment in how Vancity conducts business, which makes a difference to our members and communities.

Anita is one of the founding members and president of the Galiano Loan Fund Society, a not-for-profit organization that addresses access to capital and affordable housing, and provides loan guarantees for community-based initiatives. Additionally Anita is an active volunteer in the community, having served as the national co-ordinator for the National Association of Women and the Law, and co-chair of the Human Rights Section of the BC Canadian Bar Association. She is currently an executive member of the BC Industrial Relations Association.

Anita received her MA in political science from the University of Toronto and studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. She was the interim director of human resources and labour relations at Vancouver Community College and has taught in the labour, political science and women's studies departments at Capilano College. She offers educational services through her practice, including advice and training on respectful workplace issues, policy revisions and mediation.

She was an appointed advisor to the Employment Standards Commission, Galiano Parks and Recreation Commission, and City of Vancouver Women's Task Force.

Born in Lima, Peru, Anita lived in Montreal, Toronto and the US before moving to Vancouver in 1989. Currently, she splits her time between her practice in Vancouver and the home she shares with her partner and their cat, Three, on Galiano Island. She credits Vancity's progressive lending approach for providing her a mortgage nearly two decades ago.

Tenure

• Elected in 2011
• Currently serving a fourth term (2020-2023)

Committees

• Member, Equity and People Committee
• Member, Risk Committee
• Member, Technology Committee

Other board appointments

• Board Chair, Vancity Community Investment Bank
• Board Chair, Citizens Trust
• Director, Stabilization Central Credit Union