The HxBIA is a non-profit society governed by duly elected members from our local business and property owners’ community. Board members donate a considerable amount of time and effort working on your behalf, at the board as well as direct BIA funds to hire staff and implement BIA activities. Hxbia staff take care of the day-to-day management of the organization and are responsible for implementing programs as directed by the board of directors.
Steven Johnston is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, working to improve the social and economic circumstances of vulnerable populations.
His career has focused on community economic development and he has held leadership positions up to and including Executive Director. The majority of his experience supporting populations facing barriers to employment including concurrent disorders and homelessness comes from working in two of Canada’s most challenged and impoverished urban communities: Vancouver’s Downtown East-side and Toronto’s Regent Park.
He has developed, delivered, and led innovative programming to provide support and solutions to improve the lives of residents with a focus on income generation and grounded in a social determinants of health perspective. He serves on a number of community boards, including the Advisory Board of the Binners’ Project, and is a mentor to many organizations in the Downtown Eastside.
Steven was motivated to join the Hastings Crossing BIA in an effort to create a healthy and inclusive community where all residents can thrive and live healthy and rewarding lives.
Chef Cullin David, an Executive Chef with a passion for authentic island-inspired cuisine, hails from Vancouver, drawing from his rich Caribbean heritage. Growing up in a family of skilled cooks, his culinary journey began early, inspired by his grandmother’s West Indian cooking. His dream materialized with the launch of Calabash Bistro in 2010.
A graduate of the Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Community College, Cullin honed his skills in classic French techniques while nurturing his love for Caribbean flavors. His professional path includes stints at renowned establishments such as Giraffe Restaurant, Blue Note Jazz Bistro, The Reef Caribbean Restaurant, and Provence Restaurants, where he thrived under the guidance of acclaimed chef Jean-Francis Quaglia.
Beyond his culinary prowess, Cullin is a self-professed sports enthusiast with a compassionate spirit. He champions love and integrity, values he embodies in both his personal life and culinary creations.
Cullin David’s journey as Head Chef and part-owner of Gastown’s acclaimed gem, Calabash Caribbean Bistro, intertwines food, drinks, and roots in a celebration of human experiences—a culinary harmony that invites one to dance to the flavors of life. “Food. Drinks. Roots. It’s food you dance to.”
Ashley joined Low Tide Properties in 2019 as part of the Property Management team and was immediately drawn to the company’s strong commitment to community and tenant service. In her current role as Manager, Tenant & Community Relations, Ashley works closely with tenants and local stakeholders to lead engaging events and collaborative initiatives. Her work is centered on fostering strong relationships and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.Low Tide Properties owns and manages several buildings within the Hastings Crossing neighbourhood and is proud to be an active member of the BIA. Ashley is excited to serve on the Board of Directors and looks forward to strengthening community connections and contributing to the neighbourhood’s ongoing vibrancy.
Caithlin has been working in the non-profit sector for more than 22 years with a focus on and passion for women’s anti-violence work. After working on the front line for a few years, Caithlin started working in the fundraising department of a local women’s organization and finding her passion, she enrolled in BCIT’s Fundraising Management Certificate Program and graduated with honours in 2011. In 2014 Caithlin was one of 15 women across Canada accepted into the Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership program, run by the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. The year-long program is an exclusive and exciting opportunity to build on leadership skills, develop relationships with other women working in similar organizations across the country, and to learn new skills in community economic development. In 2015 Caithlin participated in the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs – International Visitor Leadership Program on Preventing Violence Against Women.
Most recently Caithlin worked as the Executive Director of Communications and Fund Development at Atira Women’s Resource Society and was as well responsible for Atira Women’s Arts Society, including two social enterprises – East Van Roasters and Enterprising Women Making Art. In that role she was able to leverage her Professional Pastry Training Certificate, her passion for supporting women, and her 22 years of experience in communication and fundraising.
In July 2023, Caithlin set up her own consultancy and is thrilled to be bringing her years of expertise to the team at Central City Foundation, MySafe Society, and a few other local non-profits. Caithlin has served on the board of the Hastings Crossings BIA since 2016 and is looking forward to building lasting relationships with the business, social enterprise and non-profit members in the Hastings Crossing BIA catchment area. When she’s not at work, Caithlin loves to bake for her family and friends, as well as spend time with her best four-legged friend, Jack
Edward von Dehn grew up in Vancouver then moved to Berlin to study and work as a lawyer for many years. When he moved back to Vancouver, he switched gears and concentrated on revamping old buildings in the Downtown East Side into more vibrant centers for community and businesses.
He is interested in finding the right balance between enhancing the old character of Vancouver’s core, while at the same time trying to adapt to Vancouver’s ever-changing needs.
As a member of the Board of the Hastings Crossing BIA, he hopes to hear back from the community as to what those needs are and how best to create a better DTES.
Jodie Giesz-Ramsay is a local business owner and longtime advocate for cannabis law reform and civil liberties. She has owned and operated Cannabis Culture Magazine, Pot TV, and Cannabis Culture Headquarters stores and lounges since 2009.
For twenty years, Jodie has engaged in many forms of activism including political election campaigns, presentations to government bodies, and frequent appearances in the media and at events worldwide.
Jodie believes in the transformative power that small businesses can have in their neighbourhoods, and supports fellow entrepreneurs and community advocates who contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy of our city.
Theresa Mura is the Gallery Director at The Gallery George, which showcases local established and emerging painters, designers, photographers, sculptors and more. The Gallery is housed in a beautiful building filled with artist studios where many of the artists carry out their art practices on site. Theresa is also an event producer and curator and has been a freelance graphic, interior and custom designer for over 30 years. She has also served on the board of WE Arts for over 10 years.
A Better Life Foundation
Adriana joined A Better Life Foundation in 2023 as Community Development Manager, drawn to the opportunity to serve in the heart of Hastings. In her role, she works closely with businesses, community partners, and local agencies to strengthen connections and foster collaboration across the neighbourhood.
Passionate about addressing food insecurity, Adriana is dedicated to building unity through community events, volunteer engagement, and meaningful partnerships. Her journey to 28 countries has given her a deep appreciation for diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and she is open to hearing everyone’s voice and thoughts.
A Better Life Foundation is proud to serve in the Hastings Crossing neighbourhood and to be an active member of the BIA. Adriana is excited to join the Board of Directors as a new voice, contributing her energy and commitment to the community she loves and works in.
CEO of CleanStart Property Services
Kurt believes the Downtown Eastside thrives when more businesses put down roots and we help them grow. Local communities have always been tied together by their small businesses, where they act as community hubs, keep money circulating nearby, and are shaped by and help shape a neighbourhood’s character. Backing local social enterprises and small businesses creates good jobs, builds partnerships, and spreads benefits.
Having spent many years helping build businesses in the insurance, construction, and retail industries, Kurt is now the CEO of CleanStart Property Services, a DTES-based social enterprise offering junk removal, cleaning, and hoarding support while providing living-wage, inclusive employment. He and CleanStart focus on the basics that matter: safe, clean buildings, dignified work, and a stronger local economy.
As a Board Member for HxBIA, he is excited to help local businesses start, stay, and strengthen the community of the Downtown Eastside.
Saan Saan Cafe
Born and raised in Vancouver, Eric grew up in the Chinatown, DTES, & Victoria – Fraserview neighbourhoods. He holds degrees in Environmental Design from UBC and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto. Being in the design industry for over 15 years, his work centres around humanistic design and the role design plays in integrating and enhancing the urban fabric of the city.