Volunteer Spotlight: Juliette Sicotte

At The Bridge, volunteers strengthen our mission not only through hands-on support, but also through governance, advocacy, and leadership. This month, we are proud to spotlight Juliette Sicotte (She/Her), Board Member and event volunteer, who has been serving with The Bridge since September 2023.

Juliette brings extensive governance experience and deep community advocacy to her role. She currently serves on the Board Development & Nomination Committee (BDNC), helping ensure the Board reflects the diversity of the organization and community while supporting training, development, and succession planning. She represents The Bridge on the Westbank First Nation (WFN) Advisory Committee, where collaboration focuses on incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into services; including work on the Youth Recovery House design, Indigenous Allyship and Two-Eyed Seeing workshops, and strategic planning initiatives.

In addition, Juliette serves on the Liaison Committee, raising awareness about The Bridge’s programs and advocating for the advancement of its strategic directions. Beyond governance, she has volunteered at key community events, including Parade with a Purpose (2024–2025) and Pride Weekend (2024–2025); supporting both fundraising efforts and The Bridge’s commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through initiatives like the Etcetera Youth Group.

A Personal Commitment to Advocacy

Juliette is a member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in Manitoba and is deeply aware of how Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by addiction, stigma, stereotyping, and the toxic drug supply crisis. Prior to joining The Bridge, she conducted nighttime outreach in-person to downtown shelters and Tent City (OS4), distributing naloxone, harm reduction supplies, snacks, and hygiene essentials to people experiencing homelessness and addiction as well as supporting marginalized women within the Okanagan Valley.

Her pathway to the Board came through community connection. “A neighbour became aware of my outreach work and introduced me to three neighbours who were involved with the Bridge. With my background as a director on other community boards and advocacy work, we agreed that I might be a good fit for the Bridge’s Board, so I decided to apply.”

Finding “My People”

One of Juliette’s most memorable experiences was walking alongside The Bridge float during the 2023 Parade with a Purpose, dressed as The Grinch, complete with green face paint. While collecting donations along the Kettle Valley route, she watched children excitedly shout, “THE GRINCH!” before placing their parents’ cash donations into the bucket. It was lighthearted and joyful; a reminder that community fundraising can be both meaningful and fun.

Equally impactful have been the intentional ways The Bridge connects Board members with staff and programs. From touring facilities and meeting program managers to monthly board presentations and “Lunch and Learn” gatherings, Juliette describes these experiences as reinforcing that she has truly found “my people.” The connection between governance and frontline work strengthens both leadership and purpose.

A Vision for the Future

“The opioid crisis has affected so many families in the Okanagan Valley and across the whole country. My family lost a dear young member to a Fentanyl-Induced suicide. I’m a huge supporter of the Bridge’s multi-faceted commitment to progressive and compassionate social support.”

Juliette is especially passionate about the Youth Recovery House in North Glenmore, now in Phase 2 following its groundbreaking in Summer 2025. Slated to open in 2026, the site will include residential cottages, a counselling and learning centre, outdoor and recreational spaces, animal-assisted therapy, land-based learning, and a commercial kitchen for work experience opportunities. She sees this as a critical resource that fills a longstanding service gap for youth in the valley.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved

Juliette emphasizes that there are many ways to support The Bridge: Host a fundraiser, become a corporate or agency member, volunteer at community events, donate to a specific program or area of greatest need, or consider joining the Board of Directors.

She highlights the organization’s commitment to governance excellence and professional development, including access to ICD.D webinars, workshops on governance effectiveness, and financial literacy training for board members.

About Juliette

Juliette and her husband have lived in Kelowna for more than 30 years. Her career has spanned fine art, fashion, and for the past 22 years, industrial technology sales with ACR Systems Inc. She co-founded and led Toastmasters for Teens, a free public speaking program for Indigenous students that became integrated into School District 23’s Indigenous student curriculum. In 2025, she was the Liberal candidate in the federal election for Okanagan Lake West – South Kelowna.

Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to community strengthen The Bridge in meaningful ways. We are grateful for her dedication and service.