Reflections on Growth and Purpose:
Annelise van der Veen’s Journey Through the Soroptimist House for Women Project
At HAVAN’s Agents of Change: Women Building Women event on October 16, Annelise van der Veen of Purpose Driven Development, shared how her work on the Soroptimist House for Women became both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. Initiated by Soroptimist International of Vancouver, this project continues to inspire collaboration and mentorship in the construction and development community.
Annelise spoke about her first mentor, Carla Guerrera, whose vision to help non-profit organizations navigate development projects became the foundation of Purpose Driven Development’s mission. When Annelise first met Carla, she saw a leader already guiding organizations that needed both structure and hope.
“At the start of the project,” Annelise said, “you would find me sitting quietly in the corner taking notes. Public speaking was never something I imagined doing.”
Over time, that quiet presence grew into confidence and leadership. Annelise shared that she even built an unexpected friendship with someone she once called her ‘scary client.’ What began as a challenge turned into mentorship and mutual respect.
She said she felt honoured to contribute to Soroptimist International of Vancouver’s vision—the first women’s organization in Canada (and maybe the world?) to build housing by women, specifically designed to support women of all walks of life.
One of Annelise’s most meaningful roles was helping guide and relocate the long-term tenants from the original building. Some had lived there for decades, raising children and grandchildren. She described how emotional it was to see them trust the process, move out, and navigate the opportunity and plans to return to a new building.
“It showed me what real community looks like,” she said. “This wasn’t just a project—it was about belonging.”
Throughout the journey, Annelise and her collaborators, Barbara from GBL Architects and Charlie, the site superintendent – just to name a few – each grew into senior roles. What began as a learning experience evolved into empowered leadership for everyone involved.
The Soroptimist House for Women has became more than a building; it is a symbol of growth, courage, and shared purpose. For Annelise, it also marked the path that led her to become a co-owner of Purpose Driven Development.
Gratitude and Recognition
This project reminds us what’s possible when vision and compassion meet.
Soroptimist International of Vancouver thanks Purpose Driven Development, Carla Guerrera, Annelise van der Veen, HAVAN’s Women’s Council, and the incredibly dedicated Soroptimist project development team members, Carla Busnardo, Janet Law and Lenore Riddell, as well as Karen Brown, who passed away in 2023, whose tireless efforts made this groundbreaking work real.
If you’d like to learn more about Soroptimist International of Vancouver or explore ways to support women in your community, look through our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Submitted by Angelina Zheng
Edited by Marielle Soong
