Welcome to Season 6 Episode 2 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!

This episode is dedicated in memory of Dianne Liscumb.

As we re-air this podcast episode, we do so in loving memory of Dianne Liscumb, a remarkable leader, educator, mentor, and former Executive Director of WCCRC (now CCRC), who passed away on September 15.

Dianne dedicated her life to strengthening child care and early childhood education in British Columbia. Beginning her journey with the organization in early 1990, she helped shape the Child Care Resource and Referral model that would go on to support children, families, and educators across the province. As Executive Director from 1998 to 2012, she led with wisdom, humility, and vision, championing innovation, learning, and excellence while always keeping people at the heart of her work.

Those who knew Dianne remember not only her extraordinary professional contributions but also her kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. She was a thoughtful mentor who encouraged people to grow, a trusted colleague who brought calm and clarity during challenging times, and a passionate advocate for the child care community. Her quiet strength, compassionate leadership, and commitment to lifelong learning left a lasting impression on countless individuals.

Today, Dianne's legacy lives on in the programs she helped build, the resources she developed, the leaders she inspired, and the relationships she nurtured. The values she embodied, collaboration, respect, curiosity, and service, continue to guide our work and strengthen our community.

We invite you to revisit this conversation in honour of Dianne and the profound impact she had on the field of early childhood education. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, her mentorship, and the enduring gift of her vision. She will be remembered with great respect, appreciation, and affection by all whose lives she touched. ❤️

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 6, Episode 2 or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to a special episode of BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast.

Although we are taking a brief summer break, we felt it was important to re-air this special episode in honour of Stephanie Smith, who devoted more than four decades to advancing workers' rights and social justice, and whose recent passing has left many across the labour movement and beyond, mourning the loss of a remarkable leader.

As the first woman elected president of the BCGEU, an early childhood educator by training, and a lifelong advocate for workers, child care, and social justice, Stephanie's impact was profound and far-reaching.

We invite you to revisit this conversation and reflect on her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to building a more just and caring world.

We extend our deepest condolences to Stephanie’s family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched through her leadership, advocacy, and friendship. Her legacy of solidarity, compassion, and service will not be forgotten.

Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast: Season 5, Episode 9 or wherever you get your podcasts.