About Diana

Rooted in Vernon. Committed to Its Future.

I am proud to be a fourth-generation Vernonite. My family’s roots in Vernon go back nearly 100 years. My great-grandparents were among the early Ukrainian families to settle in Coldstream in the 1920s.

Family history tells us that my great-grandparents, Konstantine and Anna Scherba, donated the land for St. Nicholas Church in 1934, with the church completed in 1936. Their commitment to building a strong community is a legacy that continues to inspire me today.

I was raised in Vernon alongside my two sisters and have been fortunate to raise my two children here. Like so many families, our lives have been shaped by everything this incredible community has to offer—from swimming in Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes during the summer to skiing at SilverStar in the winter.

Over the past fifteen years, mountain biking has become one of my greatest passions. The incredible trail network, lakes and vistas surrounding Vernon, remind me every time I ride why so many people choose to call this place home.

Vernon is not just where I live. It is where my family’s story began, where I was raised, where I raised my own family, built my career, developed lifelong friendships, and discovered a love for the outdoor experiences that make this community so special.

Those roots are a big part of why I want to give something back.

Why am I running for Vernon City Council?

Vernon has always been home. I am a proud fourth-generation Vernonite, raised my family here, built my career here and have had the privilege of giving back through community leadership.

Now I want to put that experience to work for Vernon.

“I am running for Vernon City Council because I care deeply about Vernon, but caring isn’t enough.

Being an effective member of council means understanding the issues, listening to different perspectives, asking tough questions, making difficult decisions, setting priorities, and being accountable for the results.”

Professional Leadership

For more than 30 years, I have worked in complex environments across government, healthcare, retail, logistics and post-secondary education.

I began my career as a technology consultant and eventually spent 15 years with Kal Tire, where I had the opportunity to build and lead teams, work alongside senior leaders, contribute to strategy and governance, and lead major business transformation initiatives across the organization.

In 2021, I established DWilson Consulting Services and have continued to help organizations navigate complex projects and organizational change. Today, I serve as Change Management Lead at Okanagan College, more than 40 years after beginning my own post-secondary education there.

While much of my career has involved technology, my work has never really been about technology. It has been about people.

It has taught me how to listen, ask good questions, understand complex problems, work through competing priorities, bring different perspectives together, and help organizations make informed decisions.

Those are the skills and experience I hope to bring to the Council table.

Community Leadership

Giving back has always been important to me, but some of my most rewarding community experiences started quite simply by getting involved in activities I loved.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as:

My involvement with the Vernon Paddling Centre began shortly after moving back to Vernon in 2007. What started as an opportunity to try outrigger paddling and meet new people eventually led to serving as President. I am particularly proud to have been part of introducing adaptive equipment that helped people living with disabilities access Okanagan Lake and enjoy water activities.

My love of mountain biking eventually led me to the North Okanagan Cycling Society, where I again had the opportunity to serve as President and contribute to the governance of an organization doing important work for our community.

And serving as President of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce gave me greater exposure to municipal government and a much deeper appreciation for the impact Council decisions have on residents, businesses and our community.

These experiences taught me that community leadership is not about a title. It is about showing up, listening, bringing people together, and contributing wherever you can.

Just as importantly, they have given me friendships and connections throughout Vernon that I continue to treasure today.

“When I look at my decision to run for Council, it feels like the culmination of so many of my experiences—my family, my career, and the community organizations I have had the privilege of being part of.

I am at a point in my life where I want to take what I have learned and put it to work for the community that has given my family and me so much.”

A Commitment to Serve

If I am fortunate enough to earn the trust of Vernon residents and be elected to Council, serving our community will be one of my highest priorities.

I recognize that becoming an effective councillor requires preparation, learning and a willingness to listen. I intend to invest the time required to understand the issues, learn from fellow councillors and City staff, engage with community organizations, and, most importantly, continue listening to the people of Vernon.

Serving on Council is a responsibility I would approach with preparation, curiosity, hard work and a genuine commitment to our community.