Trish Mandewo's career spans science, entrepreneurship, governance, and public service. After beginning her career in microbiology and embryology, she transitioned into leadership and has since become a multi-award-winning governance professional, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and City Councillor. Having served on more than 25 public, private, and nonprofit organizations, she is recognized for strengthening leadership, accountability, and organizational performance.
As a two term City Councillor for the City of Coquitlam, Trish is committed to thoughtful decision-making that supports a strong and thriving community that everyone can be proud of. She also served two consecutive terms as President of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), elected by local government leaders from across British Columbia.
Her 2025 honours include:
- King Charles III Coronation Medal
- BC Business Woman of the Year, Canadawide Media
- Canada's Top 100 Accomplished Black Women
- The CEO Magazine Global Top 50 Women Over 50
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Pam McConnell Award for Gender Equality in International Development
Trish is the author of Growth Strategies for the Hungry Entrepreneur and the children's book Follow the Railroad: A Journey of Hope and Opportunity. Her latest book on governance is scheduled for publication in 2026.
She and her husband, Alexander, have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of their daughter, Alexandra.
City Advisory Boards & Committees
- Chair, Community Safety Advisory Committee
- Chair, Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee
- Coquitlam Public Library Board, Council Representative
- Past Chair of the Culture Services Advisory Committee
- Past Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Committee
- Past Chair of City of Coquitlam Multiculturalism Committee
- Past of Chair of the Parcel Tax Review Panel
- Past Board Member – Coquitlam Rivershed Society
- Past representative Tri-Cities Homelessness & Housing Task Group
- Past committee member of the Metro Vancouver Electoral Area Committee
- Past Coquitlam Foundation Board of Director
- Past Tri-city Transition Society Board of Director & Commerce Economic Summit Chair
Other Boards
- Trustee, Municipal Pension Board of Trustees
- Board Member, SFU Beedie School of Business
- Chair, Women’s Enterprise Centre BC
- Past Board Member, FCM and Chair of Social & Economic Development Committee
- Past Coquitlam Tennis Club President
- Past Tennis BC Ladies Tennis Inter Club League Director
- 2016 BC Senior Games Competition Chair
- Past Tri-city Transition Society Board of Director