Alona Puehse (she/her)
CEO of Open Door Group
As CEO of Open Door Group, one of BC's largest not-for-profit employment service providers, Alona Puehse brings a strong track record in international business development and a fierce desire to support people access opportunities through employment.
Alona's passion and entrepreneurial vision quickly became a beacon within the organization. She has stewarded many key initiatives and partnerships, including the co-development of the Disability Inclusive Employer Self-Assessment, a tool based on international best practices to support employers in improving workplace accessibility, the UnTapped Workplace Inclusion Awards, recognizing employers moving the dial on improving workplace inclusion for people with disabilities and most recently, the expansion of inclusive employment services to employers, extending through to Ontario.
Prior to joining Open Door Group, Alona held business development roles in Canada, Australia, and Germany. She was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner and YWCA Woman of Distinction nominee in 2018, and in 2025 as Business Woman of the Year in the Diversity and Inclusion Champion category by BCBusiness Magazine. Alona is deeply committed to accessibility, diversity and inclusion, social justice, and lifelong learning – values that she demonstrates through her work at Open Door Group and her service on multiple boards and committees.
As CEO of Open Door Group, one of BC's largest not-for-profit employment service providers, Alona Puehse brings a strong track record in international business development and a fierce desire to support people access opportunities through employment.
Alona's passion and entrepreneurial vision quickly became a beacon within the organization. She has stewarded many key initiatives and partnerships, including the co-development of the Disability Inclusive Employer Self-Assessment, a tool based on international best practices to support employers in improving workplace accessibility, the UnTapped Workplace Inclusion Awards, recognizing employers moving the dial on improving workplace inclusion for people with disabilities and most recently, the expansion of inclusive employment services to employers, extending through to Ontario.
Prior to joining Open Door Group, Alona held business development roles in Canada, Australia, and Germany. She was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner and YWCA Woman of Distinction nominee in 2018, and in 2025 as Business Woman of the Year in the Diversity and Inclusion Champion category by BCBusiness Magazine. Alona is deeply committed to accessibility, diversity and inclusion, social justice, and lifelong learning – values that she demonstrates through her work at Open Door Group and her service on multiple boards and committees.
