About Us

Board Members

Heidi Hutchison, President

Heidi Hutchison first started with People First in October 2023 where she became the president of People First of Winnipeg. She was drawn to People First by her firm belief that the way the current system is running isn't good enough. Everything from high turnover and low pay among support staff, sheltered workshops not providing equal pay to issues with transit all inspired her to join on and make a difference. In her short time with People First Heidi helped re-start the Winnipeg chapter after the COVID-19 Pandemic by helping to build and co-ordinate a new membership base as well as finding and booking a regular space for their monthly meetings. For her hard work she was eventually elected President of the chapter. One of her biggest accomplishments since joining People First was setting up a food project that provided fresh vegetables to 50 people receiving EIA support. On August 7th 2025 Heidi was elected President of People First Manitoba where she has been hard at work setting monthly meetings with CLDS where topics like how to reform the sheltered workshop system are discussed. In the future Heidi hopes to become a member of the national board for People First of Canada where she can continue her work on a national level.

Kevin Johnson

Vice President

Kevin Johnson has been President of People First Winnipeg for two full terms. Being part of People First has allowed Kevin to use his outspoken personality to take initiative in speaking up for his community and make real change. Kevin is particularly passionate about reaching out to educate and support the community as a whole. Some of his biggest accomplishments in his career with People First have been getting elected as President, being a co-producer on the documentary "Freedom Tour", and going to the Parliament Building in Ottawa to meet Canadian MLA's. Overall, Kevin has worked hard to make a difference with People First and one day hopes to work his way up to be part of the National People First Board.

Jessica Croy

Treasurer

Jessica Croy was People First Manitoba's Second Vice President for two years and was elected First Vice President in 2019. Jessica was originally part of the Local Selkirk Chapter starting in 2013 and joined the Executive Board in 2015 to learn more about people's rights and how to advocate for her community. People First is important to Jessica because she believes everyone should be treated as equal members of society. Jessica is particularly passionate about educating others, speaking on the importance of language, and sharing her own personal experiences. In Jessica's career with People First some of her biggest accomplishments have been working on The Language Project and the Disability Vote Matters campaigns. As the current President of the Local Selkirk Chapter, Jessica hopes to work towards getting hand rails along the stairs in the Rec Centre and one day becoming the next President of People First Manitoba.

Valerie Wolbert Past-President

Valerie (Val) Wolbert has been part of People First for over a decade. She was President of People First Manitoba, as well as the local St. Vital Chapter President in 2010 and was the Past President of People First Manitoba until 2022 when she became the President until 2025. People First is important to Val because it empowers people with intellectual disabilities to show their capability and help make a difference in other people's lives. Some of Val's biggest accomplishments are co-directing the documentary Freedom Tour and protesting zoning injustices in Springfield and Stonewall. Val has been part of the St. Amant "Transitioning into The Community" committee and is particularly passionate about helping people move out of institutions and move into the community. She wants everyone to have the supports they need to feel that they belong in the community. Val has been the Campaign Manager for her husband five times in past elections and is passionate about politics. Through her work with People First and Disability Matters Vote she hopes that more people with intellectual disabilities learn the voting process and their voting rights. In the future Val hopes to run for Provincial Office and be an Executive Board Member of People First Canada.

About Us

Board Members

Heidi Hutchison, President

Kevin Johnson

Vice President

Jessica Croy

Treasurer

Valerie Wolbert Past-President

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