Honorary Skirts - SkirtsAfire Festival

Since our beginning in 2013, SkirtsAfire has had an Honorary Skirt. Each year when we consider who we should choose for our next Honorary Skirt, we look for a woman who is well known for her work, accomplishments and community spirit; who inspires greatness from other women. Someone who is passionate and clearly connected to the community she serves.

Catherine Vu
Honorary Skirt 2025

Catherine Vu is a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader celebrated for her energy, passion, and resilience. Despite starting her journey as a computer novice, she built a thriving IT business that exemplifies her drive, determination, and belief in collaboration. As Chief Uptime Officer of Pro-Active IT Management Inc., Catherine transformed a modest startup into a trusted leader in Edmonton’s IT community, earning the loyalty of her clients through proactive, customer-focused solutions delivered with technical excellence and integrity.

An immigrant to Canada, Catherine exemplifies the spirit of giving back. Her philanthropic efforts have raised tens of thousands of dollars for various Edmonton organizations. In 2019, she deepened her impact by establishing The Vu Impact Fund with $38,000 of her own savings through the Edmonton Community Foundation, supporting causes such as disability advocacy, women’s empowerment, and youth initiatives.

Catherine currently serves as president of the Edmonton Executive Association, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, and is a proud board director with Explore Edmonton. She is also a founding mentor of the ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Services (VMS), where she supports and mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 and a 2017 Business in Edmonton Leader, Catherine was recently honored with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani.

A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Catherine has completed the #75Hard Challenge three times, conquered the Banff Marathon, and, as a proud member of the Edmonton #stairbabes crew, braves the city’s staircases every Saturday—even at -50°C.

Known for her fun size, joy, generosity, and indomitable spirit, Catherine inspires others to embrace resilience, run their own race, and build meaningful connections within their communities.