Teresa May is a lifelong entrepreneur, community leader, volunteer, and advocate who has spent decades investing in the people and future of Kelowna.
Throughout her career, Teresa May has owned and managed a diverse range of businesses, including a custom home building company, a talent agency in the film industry, a dental practice, a furniture refinishing business, a fundraising enterprise, and a specialty meat shop. She has also worked as a teacher and is a published author. Her broad business background has given her firsthand experience in leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, customer service, and creating employment opportunities.
Teresa May is perhaps best known for her unwavering commitment to community service. Over the past two decades, she has volunteered thousands of hours with organizations that support families, children, seniors, health care, and those experiencing hardship. Her volunteer leadership has included serving with and, in many cases, chairing organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Children's Festival, the Wild Women Wise Women Foundation, East Meets West, the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Shoe Bank Canada, The Bridge Youth & Family Services, the Community Food Bank, and Canadian Blood Services. She has always believed that strong communities are built through service, collaboration, and compassion.
Today, Teresa May continues to work alongside her husband Peter Teschner in the residential construction industry, advocating for sustainable, innovative building practices that address housing affordability, environmental responsibility, and community growth. She is passionate about responsible development that enhances neighbourhoods while preparing Kelowna for the future. Teresa has two children, Alisha and Trevor, and Peter has two sons, together a blended family with four grandchildren.
As a grandmother, business owner, volunteer, and Kelowna resident of more than two decades, Teresa brings a practical, balanced, fresh perspective to community issues. She understands the challenges facing families, seniors, businesses, and young people because she has lived them. Her approach is collaborative rather than divisive, and she believes the best solutions come from listening, building relationships, and bringing people together.
Teresa May is seeking public office because she wants to build on the positive momentum Kelowna has achieved. She believes in thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, strong community partnerships, and maintaining the high quality of life that makes Kelowna such a remarkable place to live.
Her decades of volunteerism, business leadership, and community involvement reflect a simple philosophy: give back, work hard, listen carefully, and leave your community better than you found it.
