Diane McGee's business experience prepared her well for her newest career. Her business background is well rounded with many years as a self-employed entrepreneur, educator, and sales and marketing coordinator for two large companies in the beauty industry.

Diane opened her first beauty salon while she was still a teenager and spent more than 40 years in the beauty and esthetics industry.
While teaching high school, Diane initiated a co-op education program long before co-op became common by having her students working in her salons. She enjoyed mentoring many of them and assisting them in starting their own businesses.

Since her retirement from the beauty industry, Diane has become an advocate of small business. In 1992 she founded the Home-Works Association for home-based businesses in Barrie/Huronia area. Because of her efforts and those of her colleagues, in 1997 she was presented with a national award for "Community Friendly to Home Based Business" for the City of Barrie by the Royal Bank and Home Business Report Magazine.

After the birth of WINGS in 1997, Diane became part of the task force to establish a business centre in Simcoe County. As a result of this teamwork we now have a true Business Enterprise centre in Barrie with satellites in surrounding communities. It provides great help for starting and growing small business. She continues to serve as vice president and director.

Diane is first and foremost a mother and enjoys time spent with her fabulous family. There is no retirement in the near future for Diane who is looking for opportunities to spread WINGS & HEROS "Mentors in Motion" into other communities.