The Team
Founders
Liz LeClair, CFRE
Co-Founder, National Day of Conversation and Director of Major Gifts, QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation
Liz LeClair is proud to call herself a fundraiser and a feminist. She brings more than 15 years of experience to her role as the Director of Major Gifts at the QE2 Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Toronto, she has lived and worked on both coasts, working with a variety of non-profits, in a variety of sectors.
Liz is a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; sits on the board of Certified Fundraising Executive International, volunteers on numerous national boards and committees, and is the current Chair of the AFP Women’s Impact Initiative, an initiative started in response to the #MeToo Movement in the non-profit sector. In January 2019, Liz published an op-ed with CBC on issue of sexual harassment in the non-profit sector followed by numerous industry articles on this issue. She is also a founder of the National Day of Conversation, a one-day digital dialogue on the issue of sexualized violence in the charitable sector. Liz is committed to speaking up about the challenges facing women and marginalized individuals in all sectors.
Liz LeClair is proud to call herself a fundraiser and a feminist. She brings more than 15 years of experience to her role as the Director of Major Gifts at the QE2 Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Born in Toronto, she has lived and worked on both coasts, working with a variety of non-profits, in a variety of sectors.
Liz is a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; sits on the board of Certified Fundraising Executive International, volunteers on numerous national boards and committees, and is the current Chair of the AFP Women’s Impact Initiative, an initiative started in response to the #MeToo Movement in the non-profit sector. In January 2019, Liz published an op-ed with CBC on issue of sexual harassment in the non-profit sector followed by numerous industry articles on this issue. She is also a founder of the National Day of Conversation, a one-day digital dialogue on the issue of sexualized violence in the charitable sector. Liz is committed to speaking up about the challenges facing women and marginalized individuals in all sectors.
Wanda Deschamps
Co-Founder, National Day of Conversation and Principal, Liberty Co
Wanda's ultimate goal is to increase the participation level of members of the neurodiverse population in the workforce with a special focus on autism due to her own diagnosis at midlife.
Prior to founding Liberty Co, Wanda enjoyed a twenty-five year career in the philanthropic sector, serving as a consultant for KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.), a leading fundraising consultancy, as well as an institutional development leader. A champion for inclusion, she enjoys writing under the banner of the Inclusion Revolution a worldwide movement launched in 2018 to spearhead broader thinking about disability, especially disability employment. Wanda is also the catalyst behind the #women4women collective focused on gender equality through supporting other women. Combining these two goals provides an avenue for Wanda to be an advocate for women with autism, including as a participant in research into autistic women's experiences in the workplace. As a means to further help create safer and healthier workplaces, she is the co-founder of the National Day of Conversation about sexual harassment in the charitable sector.
Outside of work she relishes time with friends, exercising and reading biographies, as well as books about history and current affairs. Recently she was appointed to The Charity Report’s Literary Review Circle which has given her a new forum to indulge this love of learning.
Wanda lives in Waterloo Ontario with her husband and their two sons.
Wanda's ultimate goal is to increase the participation level of members of the neurodiverse population in the workforce with a special focus on autism due to her own diagnosis at midlife.
Prior to founding Liberty Co, Wanda enjoyed a twenty-five year career in the philanthropic sector, serving as a consultant for KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.), a leading fundraising consultancy, as well as an institutional development leader. A champion for inclusion, she enjoys writing under the banner of the Inclusion Revolution a worldwide movement launched in 2018 to spearhead broader thinking about disability, especially disability employment. Wanda is also the catalyst behind the #women4women collective focused on gender equality through supporting other women. Combining these two goals provides an avenue for Wanda to be an advocate for women with autism, including as a participant in research into autistic women's experiences in the workplace. As a means to further help create safer and healthier workplaces, she is the co-founder of the National Day of Conversation about sexual harassment in the charitable sector.
Outside of work she relishes time with friends, exercising and reading biographies, as well as books about history and current affairs. Recently she was appointed to The Charity Report’s Literary Review Circle which has given her a new forum to indulge this love of learning.
Wanda lives in Waterloo Ontario with her husband and their two sons.
Leader's Circle
The Leader's Circle is comprised of women leaders from the charitable sector and beyond who serve as advisors and spokespeople on behalf of our movement for positive action and change.
Paulette Senior
President & CEO, Canadian Women’s Foundation
Paulette Senior is President & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She has
devoted her career to empowering women and girls to overcome barriers and reach
their full potential.
Paulette started her career on the front lines of social service organizations in some
of Toronto’s most economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. She saw how social
resources and systemic change could transform women’s lives. Through her work and
advocacy with shelters, as well as employment and housing programs, she has earned
numerous awards and become one of the most respected women leaders in Canada.
Paulette joined the Foundation in 2016, after 10 years as CEO of YWCA Canada. Her
work with the Foundation is guided by the vision of an inclusive, national movement
toward gender equity that will strengthen all Canadians.
Paulette Senior is President & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She has
devoted her career to empowering women and girls to overcome barriers and reach
their full potential.
Paulette started her career on the front lines of social service organizations in some
of Toronto’s most economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. She saw how social
resources and systemic change could transform women’s lives. Through her work and
advocacy with shelters, as well as employment and housing programs, she has earned
numerous awards and become one of the most respected women leaders in Canada.
Paulette joined the Foundation in 2016, after 10 years as CEO of YWCA Canada. Her
work with the Foundation is guided by the vision of an inclusive, national movement
toward gender equity that will strengthen all Canadians.
Kathleen Adams
UNB Law Graduate; community activist
Kathleen Adams is an advocate and changemaker. A 2020 law graduate from the University of New Brunswick, she is currently employed in administration at a Fredericton law office.
Particularly committed to the rights of trans or non-binary folk and a staunch supporter of intersectional feminism she has over a decade of experience in building profile and support for animal welfare, women's support groups, and economic initiatives.
Access to justice through a grassroots level is also very important to her. For example, in 2019 she helped organize the “Law Needs Feminism Because” Forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event brought together legal professionals and community members in a day of talks, workshops, and networking. She remains active in the organization and aims to bring onside new members from across the country.
Reproductive justice, access, and fertility also fuel her commitment to change as do her interests in Cannabis and business loans to women.
A member of the neurodiverse population who is open about her ADHD diagnosis, she holds a Masters in Art History from Queen’s University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History with a special emphasis in Atlantic history from St. Francis Xavier University.
Kathleen Adams is an advocate and changemaker. A 2020 law graduate from the University of New Brunswick, she is currently employed in administration at a Fredericton law office.
Particularly committed to the rights of trans or non-binary folk and a staunch supporter of intersectional feminism she has over a decade of experience in building profile and support for animal welfare, women's support groups, and economic initiatives.
Access to justice through a grassroots level is also very important to her. For example, in 2019 she helped organize the “Law Needs Feminism Because” Forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event brought together legal professionals and community members in a day of talks, workshops, and networking. She remains active in the organization and aims to bring onside new members from across the country.
Reproductive justice, access, and fertility also fuel her commitment to change as do her interests in Cannabis and business loans to women.
A member of the neurodiverse population who is open about her ADHD diagnosis, she holds a Masters in Art History from Queen’s University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History with a special emphasis in Atlantic history from St. Francis Xavier University.
Shelley Uvanile-Hesch
President & CEO, Women's Trucking Federation of Canada and Professional Truck Driver, Sharp Transportation
Shelley Uvanile-Hesch is the CEO of Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, a non-profit organization, with the mission to bridge barriers, empower women and provide a positive platform for education, mentorship, networking and development within the trucking/transportation industry.
She has over 30 years’ experience in Trucking/Transportation industry. Shelley has a history of supporting the Transportation/Trucking industry as a reputable and respected leader, spokesperson, and professional driver. Shelley is well-versed in the undertaking of several charitable initiatives, community campaigns and public outreach.
Her many skills include Management, Keynote Speaking, Leadership, Safety & Training. Shelley has a strong interest in philanthropy, promoting women within the industry and empowering teams and individuals.
Shelley was just recently inducted into the PMTC Hall of Fame For Professional Drivers. She is also a nominee for the 2020 Woman of Inspiration™ Awards.
Shelley Uvanile-Hesch is the CEO of Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, a non-profit organization, with the mission to bridge barriers, empower women and provide a positive platform for education, mentorship, networking and development within the trucking/transportation industry.
She has over 30 years’ experience in Trucking/Transportation industry. Shelley has a history of supporting the Transportation/Trucking industry as a reputable and respected leader, spokesperson, and professional driver. Shelley is well-versed in the undertaking of several charitable initiatives, community campaigns and public outreach.
Her many skills include Management, Keynote Speaking, Leadership, Safety & Training. Shelley has a strong interest in philanthropy, promoting women within the industry and empowering teams and individuals.
Shelley was just recently inducted into the PMTC Hall of Fame For Professional Drivers. She is also a nominee for the 2020 Woman of Inspiration™ Awards.
Dr. Carrie Bourassa
Dr. Carrie Bourassa, is the Scientific Director of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) and a Professor, Community Health & Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan. She is an adjunct Professor in the Faculties of Education and Kinesiology & Health Studies at the University of Regina and is the Nominated Principal Investigator for the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funded Morning Star Lodge established in 2010, as well as for the recently CFI-funded Cultural Safety, Evaluation, Training and Research lab that will be built by the summer of 2021, hosted at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Dr. Bourassa has nearly 20 years’ experience as a professor in the field of Indigenous health studies across four different Universities. Through her role as Scientific Director of IIPH, she leads the advancement of a national health research agenda to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. Dr. Bourassa has been recently appointed (2020) as the Indigenous engagement lead for the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and the Indigenous lead for the Rapid Response team, Saskatchewan Health Authority. Dr. Bourassa is Métis and belongs to the Riel Métis Council of Regina Inc. (RMCR, Local #34).
Dr. Bourassa has nearly 20 years’ experience as a professor in the field of Indigenous health studies across four different Universities. Through her role as Scientific Director of IIPH, she leads the advancement of a national health research agenda to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. Dr. Bourassa has been recently appointed (2020) as the Indigenous engagement lead for the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and the Indigenous lead for the Rapid Response team, Saskatchewan Health Authority. Dr. Bourassa is Métis and belongs to the Riel Métis Council of Regina Inc. (RMCR, Local #34).
Dr. Wendy Cukier
Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute, Ryerson University
and Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University. She is the co-author of the bestseller, Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic and former VP of Research and Innovation. The Diversity Institute has 75 research staff, 100 research associates from around the world, 200 industry partners and focuses on dimensions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, future skills, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Harnessing the power of innovation, it promotes the advancement of underrepresented groups. The Diversity Institute is also a research lead for the $300 million Future Skills Centre and the $8.6 million Women Entrepreneurship Hub. Wendy has been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, the Bob Marley Award, the Canada-Pakistan Business Council’s Female Professional of the Year, the Metropolis Research Award, the CATA Alliance, Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN. She has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, a Woman of Influence and one of the “100 Alumni who shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto. Wendy holds a PhD, an MBA, an MA, and honorary doctorates from Laval and Concordia.
and Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and Founder of the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University. She is the co-author of the bestseller, Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic and former VP of Research and Innovation. The Diversity Institute has 75 research staff, 100 research associates from around the world, 200 industry partners and focuses on dimensions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, future skills, and entrepreneurship and innovation. Harnessing the power of innovation, it promotes the advancement of underrepresented groups. The Diversity Institute is also a research lead for the $300 million Future Skills Centre and the $8.6 million Women Entrepreneurship Hub. Wendy has been recognized with the Harry Jerome Diversity Award, the Bob Marley Award, the Canada-Pakistan Business Council’s Female Professional of the Year, the Metropolis Research Award, the CATA Alliance, Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN. She has been named a YWCA Woman of Distinction, a Woman of Influence and one of the “100 Alumni who shaped the Century” by the University of Toronto. Wendy holds a PhD, an MBA, an MA, and honorary doctorates from Laval and Concordia.
Sara Forte
Founder and Partner, Forte Law
Sara Forte is an employment lawyer and founder of Forte Law, with offices in BC and Alberta. After decades of representing clients in human rights claims and observing the harm caused by workplace sexual harassment, in 2020 Forte Law launched StandUP Teams ™, an innovative respectful workplace program designed for progressive organizations to combat sexual harassment, racism and other forms of disrespect at work. StandUP Teams™ training includes bystander training, which is an emerging best practice in harassment training and gives everyone at work a role in a culture of respect. Sara has a passion for educating and empowering her clients and the public to improve workplaces, and is a frequent speaker and writer on work-related legal issues and entrepreneurship.
Sara Forte is an employment lawyer and founder of Forte Law, with offices in BC and Alberta. After decades of representing clients in human rights claims and observing the harm caused by workplace sexual harassment, in 2020 Forte Law launched StandUP Teams ™, an innovative respectful workplace program designed for progressive organizations to combat sexual harassment, racism and other forms of disrespect at work. StandUP Teams™ training includes bystander training, which is an emerging best practice in harassment training and gives everyone at work a role in a culture of respect. Sara has a passion for educating and empowering her clients and the public to improve workplaces, and is a frequent speaker and writer on work-related legal issues and entrepreneurship.
Tycely Williams, CFRE
Chief Development Officer, America’s Promise Alliance
Tycely Williams, a Certified Fundraising Executive, has inspired individuals and institutions to invest more than $100 million dollars in charitable causes. As Chief Development Officer for America’s Promise Alliance, she leads contributed and earned income strategies for the largest alliance of youth-serving organizations in the United States. Over the past 23 years, Tycely advanced philanthropy as vice president of development of YWCA USA, as the chief development officer for the American Red Cross National Capital Region, an association director of major gifts for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, a director of development for two health and human services organizations, the artistic director of two community- based dance studios, and the executive director for a nonprofit organization founded by a Fortune 500 company.
A cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University, Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with distinguished departmental honors and a minor in Journalism. Tycely possesses an Executive Master’s in Leadership from The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
In her spare time, she chairs the Board of Trustees for Monument Academy Public Charter School and volunteers with numerous youth-serving organizations. Tycely is the current chair of The Nonprofit Alliance Foundation, is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Washington DC Metro Chapter, and the immediate past chair of the Women’s Impact Initiative of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A joyful divorcée, Tycely enjoys traveling, crashing charitable fundraising galas, taste-testing fried green tomatoes and conversing with values-driven leaders in preparation for her first book.
You can follow Tycely’s take on youth engagement, voluntarism, and charitable fundraising on Twitter via @Tycely.
Tycely Williams, a Certified Fundraising Executive, has inspired individuals and institutions to invest more than $100 million dollars in charitable causes. As Chief Development Officer for America’s Promise Alliance, she leads contributed and earned income strategies for the largest alliance of youth-serving organizations in the United States. Over the past 23 years, Tycely advanced philanthropy as vice president of development of YWCA USA, as the chief development officer for the American Red Cross National Capital Region, an association director of major gifts for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, a director of development for two health and human services organizations, the artistic director of two community- based dance studios, and the executive director for a nonprofit organization founded by a Fortune 500 company.
A cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University, Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with distinguished departmental honors and a minor in Journalism. Tycely possesses an Executive Master’s in Leadership from The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.
In her spare time, she chairs the Board of Trustees for Monument Academy Public Charter School and volunteers with numerous youth-serving organizations. Tycely is the current chair of The Nonprofit Alliance Foundation, is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Washington DC Metro Chapter, and the immediate past chair of the Women’s Impact Initiative of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A joyful divorcée, Tycely enjoys traveling, crashing charitable fundraising galas, taste-testing fried green tomatoes and conversing with values-driven leaders in preparation for her first book.
You can follow Tycely’s take on youth engagement, voluntarism, and charitable fundraising on Twitter via @Tycely.
Sandra Hawken
President and CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
Sandra Hawken joined Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation as President and CEO in 2015.
Prior to joining Holland Bloorview Foundation, Sandra started her career in advertising and held senior leadership roles at Canadian Women’s Foundation, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. In her 25-year career, she’s re-engineered operations and inspired high-performing staff teams with innovation mandates to launch record-breaking fundraising, brand-building and engagement campaigns.
Sandra has been a strong advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion throughout her career as a frequent spokesperson in the national media, persuasively reframing social complex issues to make them relevant and engaging for Canadians. At Holland Bloorview she has created an inclusive culture by transforming Board composition and staff engagement with an EDI lens that has led to a tripling of the donor base and doubling of annual funds raised. She has also lead the #DearEverybody campaign to reduce stigma for people with disability and partner with national brands to increase disability representation in advertising.
Sandra is a member of the National Council of Foundation Executives and the Leaders Circle for the National Day of Conversation to increase equity in the charitable sector post #MeToo. Sandra’s other volunteer work has included past Chair of Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-for-Profit Marketing Council, past President of Brookfield RPS Charitable Foundation and board positions at several local and national women’s organizations.
Sandra has won national and international awards for innovation in media, partnerships and outreach, and is a proud alumni of Queen’s Smith School of Business (BComm ’95).
Sandra Hawken joined Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation as President and CEO in 2015.
Prior to joining Holland Bloorview Foundation, Sandra started her career in advertising and held senior leadership roles at Canadian Women’s Foundation, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. In her 25-year career, she’s re-engineered operations and inspired high-performing staff teams with innovation mandates to launch record-breaking fundraising, brand-building and engagement campaigns.
Sandra has been a strong advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion throughout her career as a frequent spokesperson in the national media, persuasively reframing social complex issues to make them relevant and engaging for Canadians. At Holland Bloorview she has created an inclusive culture by transforming Board composition and staff engagement with an EDI lens that has led to a tripling of the donor base and doubling of annual funds raised. She has also lead the #DearEverybody campaign to reduce stigma for people with disability and partner with national brands to increase disability representation in advertising.
Sandra is a member of the National Council of Foundation Executives and the Leaders Circle for the National Day of Conversation to increase equity in the charitable sector post #MeToo. Sandra’s other volunteer work has included past Chair of Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-for-Profit Marketing Council, past President of Brookfield RPS Charitable Foundation and board positions at several local and national women’s organizations.
Sandra has won national and international awards for innovation in media, partnerships and outreach, and is a proud alumni of Queen’s Smith School of Business (BComm ’95).
The Honourable Joanne Bernard
President & CEO, Easter Seals Nova Scotia and former Nova Scotia Minister of Community Services
Joanne Bernard has been building communities for over 20 years in Nova Scotia. In 2002, Joanne established the Margeurite Centre, the only residential facility for women recovering from addictions and abuse in Nova Scotia.
In 2005, she was tasked to lead Alice Housing, which offers second stage housing for women and children leaving abusive relationships. In 2008, she developed Healing the Bruises, the only
interventionist therapy program in Atlantic Canada for child witnesses of domestic violence.
Ms. Bernard’s strong leadership and commitment to Alice Housing, led to numerous national awards for program delivery. Most notably multiple wins for the much coveted Donner Award. Ms. Bernard was awarded the Peter F Drucker award for Non Profit Management in Canada in 2011.
Elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013, Ms. Bernard was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia where she served as Minister of Community Services, Housing Nova Scotia, Disabled Persons Commission and Advisory Council for the Status of Women. She served as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Dartmouth North from 2013 to 2017.
Ms. Bernard was the first openly gay MLA/Cabinet Minister in the history of Nova Scotia government.
Ms. Bernard is currently President and CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia and has increased both the physical footprint and program capacity of that organization further positioning the organization as a leader in program delivery for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia.
Ms. Bernard holds of Bachelor of Arts (Political Science with Distinction) from Mount Saint Vincent University, Masters of Arts (Political Science) from Acadia University and a Certificate of Leadership from Saint Mary’s University.
In 2009, she received the Holly House Award for her work on the issue of homelessness and in 2015 received the Inspire Award for her Public Service.
Ms. Bernard currently holds positions on the Board of Governors, Alumni Association of Mount Saint Vincent University and is a Director with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Board.
Joanne is married to Annette, mother to grown son Taylor and proud owner of 4 rescued cats and her greatest joy is her granddaughter Kalliope (Ka-li-o-pee), born in 2018.
Joanne Bernard has been building communities for over 20 years in Nova Scotia. In 2002, Joanne established the Margeurite Centre, the only residential facility for women recovering from addictions and abuse in Nova Scotia.
In 2005, she was tasked to lead Alice Housing, which offers second stage housing for women and children leaving abusive relationships. In 2008, she developed Healing the Bruises, the only
interventionist therapy program in Atlantic Canada for child witnesses of domestic violence.
Ms. Bernard’s strong leadership and commitment to Alice Housing, led to numerous national awards for program delivery. Most notably multiple wins for the much coveted Donner Award. Ms. Bernard was awarded the Peter F Drucker award for Non Profit Management in Canada in 2011.
Elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2013, Ms. Bernard was appointed to the Executive Council of Nova Scotia where she served as Minister of Community Services, Housing Nova Scotia, Disabled Persons Commission and Advisory Council for the Status of Women. She served as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Dartmouth North from 2013 to 2017.
Ms. Bernard was the first openly gay MLA/Cabinet Minister in the history of Nova Scotia government.
Ms. Bernard is currently President and CEO of Easter Seals Nova Scotia and has increased both the physical footprint and program capacity of that organization further positioning the organization as a leader in program delivery for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia.
Ms. Bernard holds of Bachelor of Arts (Political Science with Distinction) from Mount Saint Vincent University, Masters of Arts (Political Science) from Acadia University and a Certificate of Leadership from Saint Mary’s University.
In 2009, she received the Holly House Award for her work on the issue of homelessness and in 2015 received the Inspire Award for her Public Service.
Ms. Bernard currently holds positions on the Board of Governors, Alumni Association of Mount Saint Vincent University and is a Director with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Board.
Joanne is married to Annette, mother to grown son Taylor and proud owner of 4 rescued cats and her greatest joy is her granddaughter Kalliope (Ka-li-o-pee), born in 2018.
Adrienne Power
Oympian and Director of High Performance, Athletics Nova Scotia
Adrienne Power is a 7-time national champion and ran the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay events for Canada from 2003 to 2013. She is an Olympian and double Commonwealth Games medalist. Adrienne is from Halifax, Nova Scotia where she gives back to sport as the Director of High Performance on the Athletics Nova Scotia Board. She is also the Chair of the Women in Communications and Technology Association, NS Chapter.
Adrienne runs her own branch of Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. For her, education and demystifying investment strategy is the first step to helping people towards their goals. She specializes in wealth management, estate planning and retirement strategies for professionals and entrepreneurs. Adrienne has a particular passion for helping women build wealth and taking control of their financial future.
Adrienne has joined NDOC and the movement to spread awareness and promote change for the inequalities women face in sport and fundraising. The barriers women must overcome are systemic. The conversation begins with uniting our message and our communities to end inequality.
Adrienne Power is a 7-time national champion and ran the 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay events for Canada from 2003 to 2013. She is an Olympian and double Commonwealth Games medalist. Adrienne is from Halifax, Nova Scotia where she gives back to sport as the Director of High Performance on the Athletics Nova Scotia Board. She is also the Chair of the Women in Communications and Technology Association, NS Chapter.
Adrienne runs her own branch of Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. For her, education and demystifying investment strategy is the first step to helping people towards their goals. She specializes in wealth management, estate planning and retirement strategies for professionals and entrepreneurs. Adrienne has a particular passion for helping women build wealth and taking control of their financial future.
Adrienne has joined NDOC and the movement to spread awareness and promote change for the inequalities women face in sport and fundraising. The barriers women must overcome are systemic. The conversation begins with uniting our message and our communities to end inequality.
Volunteer Committee
Sarah May, CFRE
Development Officer, Leadership Giving, David Suzuki Foundation
Heather Nelson, MBA, CFRE
Principal Consultant and Owner, Bridgeraise
Lucy White
Principal, The Osborne Group
Lucy White is a skilled coach and cultural executive with over thirty years’ experience. As a Principal with The Osborne Group, Lucy serves as interim executive director for non-profit organizations and provides consulting primarily in governance, strategic planning, organization and membership development and facilitation of small and large groups. Lucy brings a strategic, creative, and consultative approach to achieve superior results for her clients and she is known for outstanding analytical, communication and relationship building skills.
Lucy was Executive Director of The Centre for Mindfulness Studies, a charitable social enterprise which uses mindfulness-based interventions for mental health and to train professionals in the use of mindfulness-based practices. Previously, Lucy was Executive Director of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). Her mandate included overseeing a full-range of programs and services for theatre management including advocacy and public education, labour relations, membership and professional development.
Prior to joining PACT, Lucy was Associate Director of the Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (now ACCESS Copyright) from 1995 to 2000, also holding the positions of Licensing and Communications Manager and Compliance Manager.
Lucy is an active volunteer. In addition to her role with #NDOC, she is currently on the boards of Mindfulness Everyday and Friends of the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books at Toronto Public Library. She is a founder of the Canadian Arts Coalition and the Performing Arts Alliance, taught Cultural Policy in the Arts Administration and Cultural Management Program at Humber College, has served on the National Steering Committee for Culture Days, was a Director of the Cultural Human Resources Council and sat on the Advisory Committee of Artsbuild Ontario. Previously, she has also volunteered as President of the Board of Theatre Smith-Gilmour, Secretary of the Board of Arts Consultants Canada, Chair of Friends of the Merrill Collection, Treasurer of Art of Time Ensemble, and Vice-President of the Canadian Copyright Institute.
Lucy is a member of the International Coach Federation and Arts Consultants Canada.
Lucy White is a skilled coach and cultural executive with over thirty years’ experience. As a Principal with The Osborne Group, Lucy serves as interim executive director for non-profit organizations and provides consulting primarily in governance, strategic planning, organization and membership development and facilitation of small and large groups. Lucy brings a strategic, creative, and consultative approach to achieve superior results for her clients and she is known for outstanding analytical, communication and relationship building skills.
Lucy was Executive Director of The Centre for Mindfulness Studies, a charitable social enterprise which uses mindfulness-based interventions for mental health and to train professionals in the use of mindfulness-based practices. Previously, Lucy was Executive Director of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). Her mandate included overseeing a full-range of programs and services for theatre management including advocacy and public education, labour relations, membership and professional development.
Prior to joining PACT, Lucy was Associate Director of the Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (now ACCESS Copyright) from 1995 to 2000, also holding the positions of Licensing and Communications Manager and Compliance Manager.
Lucy is an active volunteer. In addition to her role with #NDOC, she is currently on the boards of Mindfulness Everyday and Friends of the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books at Toronto Public Library. She is a founder of the Canadian Arts Coalition and the Performing Arts Alliance, taught Cultural Policy in the Arts Administration and Cultural Management Program at Humber College, has served on the National Steering Committee for Culture Days, was a Director of the Cultural Human Resources Council and sat on the Advisory Committee of Artsbuild Ontario. Previously, she has also volunteered as President of the Board of Theatre Smith-Gilmour, Secretary of the Board of Arts Consultants Canada, Chair of Friends of the Merrill Collection, Treasurer of Art of Time Ensemble, and Vice-President of the Canadian Copyright Institute.
Lucy is a member of the International Coach Federation and Arts Consultants Canada.
Shanaaz Gokool
Shanaaz Gokool is a life-long human rights activist inspired to do social justice work primarily because of the rampant racism she experienced and witnessed growing up in Halifax-Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
She has held leadership roles in the private and nonprofit sectors and is an emerging governance expert on workplace discrimination.
As the former CEO of Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC), she ushered in a new national movement supporting assisted dying and other end-of-life issues re-framed as human rights issues. Under her leadership, DWDC emerged as a key player in Canada on the assisted-dying file with successful court interventions, public mobilization campaigns, $5-6 million dollars in earned media, and national fundraising recognition with the Moe Davies Award for fundraising excellence.
She currently has a wrongful dismissal, systemic racism and discrimination lawsuit pending against her former employer.
She has held leadership roles in the private and nonprofit sectors and is an emerging governance expert on workplace discrimination.
As the former CEO of Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC), she ushered in a new national movement supporting assisted dying and other end-of-life issues re-framed as human rights issues. Under her leadership, DWDC emerged as a key player in Canada on the assisted-dying file with successful court interventions, public mobilization campaigns, $5-6 million dollars in earned media, and national fundraising recognition with the Moe Davies Award for fundraising excellence.
She currently has a wrongful dismissal, systemic racism and discrimination lawsuit pending against her former employer.
Vanessa Burns
Founder, Vanessa Burns Consulting Group
Accomplished and energetic professional with over 25 years experience in sales/marketing, fundraising, communications and event management. Record of success in developing campaigns, strategies, and solutions that have generated revenue and client growth in the not for profit and for profit sectors. Vanessa believes in a heart centered approach and is known for simplifying the complicated. She wants her clients to feel good so they can do more good. In her spare time, Vanessa is mom to two amazing daughters and is known to climb a rock cliff or two, hang off the side of mountains and swing ice axes into frozen waterfalls. "Lukewarm is not good enough" - Roald Dahl
Accomplished and energetic professional with over 25 years experience in sales/marketing, fundraising, communications and event management. Record of success in developing campaigns, strategies, and solutions that have generated revenue and client growth in the not for profit and for profit sectors. Vanessa believes in a heart centered approach and is known for simplifying the complicated. She wants her clients to feel good so they can do more good. In her spare time, Vanessa is mom to two amazing daughters and is known to climb a rock cliff or two, hang off the side of mountains and swing ice axes into frozen waterfalls. "Lukewarm is not good enough" - Roald Dahl
Samantha Rogers
A social capitalist using sport philanthropy as her vehicle of choice, Samantha is co-founder of Relate Social Capital, whose specialty is building – and implementing – revenue generating and community engagement programs. Samantha has worked in the social services, health, and education sectors, all of which led her to ultimately pursue her passion for using sport to drive social change. From grassroots to pro sports, and everything in between, sport philanthropy is unlike any other industry and Samantha has led fund development, partnership and engagement initiatives within all levels of sport, as well as worked alongside athletes and sports leaders, empowering them to use their status to impact their community. Most recently, Samantha founded the Sport Philanthropy Collective – an international association dedicated to the promotion of sport as a philanthropic cause, and the advancement of sport philanthropy.
Because one in four women in fundraising experience sexual harrassment. Join us in making change.