Judges

Featuring Our 2025 Award Judges

BEST COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Alison Brewin

Founder, Alison Brewin Consulting

Alison Brewin is dedicated to lifting and amplifying BC’s non-profit sector. She has been an Executive Director (West Coast LEAF 1999-2011; 2016) Vantage Point 2018-2021), an Interim Executive Director (VAST, BCCLA, Seniors First, Access Pro Bono etc.), and works as a non-profit leadership consultant with a wide range of organizations. She served on the UBC Board of Governors for 6 years, currently serves on the Board of Rise Women’s Legal Centre, and helped design and teaches in SFU’s Non-profit Management Program. She raised a pack of children with a community of parents in East Van and lives on Pender Island with her wife, Elisabeth. 

Brenda Okorogba

Founder, Momentswithbren Consulting

Brenda Okorogba is an award-winning Learning Experience Designer, Resource Mobilization Advisor, Community Builder, and Gender Equity Advocate with over a decade of experience advancing gender equity, education access, and economic inclusion across Canada, Africa, and the global diaspora. As the founder of Momentswithbren Consulting, she has empowered over 15,000 learners in 30+ countries and facilitated access to over $5 billion in scholarships, grants, and financial aid for students, researchers, entrepreneurs, smallholder farmers, and nonprofits.

Brenda’s work integrates learning facilitation, strategic advisory, resource mobilization, and grassroots activism. She has co-designed transformative programs, including youth social entrepreneurship curricula in Ottawa, Canada; a sexual and reproductive health initiative in Tamale, Ghana; a disability inclusion service for children in Eswatini; and a fund development plan for a women’s center in Ethiopia. Through her Learnwithbren initiative, she equips youth with leadership, personal development, and career readiness skills.

Serving on nonprofit boards, Brenda champions systems change, inclusive education, youth engagement, women’s economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, and equitable access to opportunities. Her international development efforts, aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 5, 10), support marginalized women and girls in conflict-affected and under-resourced communities, including refugees in Uganda and women-led organizations in Ghana, Eswatini, and Ethiopia.

A sought-after facilitator and mentor, Brenda drives intersectionality, collective care, and sustainable pathways for women and girls to access education, safety, and economic opportunity.

Nic Gagliardi

Nonprofit Governance Consultant, Rise + Run Co.

With eighteen years of nonprofit leadership experience, Nic Gagliardi (she/they) has earned a reputation as an innovator, thought leader and a changemaker in the Canadian nonprofit sector. She is a sought-after speaker and advisor who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning and impact evaluation. Her work has been featured in nonprofit sector publications including Future of Good, Charity Village, the Small Nonprofit Podcast and Hillborn Charity News. She is also the author of the popular bi-weekly email newsletter, ‘Nonprofit Board Stories’.

Nic has a graduate degree in Social Planning from York University and has continued her professional learning in the areas of equity, management and evaluation. She has direct experience leading in-depth research, engagement and strategy projects with diverse communities, and has supported successful strategic planning, governance design and capacity building processes for purpose-driven nonprofits across Canada. She is an empathetic listener and a thoughtful collaborator, with a penchant for creative problem solving and a remarkable capacity for turning big ideas into functional and actionable plans.

Patrick Lembo

Philanthropy Advisor, Our Place Society

Patrick is a Philanthropy Advisor at Our Place Society in Victoria, BC, supporting Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens. With +10 years experience working both internationally and locally, he has managed major portfolios for INGOs (World Vision Canada, the National Democratic Institute, Oxfam), IFIs (The World Bank) and government (UK FCDO) across humanitarian, development, and social protection programs. His work has primarily focused on empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities through governance and peacebuilding initiatives. Patrick has also helped coordinate international conferences and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). A Mandela Washington Fellow and YALI alumnus, he holds an MPA from University of Portsmouth (UK) and is completing his MBA at Carleton University (Canada). When not working on advancing collaborative approaches to complex social challenges in his community, he can either be found volunteering with Victoria Police Department or running the streets of Greater Victoria as he is an avid long-distance runner. 

Paula Telfer

CEO, Carya

Paula Telfer is a seasoned nonprofit leader and the Chief Executive Officer of Carya, one of Calgary’s longest-serving social impact organizations. With over 30 years of experience in the charitable sector, Paula is known for leading complex system change, building strong teams, and driving innovative solutions to support vulnerable populations. 

She has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and the United Way Bhayana Award for her outstanding contributions to community well-being and disability inclusion. Paula brings a strategic, equity-focused lens to her work and is passionate about advancing the role of nonprofits in shaping a more just and caring society. 

Saad Qureshi

Director of Client Services, Design Centered Co.

Saad Qureshi is Director of Client Services at Design Centered Co., bringing 15 years of experience creating inclusive services and programs in partnership with private sector organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies. He specializes in impact-centered design that prioritizes empathy to develop solutions delivering meaningful and sustainable impact for communities and users alike. Saad is deeply passionate about advancing equity, improving accessibility, and fostering stakeholder engagement to strengthen organizational effectiveness. He is dedicated to recognizing and amplifying innovation within Canada’s vibrant nonprofit sector, and is honoured to support and celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s CharityVillage 2025 Awards nominees. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

Anne-Marie Pham

Vice-President, Engagement, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Anne-Marie Pham has worked with diverse communities and workplaces for over 25 years. She has a deep understanding of issues and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion, and specializes in mobilizing, educating and sharing the latest research and promising practices on equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Anne-Marie brings a unique set of skills and perspectives having worked as a diversity and inclusion lead for Spectra Energy and the City of Calgary, and as a trainer and facilitator for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. She has provided dynamic presentations, training and consulting services to clients from a wide range of industries in the business, public and non-profit sectors. 

Anne-Marie has a master’s degree in public administration (MPA), a BA in Sociology and a senior HR Professional certification with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is also a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (Tool). 

Anne-Marie is a wife and mother of two, as well as an avid community leader, supporting civic participation, mentoring and leadership development especially among immigrants, racialized minorities, women and youth. In 2013, she received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee award for her community service. Anne-Marie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination. She was a member of the City of Calgary’s Anti-Racism Action Committee from October 2020 to October 2023. 

Molara Awosedo

Director, Inclusion & Workplace Culture, Toronto Pearson

Molara Awosedo is the Director of Inclusion and Workplace Culture at Toronto Pearson International Airport. She joined the organization in November 2021 as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and in May 2025, her portfolio expanded to include HR Communications, Employee Engagement Initiatives, Employee Experience Programs and the airport’s Culture Strategy, alongside her continued leadership of DEI efforts.

In her current role, Molara is focused on fostering a workplace where all employees feel connected to the airport’s mission, understand the value of their contributions and are empowered to thrive. She is committed to embedding DEI into every level of the organization, ensuring diverse representation and cultivating a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone can make a meaningful impact.

Before joining Toronto Pearson, Molara held senior roles in DEI, communications and employee experience programs within the financial services sector. There, she developed and executed strategies to attract, retain and grow a high-performing and diverse workforce.

Molara’s work has earned national and international recognition. In 2019, she was named a Woman of Influence for establishing a global employee network supporting the advancement of equity-deserving professionals. In 2024, she received both the Global Airport Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award from International Airport Review and Best Individual Contribution to DEI in the Workplace from Charity Village.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Public Relations diploma from McGill University and is currently pursuing further certifications in DEI and HR.

Julie Mahfouz-Rezvani

Founder and Managing Director, The Orion Group

Julie Mahfouz-Rezvani is the Founder and Managing Director of The Orion Group, a leading HR and DEI advisory firm that supports both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in building inclusive, high-performing workplaces. With over two decades of experience, she brings deep expertise in equitable recruitment, organizational culture, and leadership development. Julie is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and holds Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. She currently serves as Vice President on the Board of COSTI Immigrant Services and as Board of  Director and Chair of the Governance Committee with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. 

Mante Molepo

Founder & CEO, Mante Molepo Consulting

Mante Molepo is the founder and CEO of Mante Molepo Consulting where she advises nonprofits on board governance and organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
 
Mante has spent over 20 years working within the nonprofit sector, from settlement organizations to legal, healthcare and educational institutions.

As an award winning leader, Mante serves on the Board of Governors of the Ottawa Hospital, the Residence Corporation, as well as a national women’s legal organization. She is a founding member and former Chair of Parents for Diversity, a former representative of the Ontario Bar Association Council, and a former Director of Amnesty International Canada, EcoEquitable, and the Parkdale Food Centre.

Nancy Mitchell

Director, Research – Special Projects, Diversity Institute

Nancy holds a masters degree in political science with a graduate collaborative specialization in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto. Her professional background is in gender equality and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She previously worked as a consultant with UN Women supporting numerous initiatives including gender equality in the workplace and women entrepreneurs. She has also published multiple editions of the State of the Industry report with the Unstereotype Alliance on diversity and inclusion in advertising. At the Diversity Institute, Nancy works with organizations across the public sector, private sector and civil society to develop research and strategies to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within organizational processes. She has published Action Plans for the City of Markham and Vaughan, The Socio-Economic Review of the Black Muslim Population in Canada, and tools like the Micropedia of Microaggressions, among others. 

Rachel Mansell

Rachel Mansell is a Sr. Associate at NJ Global Consulting and Director of Research & Policy at The Prosperity Project. A people-focused strategist, Rachel truly believes in the power to positively change lives through creating better systems, and has impacted thousands through her work in Canada and the UK. In an increasingly polarized world where opinion is often seen as fact, Rachel provides data-driven, community grounded recommendations and programs that champion equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her passion for systems change and community care was instilled in her from an early age by her family, who taught her that we should always leave things better than we found them and that we are responsible for ourselves and for each other.   

BEST FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

Carmen Boyko

Board Member, AFP Nova Scotia

Carmen Boyko has over 25 years of experience supporting philanthropy and communications to smaller charities in sectors including education, social services, environment, and health. Dedicated to transparency and accountability she volunteers as a peer reviewer for Imagine Canada and sits on the AFP Nova Scotia and Youth Project board of directors. 

Katherine Lacefield

Founder, Just Be Cause Consulting

Katherine Lacefield is a trusted partner in the philanthropic space, leveraging over 20 years of experience empowering organizations and individuals to bring about positive impact in their communities. Her knowledge and expertise span many areas, from overall fundraising strategy, monthly donations, major donation campaigns, and peer-to-peer, to a nuanced understanding of the global grantmaking landscape, animal welfare and rights, and sustainable development. 

Katherine is the founder and head consultant of Just Be Cause Consulting, bringing a wealth of insights to the table. Through her clients, volunteering,  webinars, speaking gigs, articles, and podcast, The Just Be Cause Podcast, Katherine has helped hundreds of nonprofits get excited about fundraising again. She has supported many nonprofits establish sustainable funding plans, from small grassroots advocacy groups to large international organizations. 

With an academic background in environmental development and nonprofit management, Katherine has deepened her understanding of the intricate connections between the many social issues that affect our communities and the important role of the nonprofit sector 

As the former Coordinator and Communications Manager of PhiLab, Canada’s largest philanthropic grantmaking research lab, Katherine has been at the forefront of grantmaking research, particularly in the realms of social and environmental justice since 2017. Through her role, she has fostered invaluable relationships with grantmaking foundations, nonprofits, and philanthropy researchers worldwide. Her work has covered diverse aspects of philanthropy, including the arts, invisible causes, marginalised communities, environment and climate change, social inequalities, and indigenous relations. 

Marla Smith, CFRE

Director, Development & Communications, Pathstone Foundation

Marla is a nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, and communications. She currently leads fundraising and strategic communications at Pathstone Foundation, supporting child and youth mental health. An ACFRE candidate, Marla has led award-winning campaigns, developed organizational policies, and supported board governance and development. She is active in AFP and sector networks, mentoring others and promoting ethical, sustainable fundraising. Marla is honoured to serve as a judge for the Best Fundraising Campaign category.

Richard Plummer

Senior Consultant, BNP Inspire

Richard Plummer is a senior executive and fundraising strategist with over 20 years of leadership in revenue generation, nonprofit management, and capacity building. Currently a Senior Consultant at BNP Inspire, he helps organizations grow through innovative fundraising and strategic development. Richard has held senior roles at the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, United Way Ottawa, YMCA-YWCA, the J.W. McConnell Foundation, and the Youth Services Bureau. As Principal of PLUMSolutions Consulting, he has led transformative campaigns and built sustainable funding models. He also serves on national and regional boards and advisory committees advancing inclusion, social enterprise, and sector capacity. Richard is known for aligning mission-driven goals with measurable outcomes to drive lasting organizational impact. 

Rochelle Greaves

Co-Founder, Story Point Consulting

Rochelle, co-founder of Story Point Consulting, brings decades of expertise in data and analytics to the nonprofit sector. She has worked with staff and volunteers at nonprofits and charities across Canada, helping them find the right donors for their cause, effectively communicate their story, and build lasting relationships with supporters. Her approach involves using practical fundraising strategies that help small and mid-sized teams raise the essential funds they need—and support new nonprofits in building a sustainable fundraising foundation—so they can support their missions long into the future and stay focused on the work that truly matters. 

Samantha Rogers

Director, Community Giving, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Based in Vancouver, BC, Samantha has spent more than 12 years in health and environmental sectors. With experience at the Canadian Cancer Society, Arthritis Society, and Ocean Wise, her career reflects a deep commitment to impact-driven work. As Executive Director of Elements Society, she more than quadrupled revenue with even greater returns in reach and impact. Currently at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and serving on the Board of Arthritis Research Canada, she continues to pursue advancing critical causes. A Dean’s Award recipient (BBA, Capilano University) and graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Master of Business and Environment program, Samantha finds inspiration exploring the wild beauty of BC. 

BEST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Erin Spink

Manager, Volunteer Engagement, Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Erin Spink is an internationally respected speaker, writer and trainer in Volunteer Engagement. Her research includes the first-ever academic work quantifying the concept of “volunteer engagement”, a study of the impact of the political landscape on volunteerism as well as the changes the pandemic on volunteer engagement. She has contributed multiple chapters in the CCVA accreditation textbook and regular contributions to the Engage journal as co-author of the Points of View articles and co-editor of the Ethics column. Erin continues to work as a practitioner and is an active volunteer, currently raising a future service dog. 

Heidi Jakop

Assistant Executive Director, Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association

Heidi Jakop is a seasoned leader in the charitable sector with over 20 years of experience in volunteer engagement. A Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA), she has taught volunteer management at the college level, presented internationally, and advocated for volunteerism nationally. Heidi is a recipient of the Impact Award for Exemplary Leadership and is known for her strategic vision and dedication to empowering volunteers.

Jessica Pang-Parks, CVA

CEO & Principal, Fractional Volunteer Engagement Executive, Learn with JPP Consulting

Jessica is a volunteer engagement thought leader who helps organizations build trust, create impact, and inspire belonging. She is the recipient of the 2021 Alison Caird Young Leader Award in recognition of her leadership and excellence in volunteer engagement and the recipient of the 2023 VMPC Exemplary Leader Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to the field as a mentor, leader, trainer, and advocate.   

Jessica facilitates Fleming College’s Volunteer Management: Spectrum of Engagement course. She has held professional volunteer and community engagement roles at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Pathways to Education Canada, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Volunteer Toronto, and WWF-Canada. Learn more about Jessica at www.learnwithjpp.com. 

Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA

Senior Manager, Learning, Volunteer Toronto

Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA (he/him) is an adult educator, volunteer manager and lifelong learner. His 20+ years of experience leading volunteers inform the interactive learning experiences that are the core of his work as Senior Manager of Learning at Volunteer Toronto. Whether supporting the learning goals of non-profit engagement professionals, Board members, volunteers or community leaders, Sammy has a strong focus on a variety of educational interventions that challenge and inspire. Sammy contributes to regular connections for the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network (OVCN) and is currently volunteering as Vice-Chair with the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA). 

Subrina Monteith

Executive Director, Volunteer BC

With over 25 years immersed in the voluntary sector, Subrina intimately understands the challenges and rewards of engaging community members as volunteers. She began her journey as a volunteer herself, before stepping up to serving on the boards of various nonprofits. Through these experiences, Subrina gained first-hand knowledge of how volunteers are the lifeblood of so many impactful organizations. Her passion for empowering volunteers grew, leading Subrina to take on leadership roles before becoming the Executive Director of a regional volunteer center, South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre in 2021. Early this year, Subrina was also appointed the Executive Director of Volunteer BC where she can focus her efforts on championing and celebrating volunteers in her home province.

Veronica Deally

President, PAVRO

Volunteering has always been more than just a cause for Veronica Deally. Veronica recognized that the people behind the volunteer work had great stories that led them to their volunteer cause. She worked tirelessly as a Program Coordinator at the University Health Network building a program that held both great importance to the patients it served, and the volunteers who gave so much of their dedication to. She later transitioned into a Project Coordinator role that allowed her to really showcase the volunteers, their efforts, and told the stories of their successes through storytelling in annual reports and monthly infographics.

Veronica is an active member of the Toronto Association for Volunteer Administrators and held various roles as a volunteer on the Executive Committee including President and Past-President in 2019/2020. She was recognized by the Professional Association of Volunteer Leaders – Ontario (PAVR-O) where she received the Young Leaders Award in 2014. Veronica was also featured at the Points of Light Conference in 2019 for showing how volunteer engagement professionals can catalyze impact for change through her creation of UHN’s corporate Patient Pillow program. In 2017, Veronica was touched by autism when her son was diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum and it lit a passion in her to become an active volunteer and advocate for Autism Speaks Canada, where she organized and led the 2021 Walk on Wheels Car Parade for Etobicoke and raised over $16,000 for the organization. She also trains security guards at her hospital on how to best approach individuals with a developmental disability and created the Autism Friendly initiative at her hospital. Today, she continues storytelling the stories of her volunteers, her volunteer work, and her passion for showing that everyone has a story worthy to tell.

BEST EMPLOYEE WORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Graham Engel

Manager, Employment Programs, Youth Employment Services (YES)

Graham Engel is a manager of employment programs at Youth Employment Services YES in Toronto, Ontario, specifically the Lighthouse Project and the This Way ONward Program. With over 24 years of work experience and 9+ years in the not-for-profit sector, and a deep passion for workplaces that are inclusive and psychologically safe, Graham is excited to bring his experience and perspective to the 2025 CharityVillage Awards. His prior experiences in community art’s and letters work; in (philosophical) research; in workplace health and safety; and in employment services will be assets in his role as judge for 2025.

Hailey Hechtman

Executive Director, Unsinkable

Hailey Hechtman is a national mental health leader, storyteller, and passionate advocate for lived experience-driven care. With over a decade of executive leadership in the nonprofit sector, she has led bold, equity-focused initiatives—founding the Yukon Distress & Support Line, advancing disability inclusion across Northern Canada, and championing accessible employment. As Executive Director of Unsinkable, a storytelling-based mental health organization founded by Olympian Silken Laumann, she leads innovative programs that use personal narrative to reduce stigma, build connection, and promote healing. Hailey also serves as a Board Advisor to the Women’s Nonprofit Network, where she supports the growth of peer communities and fosters greater collaboration among nonprofit leaders. 

Lauren Wheeler

Strategic Services Director, Alberta Museums Association

Lauren Wheeler joined the Alberta Museums Association in 2013 and moved into the position of Strategic Services Director in 2022. A public historian by training, Lauren is responsible for ensuring smooth administration of the Association’s programs and services, including managing human resources. As an accredited charity through Imagine Canada and a certified Living Wage provider, the Association strives to ensure all staff and volunteers are provided a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for their work to lead, facilitate, and support museums in their vital role in Alberta communities. 

Misha Goforth

Manager of Programs, Pride at Work Canada / Fierté au travail Canada

Misha Goforth is an international policy professional and gender equity consultant. At Pride at Work Canada as the Manager of Programs where she works with Canada’s leading employers to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in the workplace and leads impactful programs which promote 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and community knowledge in creating change. Prior to this, Misha built her career in the international policy field working with GAC, USAID, UNDP Cambodia, and with governments in Mongolia and Ethiopia to advance gender equity in the mining and environment sectors. Throughout her career, Misha continues to centre gender justice, anti-racism, accessibility, and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in all the work that she does.

Sheldon Mellis

Director, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, Mental Health Research Canada

Sheldon Mellis has worked in the non-profit sector for over seven years to design, develop and deliver mental health-based programs and research to respond to the needs of diverse groups.  

Sheldon has extensive experience engaging communities, organizations and people with lived and living experience to collaborate and partner on mental health initiatives across Canada. Most notably, he led a project team at the Mental Health Commission of Canada to invest $10M to research the risks and benefits of cannabis use and mental health. In addition, he led initiatives to destigmatize mental health in the workplace, advance e-mental health awareness and implementation for mental health professionals including users while utilizing evidence-based data to communicate and inform policy, programming and funding decisions to improve mental health outcomes of racialized and equity seeking communities. 

Sheldon serves as a Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support. He is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a BA, Politics and Governance as well as Algonquin College in project management studies. This fall, he will be starting a master’s program of health administration at the University of Regina.  

During his free time, you will find Sheldon playing volleyball, thrifting cookbooks to try out new recipes or catching a flight to his next travel destination. 

Vanessa Lilly

Chair, Board of Directors, Coverdale Justice Society

Vanessa Lilly is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the non-profit, community and social service sectors, as well as a well-established background in human resources. With a commitment to social justice and positive organizational change, she brings strategic vision, research acumen and people-centered leadership to every initiative she undertakes. 

For over a decade, Vanessa has led programs that strengthen communities and drive sustainable impact. Her expertise includes: 

Passionate about equity, inclusion, diversity, and decolonization, Vanessa champions initiatives that address systemic barriers to address marginalization. She leverages her dual expertise in non-profit programming and human resources to foster environments where everyone can thrive. Whether designing research-driven interventions or cultivating organizational cultures that value diversity, Vanessa remains dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact. 

MOST OUTSTANDING IMPACT – STAFF

Anjum Sultana

Director of Policy Advocacy, Partnerships, and Youth Leadership, Plan International Canada

Anjum Sultana is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of non-profit experience. Anjum has held progressive senior leadership roles at several organizations such as YWCA Canada, Wellesley Institute, and the Alliance for Healthier Communities including most recently as the Director of Policy Advocacy, Partnerships, and Youth Leadership at Plan International Canada.  Anjum also gives back to the sector as a Board Director for the YMCA of Greater Toronto and Regent Park Community Health Centre. In 2025, Anjum was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizing her contributions to advancing children’s rights and gender equality in Canada and globally. 

Gretchen Ferguson

Director of Education and Consulting Programs, Vantage Point

Gretchen Ferguson is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors in Canada and internationally. Her expertise includes program and curriculum development, strategic planning, and impact evaluation, with a strong focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has led initiatives such as a DEI assessment tool for Canadian financial institutions and a community-led economic development program in Bolivia. 

Known for her strategic vision and collaborative approach, Gretchen is committed to creating inclusive environments that empower teams and strengthen communities. 

Hailey Rodgers

Founder and Executive Director, Women’s Nonprofit Network

Hailey Rodgers is the Founder & Executive Director of the Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN), a national organization she launched in February 2024 to champion gender equity and leadership in Canada’s nonprofit sector. In just over a year, WNN has grown into a strong community of over 4,000, connecting and supporting women across the country. Having worked with diverse nonprofits while volunteering over 5,000 hours across eight years, Hailey brings bold vision and a deep commitment to transforming the sector. She also serves as Manager of Programs and Growth at Straight Up Health, spearheading innovative youth-focused programs that provide proactive mental health support and drive meaningful well-being outcomes across communities. Her leadership has earned recognition from CharityVillage, CSAE, the Women Empowerment Awards, and AHP’s Top 40 Under 40. 

Jill Zelmanovits

President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada

Jill is passionate about the social change that results from community programs that empower equity and inclusionShe has dedicated over twenty years of her career to supporting non-profit organisations that provide grass-roots programs and advocacy in Canada and around the world in the impact spaces of youth, low-income, gender, law and education. Jill started her career as a lawyer and is currently the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Chair of the Board of Directors of Save the Children, Canada. She has lived, studied, travelled, volunteered and worked around the world and across Canada. She resides in Toronto with her husband and two teenagers and loves current affairs, travel, running and having conversations where two things can be true. LinkedIn.

Kathy Archer

Leadership Development Coach

Kathy Archer knows what it’s like to constantly put out fires, question every decision, and carry the weight of an entire organization. She was once that overwhelmed nonprofit leader, teetering on the edge of burnout. Now, as a leadership development coach, she helps nonprofit leaders stop drowning in work, doubting themselves, and carrying it all alone, so they can lead with confidence, set boundaries, and finally take control of their leadership and life. She is the author of Mastering Confidence and Character-Driven Leadership for Women, the host of the Surviving to Thriving Podcast, and the creator of The Training Library, a membership that helps nonprofit leaders lead with confidence and control.

Nicole Danesi

Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand, CanadaHelps

Nicole Danesi is Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand at CanadaHelps where she leads the organization’s media, communications, and brand strategy. As a charity and Canada’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, CanadaHelps has raised more than 3 billion dollars for thousands of Canadian charities in Canada from more than 4.9 million Canadians. In her spare time, Nicole has volunteered for a number of causes including supporting arts and culture, student mentorship, civic engagement, alleviating food insecurity, and more. A graduate from the University of Toronto, Nicole resides in Mississauga. 

MOST OUTSTANDING IMPACT – VOLUNTEER

Alison Besecker

Network and Engagement Coordinator, Volunteer Alberta

Alison Besecker (she/her) As the Network and Engagement Coordinator at Volunteer Alberta, Alison manages VA’s members, leads our Alberta Volunteer Center Network, and looks at other ways to connect with the sector. She also has 9 years of experience as a volunteer coordinator. When not at work, you’ll find Alison enjoying neighbourhood walks with her cat, Kat, attending art and cultural events, and indulging in ice cream. 

Anusha Narendran

Manager of Children’s Programs and Services, Malvern Family Resource Centre

I’m a passionate family support professional with a deep commitment to community connection, inclusive programming, and volunteer leadership. My academic path took me through Centennial College and Toronto Metropolitan University, and I’ve had the joy of leading meaningful programs at Malvern Family Resource Centre. Along the way, I’ve trained and mentored volunteers, helped build strong community partnerships, and earned certifications in Volunteer Management, Not-For-Profit Leadership, and Trauma-Informed Practice. It’s a true honour to serve as a judge, recognizing the incredible volunteers who give so much of themselves to make our communities brighter, stronger, and more compassionate. 

Heather Burke

Volunteer Manager, CivicAction

Heather Burke works as a Volunteer Manager with CivicAction’s newly launched volunteer program Youth CivicCorps, helping connect rising leaders from across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with placement opportunities to tackle our most pressing urban issues. Heather is passionate about non-profit program management, having led a range of complex programs and initiatives for organizations like Kids Help Phone, Fred Victor and NPower Canada. Heather currently volunteers as a Volunteer Co-Chair for Homeless Connect Toronto, who work to help individuals impacted by homelessness connect directly to resources and supports in the community. Heather is a former theatre kid and still loves watching musicals and local theatre. 

Dr. Megan Conway

President & CEO, Volunteer Canada

Megan Conway loves sparking creativity, curiosity and capacity across teams, organizations and networks to mobilize social change. With twenty years of diverse leadership roles in government and the charitable, voluntary and academic sectors, Megan has been recognized for her ability to scale innovation, to use evaluative thinking to build and adapt programs, and as a systems change champion. 

Dr. Conway earned her PhD at the University of Waterloo in Urban Planning with a focus on community development and scaling social innovations across sites and scales. Megan is most proud, professionally, of her efforts to create systems that enable youth participation, equity and achievement. Starting as a volunteer in Regent Park, she spent over a decade as a senior leader within Pathways to Education—launching the Kitchener program and then becoming the National Vice President of Programs and Research. She is also the Co-Founder of the Laurier School in the Community, a unique service-learning offering option at Laurier. Megan spent eight years as the Academic Chair of Health and Community Programs at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley where she launched a Rural Enterprise Hub and managed a diverse professional team of 100 faculty to enable student success. 

Currently Megan serves as an Executive in Residence at Capacity Canada and as a Fellow at Carleton University’s School of Public Administration and Policy where she leads international research on charitable sector capacity building and place-based change. Megan loves the snow and any chance she can to get on to a bicycle. She lives with her husband and two young children in the Ottawa Valley. 

Pulsara Batra

Manager, Volunteer Services & Mentorship Program, Covenant House Toronto

Pulsara Batra is a dedicated and dynamic Volunteer Services and Mentorship Program Manager with over 24 years of experience in recruitment, program development, and community engagement. She has a proven track record of designing and implementing recreational, life skills, and training programs, as well as leading impactful volunteer and mentorship initiatives. Pulsara excels in creating inclusive, mission-driven environments where, volunteers are empowered to grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.

In her current role at Covenant House Toronto, Pulsara oversees all facets of volunteer services, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, and recognition. She also manages comprehensive mentorship programs that support the personal development of youth during critical stages of their lives. Her strength lies in building strong partnerships and fostering a culture of service and growth by strategically leveraging volunteer expertise to benefit young participants.

Pulsara is deeply passionate about guiding other organizations in the restructuring and development of their Volunteer Services departments. She offers leadership in crafting effective volunteer engagement strategies that lead to measurable improvements in volunteer satisfaction, program impact, overall organizational effectiveness, and cost savings. Pulsara enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Raaj Chatterjee

Founder, MeaningfulWork

Raaj is an award-winning social entrepreneur, researcher, and community leader. Raaj’s background in engineering led him to work on Apple’s latest products and recycling technology. Raaj’s passion for technology-enabled sustainable change drew him to research the major capacity constraints nonprofits face in building SDG-aligned community impact. In 2020, Raaj began to design a solution by bridging the corporate and nonprofit worlds, founding the startup MeaningfulWork. MeaningfulWork’s online platform enabled companies to embed social purpose by engaging their employees through skill-based volunteering with nonprofits in the community. Now rebranded to Meaningful, the company builds cutting-edge CRMs and software for nonprofits and associations. 

Raaj creates a unique impact by integrating an intersectional and justice-centred approach to building a sustainable future, currently serving on the board of Shift The Odds. He has served as EDI Officer on the board of The Starfish Canada, and is a researcher at SFU’s eBrain lab building the next generation of mental health diagnostics and treatment through neuromodulation. Raaj’s work has led him to the TEDx stage, and receive the prestigious Gordon Shrum, NSERC CGS-M, and Leadership in Sustainability awards from SFU. Raaj elevates people and organizations to maximize their impact and find their purpose.