Meet the 2016/2017 Fellows

Anita has spent her career determined to address our most pressing social challenges and believes in the transformative power of young people and education to create positive change in a world that needs it now. She has worked on university campuses for more than a decade dedicated to identifying, designing and initiating groundbreaking scalable programs that would create significant impact. Anita is currently the Executive Director of Meal Exchange(MX), a national non-profit that works with thousands of post-secondary students to build sustainable food systems and fight poverty. Previous to this role, she was the Manager of Knowledge Mobilization at Social Innovation Generation, a national collaborative addressing Canada’s social and ecological challenges. Anita has worked nationally and internationally as a consultant focusing on youth engagement, innovative education practices, and systems change. She holds a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation. She is currently a CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow, and will be pursuing a PhD at the University of Toronto in the Fall.

Paul is a creative and strategic thinking community organizer, social entrepreneur and emerging urban planner. With over seven years of combined experience in community engagement, non-profit management, and urban planning, Paul has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in community level engagement, organizational development, and urban planning focused on improving the social and physical contexts and economic livelihoods in distressed urban environments. Paul is the founder of REVIVE a social enterprise that is invested in developing effective approaches, strategies, and practices to improve urban environments. Paul holds a B.A. in History and Social Science (Equity and Culture) and is currently completing a Masters degree in Environmental Studies (Urban Planning) at York University.​

Sarah Byrnes is new to the fundraising field. A member of Humber College's Fundraising Management class of 2016, she is very excited to be beginning her career as a part of the AFP Fellowship in Inclusion and Diversity. Sarah is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and her volunteer involvement with LGBTQ+ organizations has inspired her to pursue fundraising.  She is excited to help programming that lets people explore and celebrate their identities thrive. Sarah is especially interested in determining ways to combat heteronormativity and cisnormativity in fundraising, particularly as it pertains to database management and stewardship practices. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys eating ice cream no matter the weather, visiting art galleries and museums, and trying to become a better cook.

Teresa Cheng is a professional fundraiser with experience in social media marketing and communications, volunteer management, special events and database management. For the internship portion of the Humber Fundraising program, Teresa pursued a development internship in Chicago, Illinois at Interfaith Worker Justice, a national charity in the United States working with faith-based groups to help advocate for workers’ rights in the United States. She then moved to London, UK, where she worked at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Teresa has focused on skill development and is someone who is truly open to personal growth. She is an individual who is committed to personal and professional development in her fundraising career. She completed the Humber Fundraising program with honours and has attended numerous AFP Toronto Congress and Fundraising Day. Her international fundraising experience will be beneficial to the study of diversity in philanthropy. She is currently on a committee for Markham At The Movies as their Social Media Coordinator. In her spare time, she is either reading, powerlifting, food blogging or travelling. Connect with her through LinkedIn or Twitter

Helen Choi is a dynamic, talented, empathetic, and experienced fundraiser. She is also a leading public relations consultant to nonprofits, public sector organizations and socially conscious driven for-profit enterprises. She is a strong advocate for compassion, generosity and thoughtful investment in causes related to vulnerable women and children. Helen brings a wealth of experience working with boards of directors, volunteers, donors managing complex projects to scale which includes representing Parkdale Community Food Bank, ReelWorld Film Festival, The Yonge Street Mission, and Eva's Phoenix Rising $11.2 Million Capital Campaign. She is the recipient of Ryerson University’s Communicators Forum Award and the Hansa and Ramesh Mehta Fundraising Management Award; Diversity Fellow, Inclusive Leader with the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Foundation of Canada Philanthropy. Helen has her B.A in Political Science and post graduate studies in PR, Fundraising, and Volunteer Management. International Media and Business Exchange with MBC Television and Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea covering global affairs in East Asia. Twitter: @iamhelenchoi Website: www.iamhelenchoi.com

Jessica Farias is a resident of Scarborough and has worked in the non-profit sector for 15 years. Originally from Mexico, Jessica is currently a Program Officer with the Catherine Donnelly Foundation. Jessica holds an undergraduate degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, a graduate certificate in International Project Management and she is also a trained Community Worker. She has extensive experience travelling and working in Latin American, bringing strong cross-cultural competencies and a passion for social justice. She is grateful for the opportunity to further her career in the fundraising sector through this fellowship. Her main learning interests are fundraising practices for advocacy and social justice work, as well as strengthening mechanisms for stewardship in fundraising to promote excellence in demonstrating impact.

Joanne’s career began with 12 years in advertising, communications and event marketing, where she worked on campaigns for clients such as Scotiabank, Wal- Mart, Procter & Gamble and Best Buy. She has also provided marketing consultation to smaller entrepreneurial clients. Additional roles include business development at Gowling Lafleur Henderson, one of Canada’s top business law firms. However she always had strong sense of social justice, and felt the desire touse her professional skills in a way that gives back to the community and truly impact people’s lives. In 2013 Joanne transitioned to the non-profit sector into a senior marketing role at the YMCA. Currently as Manager of Volunteer Relations, she oversees all things volunteer-related for a group of 800+ volunteers through over 40 programs at WoodGreen Community Services, Toronto’s largest social services agency. In her role she works with a very diverse population of volunteers and clients, including children, newcomers, adults with developmental delays and marginalized populations. Joanne also serves on the board of directors at Nellie’s, a local shelter for women and children fleeing violence and abuse. She also volunteers for the arts through lending her marketing expertise to the Toronto Northern Lights, an international award-winning a cappella group.

The creation of empowering opportunities for disadvantaged individuals is perhaps the sole reason why I find charity work inspirational. My first philanthropic experience was at the age of 16 years-old when I volunteered at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to meet my high school’s graduation requirements. Since then, I have never thought twice about lending a hand for a good cause and I believe much of this has to do with being raised by a grandmother who worked tirelessly in a homeless men’s shelter. Qualifications include: a B.A. Honours Degree from YorkU and Fundraising Certificate from George Brown College (in progress). 3,200 volunteer hours and 3 years of work experience in development-focused positions in the nonprofit sector, from humble beginnings at Movember Canada, to interning under the Champions Giving Program at Right To Play, to my latest position as the Interim, Philanthropy Officer at the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. As part of the steering committee of the, Get Moving First Program, at the Afghan Women’s Organization, I have taken the initiative to launch summer fitness programs for newcomer women and girls living in the Jane/Finch and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods. At this time, I work in higher education while simultaneously growing my fitness business and its philanthropic initiatives. To chat/connect, please add me on Linkedin.

Hava Goldberg is a passionate fundraiser and community builder who is currently the Senior Development Officer, Community Engagement at the Sinai Health Foundation. She is a proud alumunus of the University of Guelph and holds a Masters in Non-Profit Management (specializing in Jewish Communal Services) from Spertus College (Chicago). Hava has worked in the non-profit sector for nine years and in fundraising for the last four years. She has been an active volunteer and fundraiser for as long as she can remember. Currently, she sits on the Board of Directors of Common Compass, volunteers for Future Possibilities for Kids and is a member of the CIJA Young Leaders Circle.

Claudia discovered her passion for fundraising - specifically building donor relationships - when she held a part-time job as a student telefundraiser at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. That introduction into the world of fundraising convinced her that this was the career path to suit both her talents and her desire to actively serve her community - and she hasn’t looked back since! In over 8 years as a fundraising professional, Claudia has gained experience in a number of roles ranging from annual giving to donor database management both in the healthcare and social services sectors. She is currently the Donor Relations Officer, Major Giving at The Scott Mission. In her spare time, Claudia enjoys golfing, backcountry camping, volunteering with her neighbourhood association, and renovating her century home with her husband. She is delighted to be a part of AFP’s Fellowship in Inclusion and Philanthropy and is looking forward to learning from and growing with her peers in the Fellowship.

My strong passion for fundraising and philanthropy was developed through my experience working as a Call Centre Supervisor at my university’s Annual Giving department and volunteering with the university’s Student Philanthropy Council. Currently I work in Resource Development with Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support which has made me aware of the struggles of people, especially youth, from diverse cultures. The experiences I have gained has contributed immensely to what I want to pursue in life. I hope to dive further in philanthropic efforts because I believe it’s one of the most effective ways to see meaningful change happen across communities to improve the quality of life for many individuals and impact our future generations in a positive way. I also want to be an encouragement to others who have a disability, or experienced exclusion or discrimination due to gender, status, income, race or culture. Contributing to the body of knowledge about Diversity and Inclusion in the sector, will ensure positive changes across organizations and create a better understanding of the issues people in similar situations may face.

Anil Kanji is Head of Acquisition & Engagement at Greenpeace Canada. He leads a team that drives member growth by crafting clear, compelling stories that inspire action, and works closely with Program teams to ensure stewardship and people power is baked into the development of Greenpeace's advocacy campaigns. He built the digital engagement team from the ground up, and is constantly driving innovation and learning within the organization. As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team Anil is looking forward to using the Fellowship to help enrich and expand upon existing policies and practices around diversity and inclusion at Greenpeace around the world. Anil has worked for Greenpeace globally, and most recently graduated from a year-long executive leadership program run by Greenpeace International. Prior to Greenpeace Anil was with MuchMusic/MTV’s marketing team for nearly a decade, working in brand partnerships to build and execute hundreds of integrated marketing campaigns for the world’s biggest advertisers. Connect with Anil on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Stuart Keeler is a cultural producer with broad international experience in curating, programming, writing about and commissioning contemporary artists, public art and socially based interventions in the public realm. Keeler’s research interests include contemporary art and its critical context in relation to communities; embodiment, diaspora issues and identity within urban space contexts as well as cultural and artistic forms of sculptural practices and thinking. Educated and trained to work in museums and galleries, Stuart is currently appointed as Chief Curator | Manager, Museums & Traditions – Arts & Culture, City of Mississauga.

Having a passion in making a difference in the society, Ranjan is aspiring to gaining skills and knowledge required to enhance inclusive leadership in philanthropy. Currently, he has been working as a Database and Development Officer at Moorelands Community Services, a Toronto based charity. He was most recently the Assistant Administrative Officer at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, Toronto. Ranjan is one the founding members of Sasanka Sanjeevani Sangam, an organization dedicated to exploring creative potential of kids and youths via art, music and literature in Nepal. He holds an MA, MPhil in English Literature, focusing on interdisciplinary studies from Tribhuwan University. In 2013 he graduated with Honours from Humber College’s Fundraising & Volunteer Management Post-Graduate Program.

Nayeon is passionate about raising awareness of social issues while building meaningful relationships with donors and volunteers. As Associate Manager, Resource Development at United Way Toronto & York Region, Nayeon has worked with over 350 organizations in diverse industries, building strategic partnerships and raising funds to build stronger and healthier communities across Toronto and York Region. She is best known for her exceptional ability to adapt to changing environments, lead multiple projects to success (Certificate in Project Management), and create a culture of inclusion, innovation, and collaboration. Nayeon is always looking for creative and meaningful opportunities to grow professionally through continuing education and networking. Connect with her at ca.linkedin.com/in/nayeonkimto and @nayeonkimTO.

Jannies is a non-profit professional with a wide range of experiences. She is currently the Program Coordinator at Anduhyaun Inc, an Emergency Shelter and Second Stage Housing Facility for Aboriginal women and children fleeing violence. She is also the Vice-Chair of United Way of Peel Region's Young Leaders Council. For the past two years, she has been the Lead Mentor for the Step Up Youth Volunteer Ambassadors with Volunteer MBC. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from York University and an Event and Meeting Management Certificate from George Brown College. Her passion is in community building, investing in youth, poverty awareness, event planning, and fundraising. She loves to exercise self-care with nature, golf, traveling and trying new foods. In her free time, she is a part of the GTA YELP Elite team.

Melissa Leite is a Sr. Development Coordinator at Tides Canada, an innovative charity that supports people in building healthy, vibrant communities that have the social, economic, and natural capital to steward their environments for generations to come. In her role, Melissa is responsible for leadership annual giving and supports all aspects of major gifts fundraising. She holds an honours degree in Public Policy and Administration from York University and a post graduate certificate in Public Policy and Administration from Humber College. Melissa is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (Canada). She is excited to join the fellowship program and is looking forward to all the skills and tools she will gain from this invaluable experience.

Through her combined academic and professional experience, Gerri has developed a spirited zest for the nonprofit sector, making every effort to advance the notion that leadership is best achieved by engaging any person's strengths and interests, enabling them to reach their full potential and generate greater impact. Gerri graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Global Development Studies from Queen’s University, holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Algonquin College and will graduate with a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University in Fall 2016. She is a proud Canadian of Ugandan heritage who in her spare time, enjoys riding her bike, exploring and travelling to new places, singing - especially a cappella - or having a good laugh with friends over a cup of tea.

Janneth is currently a studying at Brescia University College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario completing her Business degree and specializing in Non-Profit Management. She sits on the board of directors for LUSO Community Services, an organization in London, Ontario that works with Children and Youth, Newcomer Settling, and Anti-Hate/Multicultural Awareness.  Janneth is passionate about giving back to her community and serving those around her. New to the fundraising field but having run multiple successful campaigns, she is excited and eager to learn more about what the philanthropy sector can offer and how it can change the world. You can reach her at linkedin.com/in/jannethmayorga

Amanda Mitchell is new to the fundraising and the philanthropic sector and is excited to be part of the AFP Fellowship in Inclusion and Philanthropy Program. Amanda is Mohawk/Algonquin and member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Amanda is inspired to share her culture and perspectives. She has been a key member of her community organizing events and volunteering. She is a talented fancy and jingle dress dancer. In 2007, Amanda moved to Ottawa to expand her western education. She followed her creative passion to the beauty industry where she graduated and worked in the spa industry for four years. While working she continued her education and graduated in an administrative program that feeds her need to coordinate and organize. It was her goal to use her natural and combined education in organization and problem solving skills with national organizations, this allowed for placements at the Native Women’s Association of Canada where she increased her interest with current Indigenous issues. The experience she has gained developed a strong passion for fundraising and raising awareness on Indigenous issues. Building from her education and natural skills in 2014 she enrolled into St Lawrence College that brought her to The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. This is when she knew she wanted to pursue her career in fundraising and philanthropy. Amanda wants to help by creating awareness through educating and engaging communities and organizations in reciprocity and help organizations and other Canadians start on their journey to reconciliation. Working on initiatives for The Circle allows her to pursue and gain more experience about the work she’s passionate about. Amanda is constantly learning and improving. She is the newly named Coordinator, Engagement of The Circle. She lives in Ottawa with her amazing son, Mason.

Wanjiro Ndungu is an experienced professional with over 20 years in the non-profit and public organisations. She is a fundraiser with a broad experience in supporter care and donor retention and has been managing the Supporter Services team at Greenpeace Canada for the past 6 years. She put together a robust retention strategy for donors who contact the organisation to cancel their monthly donation and the save rate for these supporters has risen from 4% to 31%. She is passionate about building long-term, strong relationships with supporters and making them feel good about their contribution and believes this is the best way to tackle donor attrition. She is looking forward to being able to contribute to the development of organisational policies that promote diversity and facilitate empowerment of marginalised communities.

Frances Quintero Rawlings is a community organizer, educator and consultant. She is currently the Project Manager of Development at Samara Canada, a non- partisan charitable organization dedicated to reconnecting citizens to politics. She is passionate about social justice and working on projects that improve both the human and design experience, especially those that contribute to broader systemic change. She is a strong advocate for human rights and she has worked with multiple stakeholders in many sectors including community services, health, youth programming, civic engagement, immigrant and refugee services, and women’s rights. In 2014, she was selected as an emerging female leader in Canada to participate in the Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership Institute in partnership with the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. Fran loves to travel and feel it is one of the best ways to gain perspective on life, culture and ethics.  She's an avid cyclist, an aspiring aerialist and she loves a great read, especially historical fiction. In fall 2016 Fran will begin a Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University. She is very grateful to have been selected as an AFP Fellow in Inclusion and Philanthropy.

Tanya Rumble is a fiercely determined, results-driven relationship and fundraising manager with 10 years of progressively senior professional roles. Tanya is the Senior Manager, Run for the Cure Fundraising at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Tanya also commits herself to a number of worthy causes and organizations. Tanya is Co-Founder and past Executive Member of Toronto plus Acumen, an official chapter of Acumen. Tanya recently ended a six year term as a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation - where she sat on the Halton-Peel Grant Review Team ($10MM/y) and the Youth Opportunities Challenge Fund ($5MM/yr). Currently Tanya is a Board Director with FindHelp Information Services - operators of 211 Toronto. Additionally Tanya enjoys grassroots volunteer opportunities and is a Jane's Walk leader, as well as regularly volunteering with the Daily Bread Food Bank. Tanya completed a Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at McMaster University and a Masters Certificate at New York University with the World Health Organization, and in 2014 Tanya began the Masters of Public Policy, Administration and Law at York University. Tanya is naturally inquisitive and a lifelong learner - she was a 2010 Fellow in the award-winning Diversity Program.

Fatima Sajan obtained an honours degree in Political Science from York University in 2008. Since then, she has worked in both community engagement and fund development, and is personally committed to diversity, inclusion, human rights and civic engagement. In the community, she has served as a Board Member for several non-profit boards including Mosaic Interfaith, which her father co-chaired for 32 years. In 2012, Fatima helped establish a group called Muslim Friends of Humber, committed to raising $250,000 for Humber River Hospital. This opportunity was the catalyst for 10 organizations having never collaborated before, to develop lasting friendships and future plans for working together. In 2014, she was a recipient of the “Women Who Inspire” award by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. In 2015, Fatima became an Advocacy Coordinator for the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), an organization dedicated to supporting the human rights and civil liberties of Canadian Muslims and by extension, all Canadians.

My name is Zaina-Sophie Salibi, and I am thrilled a senior colleague informed me of the opportunity to become part of the AFP Fellowship in Inclusion and Philanthropy. I had many dreams as a child and  teenager (and still do), but found my purpose in life volunteering with the sick and elderly, and also during an internship in Ethiopia made possible by the Coady International Institute. I hope to be the best fundraiser I can be, which is why I am honoured to learn from the AFP and its Fellows during the next 8 months… and hopefully beyond! I obtained a B.A. in History from uOttawa in 2004, as well as a Graduate Certificate in e-Publishing from Algonquin College in 2010. I am currently studying Administration Studies and in my spare time, I read, study languages, and listen to podcasts while cooking or cleaning.

Thiviyaa Sehasothy is the Senior Development Coordinator focused on corporate partnership at UNICEF Canada. She is a dedicated & enthusiastic fundraising professional who is passionate about change, civic engagement, and international & community development. She has over 4 years of experience within the non-profit and fundraising sector at other organizations such as Toronto Foundation, Children’s Aid Foundation & McMaster University’s Alumni Association. Her introduction into fundraising started in university as Founder & President of the WaterAid McMaster. Her colleagues would describe her as driven, personable, passionate and a strong project manager. She is eager to contribute to the discussion on diversity & inclusion, not only to develop best practices for the sector but also to encourage more dialogue around the topic within our close communities. Thiviyaa is passionate about being a voice and ambassador for the fundraising sector in her community. She is currently pursing her Fundraising Management certificate at Ryerson University while attaining her CFRE and PMP designations. On her free time, she is a freelance artist involved in exhibits in Toronto, and actively commissioned for paintings (www.artbythiviyaa.com). She holds a B.Sc in Environmental Science from McMaster University. You can find her on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Jothi has worked in the areas of public policy, research, and communications in Canada, Kenya, Israel, and Sri Lanka.  Currently Jothi works at the intersection of translational research and philanthropy at St. Michael’s Hospital. Passionate about interdisciplinary learning, she feels privileged to have explored careers in government, academia, the non-profit sector and global institutes. Jothi firmly believes that all social justice work begins with the self. She completed her graduate studies at the University of Toronto and is a certified yoga teacher.

Matina Singh is Administrative Development and Estate Coordinator at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation, with extensive background in managing activities and motivating people. Matina’s greatest strengths are her drive, professionalism and time management. She thrives on challenges, is creative and an innovative problem solver. Her dedication to the cause assures that she never loses sight of the goal or task at hand. Her personal objectives are to deepen her Fundraising knowledge and assure growth in the not-for-profit sector. Matina holds a Bachelors Degree (Stenden University), Netherlands and speaks 4 languages. She is passionate about helping others and spends her free time with her 3 children. Matina is a well rounded individual who lives with passion, dedication and grace. You can find her at: ca.linkedin.com/in/singhmatina

Amy is a young development professional committed to breaking down barriers for people facing challenges in life. As Major Gifts Officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Amy helps donors discover how they can advance critical research on eye diseases causing blindness. She co-manages the National Young Leaders program, a leadership development initiative for youth who are blind or partially sighted. Amy has worked with the YWCA of Metro Vancouver, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, and the MS Society of Canada in fundraising and communications. She serves as a Mentor for the CNIB’s National Youth Council mentoring blind and partially sighted youth and runs leadership development programming. A graduate of the University of Victoria (BA), the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business (Master of Management) and Ryerson University (Master of Professional Communication), Amy is a life-long learner. She hopes to advance advocacy and inclusion for people with disabilities within the philanthropic sector so that we can better serve diverse communities. You can find Amy at: ca.linkedin.com/in/amyellensoden

Derek Spooner, M.A., is a non-profit, management and fundraising professional with a strong background in program and fund development, operational design, data analysis, communications and team motivation. After working for Stevenson Children’s Camp and Western University, Derek went on to build dynamic and profitable fundraising teams at Artsmarketing Services, Inc. and Free The Children in Toronto. He is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. His portfolio includes $9.04m of fulfilled gifts between 2011 - 2016 for the Toronto International Film Festival, Save The Children Canada, The New England Aquarium, The Boston Museum of Science, Mirvish Theatre Productions and Free The Children. Derek holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) and Masters degree from Western University.

Lissette Teran is an Agronomist with Specialization in Industrial Projects Management in her native Venezuela. Standing out for 12 years on projects involving environmental solutions and rescue of natural environments affected by pollution and oil spills. This experience led to her to develop a conservationist consciousness, which made her think about the younger generations. Interested in helping young people in acquiring a science-oriented mentality, that facilitate them the way to make the decision about careers in sciences field, to form future professionals who will help your communities to solve environmental problems. She has also gotten involved with various campaign to help environmental sanitation involving communities, and in her extension work, aimed at children and young, she teaches them some scientist methodologies for research about different topics. Encouraging to the youth within the community curiosity and interest to find new and creative solutions to environmental problems. For over 4 years, she gave her time as a teacher volunteer counselor in research projects for the Astronomy Club Los Robles, in her hometown. She developed the work directly with different elementary and secondary schools, the Earth’s study, Astronomy and Paleontology. Making their tutees reach, three consecutive years, recognition as winners in the international version of the Scientist for a Day contest, organized by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena California. Looking for new ways to reinvent themselves, she and her family move to Toronto in 2012, where in addition to getting international certification as Project Management, she has been involved in a new way to help and direct her passion for science and motivation to young people, Visions of Science That Promotes Learning Network for STEM engagement to marginalized, low-income youth. This experience has given her a new perspective about helping younger generations through philanthropy, to make a vow for the future scientists of Canada. She is planning, in a long term, to bring this culture of helping to her own original country.

Ada Tsang is the Co-Founder and Vice-President of Human Resources at Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Nonprofit, an organization which provides management consulting to improve organizational capacity and community impact. As VP of HR, she leads a team of executives in the recruitment, training, development and retention of volunteers across Endeavour. Ada also volunteers as a board member at the Four Villages Community Health Center, chairing the Quality Committee and participating in the Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Governance Committee and Accreditation Committee. In her full-time role, Ada works as a Project and Quality Manager at the Regional Geriatric Program of Toronto. Her previous experiences include working as a Management Consultant in Deloitte Consulting’s National Health Services practice and as a Patient Safety Consultant at the Ontario Hospital Association. Ada holds an MHSc Health Administration degree and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering (Engineering Science) degree, both from the University of Toronto.

I recognize that we are all responsible for being members of a world-wide community and I am a big advocate for social justice, equality and community support. I am very passionate about fundraising and donor relations and love working in this field as it allows me to connect with great people that are committed to making their communities stronger. I am a people person and enjoy building strong relationships with people I interact with. I have been working in fundraising for the past 7 years, and I am working towards obtaining the CFRE credential. I also enjoy working in the non-profit sector as it allows me to connect with people that share my passion for supporting causes that work to improve our communities. Currently I am a Development Officer for the Lutherwood Child and Family Foundation and I am responsible for raising financial resources and awareness to support programs at Lutherwood, primarily for children’s mental health services. I am excited to be part of the Fellowship in Inclusion and Philanthropy program and I am looking forward to the great opportunities it provides. Linkedin Profile

Betty Xie is the Development and International Programming Associate at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. A filmmaker and a fundraiser, Betty is passionate of bringing in support for arts non-profit and film projects that celebrate diversity and inclusion. At Reel Asian, she manages the festival's membership program and assists the Executive Director to secure corporate sponsorship and public funding. When she is not working at the festival to put Asian films on screen, she writes, directs and helps to produce them. Follow Betty on twitter and instagram @xiebetty