Global Leadership Program: 2025 Cohort

Anick Silencieux is the Founder and Executive Director of Support Black Charities (SBC), a Canadian-based nonprofit with global reach, empowering Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused organizations to achieve sustainability and visibility. With over 15 years of experience as a Data Recovery Engineer, Anick has honed her precision, problem-solving, and resilience — skills she now applies to her nonprofit leadership and consulting work. Since founding SBC in 2018, she has transformed it from a vetted online directory into a multifaceted platform offering strategic tools, services, and programs that equip nonprofits to operate with a business mindset and become donor- and investor-ready. Her engineering discipline, combined with her passion for community, has enabled her to build innovative solutions that amplify Black Philanthropy and strengthen ecosystems worldwide. Today, Anick continues to merge her technical expertise and community vision to support changemakers in creating lasting impact through strategy, technology, and sustainable innovation.

Asma Al-Wahsh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Arab Women’s Association (CAWA), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Arab women and families in Waterloo Region and Guelph. With more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and community advocacy experience, Asma has designed and led programs in newcomer integration, gender-based violence prevention, and mental health support. She is currently completing her MA in Community Studies at Athabasca University, building on her expertise in inclusive leadership and equity-focused program development. Passionate about collaboration, innovation, and lifelong learning, Asma is committed to creating inclusive spaces where diverse communities can thrive.

Barbara Balfour is a writer, editor, TV host and producer whose work has appeared in BBC, ELLE, the Economist Group, Fodors, Frommer’s, TimeOut, People, Michelin Guide, and every daily newspaper in Canada. In her travels to more than 50 countries, she has chilled with sumo wrestlers in Tokyo, baked bread in the mountains of Georgia, salsa danced under the stars in Cuba, and hesitantly swallowed bumblebee larvae at the world’s #1 restaurant in Denmark. She has published two children’s books, contributed to tourism guidebooks on Iceland, Chile, and the Canadian Maritimes, and co-edited an anthology of essays on Canada-European Union relations.

Buruzoth Balasubramaniam is a senior leader in enterprise transformation, data governance, and strategy with experience across financial services, consulting, and the social sector. At TD Bank, he leads initiatives that enhance institutional effectiveness through stronger governance, operating model design, and evidence-based decision-making. Previously, he led multi-year regulatory and data modernization programs in TD’s Office of the Chief Data Officer, following a consulting career at Deloitte focused on organizational strategy and large-scale transformation. He also serves on boards in housing, health care, and international development, providing leadership in governance, strategy, and executive oversight. Buruzoth holds an Executive MBA and ESG Designation from the Rotman School of Management. His lived experience informs a commitment to building institutions that are equitable, transparent, and socially accountable.

Calum Pinder is a Senior Sourcing Manager at BMO, partnering with senior executives across Personal and Business Banking to negotiate and deliver strategic initiatives that balance commercial value with sustainable outcomes. He has delivered projects in the UK, Canada, and the USA and has experience in financial services, retail, and public sector organisations, where he has led complex cross-border projects and embedded sustainability into procurement practices. Calum is committed to shaping procurement as a driver of both business performance and positive societal change.

Erin Koenig is a Canadian diplomat with 20+ years of experience across Latin America, Europe, and Africa. She currently serves as Head of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Canada in Berlin. Since joining Global Affairs Canada in 2009, Erin has held leadership senior roles both at Headquarters and abroad, including previous postings in Ethiopia and Peru. Her domestic experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Deputy Minister (Americas), Senior Advisor to the Darfur Peace Process, and contributing to foreign policy development at the Privy Council Office. Prior to joining the department, Erin worked with UNESCO in Paris and the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights in Costa Rica. She holds degrees from the University of Alberta (BA), the University of Copenhagen (MA), and is currently pursuing an LLM from the University of London. Driven by a commitment to advancing inclusion and institutional change, Erin is also proud to serve as Chair of Women in International Security Canada.

Faizel Gulamhussein has extensive experience as a political staffer at the federal level, where he recently served as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. He also served in the offices of the Minister of National Revenue and the Minister of Canadian Heritage. A lawyer by training, Faizel spent several years with the Toronto office of a major global law firm. Faizel has also held roles at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and at the European Parliament. Faizel is an avid traveller and enjoys sports, learning, and food. He has provided pro bono legal services and regularly volunteers in his community. Born in Alberta, Faizel has also lived in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. He is a graduate of Simon Fraser University and McGill University.

Farah Jindani, Ph.D., MSW, is a scholar-practitioner, educator, and leader with over 17 years of experience in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and equity-driven mental health and addiction care. Her work bridges clinical practice, community-based healing, and systemic change, with a focus on culturally safer approaches in Indigenous and marginalized communities. Farah holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Education, a Master of Social Work and Criminological Research, and has worked across academic, hospital, and community settings, providing clinical supervision, direct practice, program development, and policy guidance. She is the author of several academic articles and workbooks on the integration of neuroscience, somatic practices and holistic healing. A sought-after consultant and speaker, Farah is committed to advancing collective healing, intergenerational wellness, and system transformation through culturally grounded, evidence-based practices.

Farah Kurji is an experienced leader in the Social Impact sector, having worked in many diverse geographic and cultural contexts across Canada, the US, and Central Asia. As the Senior Manager of Social Impact at TD Bank, Farah leads the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship strategy across North America, shaping TD’s approach to philanthropic investments and colleague engagement. Farah has held several roles at TD, spanning Marketing, Corporate Citizenship, and Canadian Personal Banking. Previously, Farah was with H+K Strategies in New York, advising organizations on social impact. Her experience with Roshan, Afghanistan’s largest telecommunications company, was especially formative, providing an opportunity to learn how to foster collaboration, build trust and work in a complex environment.

Dr. Fareen Zaver, MD, MSc’22 is the Associate Dean of the Office of Faculty Development at the Cumming School of Medicine and an Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine. An emergency physician and award-winning educator, her master’s research on the transition from trainee to independent practice informed national curricular innovations. She builds community among faculty leaders and advances equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression across academic medicine. Grounded in pluralism and social innovation, she uses every leadership opportunity to challenge entrenched power structures and leave programs, systems, and experiences more inclusive, equitable, and collaborative — breaking down barriers for those historically excluded from decision-making tables. Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, she has also received multiple education and teaching honors. Beyond work, she loves exploring new cultures and cuisines while travelling with her husband and young daughter.

Hafeez is a practicing physician in Ontario, a marine ecologist and musician. He practices in Anesthesia, Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine, and Wound Care. Hafeez espouses ecological health as upstream public health. He has a special interest in Nature-based Solutions and agroecology as solutions for food security and climate change.

Hanna Jevne has more than seven years of experience in policy analysis and advocacy in Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem. She currently serves as Senior Analyst in the President’s Office of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), where she supports IDRC’s mandate of strengthening research and science capacity in low- and middle-income countries through stakeholder outreach and engagement. Previously, she held multiple roles at Universities Canada, advancing federal advocacy for 96 member institutions through policy development and advocacy. Hanna holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.

Israel Ekanem is a Nigerian-Canadian storyteller, filmmaker, and DJ. As the founder of Ubuntu Media, he has produced acclaimed films, including Drown the Lovers and Kill Your Masters. Known as DJ Ubuntu, he blends music with narrative, manages artists like Mayaya, and hosts The Off Kilter Show on CKDU Radio. He founded the Ubuntu Podcast Network to uplift local voices. Through film, music, and storytelling, Israel fosters empathy and cultural connection, believing in the power of stories to transform the world.

Jamil Ismail is the Founder of Alamut Capital, a family investment office focused on long-term value creation. He was the former CEO and an early investor in mmHg, a digital health company pioneering innovations in blood pressure measurement, technology-assisted care, and virtual care for cardiovascular risk reduction. In December 2024, mmHg was acquired by Myant Health. Jamil is an early investor in several emerging technology startups, including Plexor, DraftAid, and FemTherapeutics. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta and an MBA from Rice University. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jamil serves as the Edmonton Chair of Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s World Partnership Walk, a role he has held for the past two years, reflecting his commitment to community engagement and global development.

Jenna Cloughley is a connector, community builder, and feminist advocate who thrives on creating spaces where women-identifying and gender-diverse leaders feel seen, supported, and empowered. With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit and social-impact sectors, she has led national advocacy efforts with the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, helped shape inclusive policy conversations, and built partnerships that amplify equity and economic justice. Jenna also serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Disabilities Outdoor Society (CanDO), supporting accessibility initiatives that increase connection to nature for people with disabilities. Known for her relationship-centred leadership style, Jenna builds consensus, clears roadblocks, and sparks meaningful connections between people who might not otherwise meet. Outside of her advocacy work, you can often find her championing women entrepreneurs, mentoring emerging leaders, or lacing up her roller skates to hit the roller derby track.

Jessica Lewinski is a philanthropy professional and multidisciplinary artist dedicated to building more just and connected communities. Her career has spanned three continents, weaving together arts, culture, and human rights with hands-on impact in the charitable sector. After a decade managing development projects across Southeast Asia in education, clean water, medical support, and sustainable agriculture, Jessica has returned to Canada to continue building her impact in the charitable sector as Director of Outreach and Philanthropy at the 30 Birds Foundation, where she supports young Afghan refugee women through education, empowerment, and leadership initiatives.

Jessie Kaur Lehail is a transformative force in women’s advocacy, health equity, and social change. As CEO of the Kaur Collective Foundation, she is redefining representation by amplifying Sikh women’s voices globally through storytelling, faith, health, and food security initiatives. She co-created the groundbreaking Bridging Language and Health framework, revolutionizing access to health education for Punjabi women. As a UBC researcher with Dr. Lesa Dawson, she brings cultural insight to critical studies on hereditary ovarian cancer testing among South Asian women. In her role as Vancouver Chapter Director for Shelter Movers, Jessie leads frontline action to protect and empower survivors of gender-based violence. On the Board of Directors at Fraser Health Authority, she helps steer a $13 billion health system while advancing anti-racism and equity across communities. With over 15 years of impact, Jessie fuses strategy, advocacy, and artistry — also expressing her vision as a professional contemporary abstract painter.

Jonathan Steels works in postsecondary administration within policy, governance, strategy and operations, in a cross-institutional capacity. His role has evolved to oversee a major building project, the Lawson Centre for Sustainability (opening in spring 2026!), and he is now serving as Executive Lead for institutional Sustainability and Governance. Trinity College attracts top students from around the globe and operates in Federation with the University of Toronto (U of T), giving it institutional autonomy and nimbleness. The capacity to positively impact society through this context with a Sustainability Mission makes this work exciting and fulfilling for him. Jonathan completed a co-op Biochemistry specialist program at Guelph, including a year of research (Denmark) and his first publication. His PhD is from the U of T’s Dept Biochemistry (Medicine), conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children (Cell Biology), and was published in various journals. He then completed a Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education at U of T.

Juan Gomez is Senior Government Relations Advisor at FinDev Canada, the country’s development finance institution, where he manages relationships with Government of Canada stakeholders to strengthen visibility and alignment of FinDev Canada’s mandate. Previously, he served as Global Trade Director at Export Development Canada, leading strategic engagements with priority clients in international markets to advance Canadian exports. At Global Affairs Canada, Juan held roles as Trade Commissioner for the Clean Growth Hub and Senior Trade Officer at the Canadian Embassy in Colombia, where he supported Canadian companies and investors, built partnerships with key decision-makers, and advanced Canada’s responsible business conduct strategy in the extractive sector. Earlier in his career, Juan worked with Shell as Government Affairs Advisor for Colombia, Central America, and the Latin Caribbean. He holds a degree in International Relations and an MBA from Universidad del Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia.

Juliette Gundy is a diplomat with over 20 years’ experience in the fields of foreign policy, national security, security sector reform and governance. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in International Affairs in 2003, Ms Gundy held positions with the United Nations (Eritrea and South Sudan), Canada’s Departments of National Defence and Foreign Affairs, and the New Zealand Government. After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University in 2014, Ms Gundy served as a Senior Advisor in Canada’s Privy Council Office. Ms Gundy re-joined Global Affairs Canada in 2017 to lead a pilot project to increase the deployment of women to United Nations peacekeeping missions. From 2021-2023, she served as the Head of the African Union Liaison Unit in the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa. Most recently, Ms Gundy served as the NATO Mission Iraq Ambassador, on secondment from Global Affairs Canada.

Kevin McLeod has over ten years of experience supporting the development and implementation of public policy. Kevin is also active in his community and has served as President of his local Rotary Club, President of the Canadian International Council’s Edmonton Branch, and Vice-President of his local Community League. He also co-founded the pan-Canadian CIC Young Professionals Network to foster youth engagement in global policy discussions. His efforts have been recognized through several honors, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Bronze Medal, Canada 150 Volunteer Award, and a place on Edify Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 list.

Lisa Gaudry is an international development consultant whose work spans Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the U.S. Over 14 years, her experience has included leading and advising on programs in water, sanitation, and hygiene in Ghana; agriculture in Rwanda; climate resilience in Chad; gender-based violence prevention in emergencies in Jordan; and special education research and policy in the U.S. She has also led innovation-focused programming across sectors, including co-developing a Gender Evaluation Framework for Innovation. With a strong commitment to justice and inclusion, she prioritizes local knowledge alongside evidence-based strategies to inform equitable policy development and programming that is both gender-responsive and transformative. Currently, Lisa supports Canadian and international donors and partners through research, program development, and monitoring and evaluation, while building meaningful cross-sector partnerships. She holds a Master of Development Practice from the University of Waterloo.

Lisa Lewicki is a seasoned international educator and inclusion professional with deep expertise in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, specializing in Global Politics and Peace & Conflict Studies. While serving as social studies department head and international coordinator at her school, she led curriculum innovation, program planning, and assessment design, advancing civic education and bilingualism. Lisa served as Co-Chair of the institution’s pluralism initiative, guiding strategic collaboration across faculty, students, alumni, and community stakeholders. She has presented at IB Global Conferences and facilitated professional development workshops. Having recently earned her certificate in Leadership and Inclusion, she continues to deepen her commitment to intercultural competence, shaped by teaching experiences in Belgium, Romania, Poland, and Japan. A lifelong learner and avid traveller, Lisa brings a global perspective and a strong focus on pluralist education.

Mary Bridger is an experienced gender equality leader and partnership builder within the international development and humanitarian fields, with a strong background in policy influencing, stakeholder engagement and strategy implementation. Equipped with over 13 years of experience working with government relations, social justice advocacy, and impactful communications in global initiatives spread across four continents. She has held progressively senior level roles across a diversity of organisations that serve as leaders in the international development and communications fields, ranging from small INGO start-ups to UN regional bodies.

Misha Boutilier is counsel to Chief Justice of Ontario Michael Tulloch at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. After graduating from the University of Toronto Law School as the gold medalist and clerking for Canada’s Chief Justice, Misha led pro bono legal teams that struck down U.S. immigration rules blocking asylum seekers from work permits and challenged inhumane immigrant detention conditions while working as a litigator in New York City. As well, as counsel to the Public Order Emergency Commission, he investigated police responses to the Freedom Convoy and helped craft policy recommendations for policing major events. The National Immigrant Justice Centre and U of T Law have recognized his track record of impactful litigation and public service work.

Mohd Khalid Naseemi is a policy and development professional with over 20 years of experience in public policy, international development, and community engagement. He served as CEO of the Afghanistan Canada Council (ACC), a national community-based organization in Canada dedicated to strengthening connections between the diaspora of Afghanistan and Canadian society. Under his leadership, ACC advanced programs in education, settlement and integration, cultural exchange, research and development, and social development—helping both newcomers and long-standing community members thrive and contribute meaningfully to Canadian life. Khalid also worked as Chief of Staff and advisor to Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, leading the development of environmental strategies and climate change policies. In Canada, he supports immigrants and refugees as a Settlement Counsellor with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO). Khalid holds multiple master’s degrees, including International Development Policy from Carleton University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Nadia Guerch is a seasoned international development professional with 20 years of experience designing and delivering large-scale initiatives across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. She currently serves as Head of Programs at Cowater International, where she oversees a global portfolio focused on systems reform, economic development, climate resilience, and service delivery in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Nadia is particularly interested in systems-level change, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative financing to drive more sustainable and inclusive solutions. She has led projects involving diverse partners, from governments to private sector actors and philanthropic foundations. In addition to her professional role, Nadia serves on the Executive Board of the Canadian Association of International Development Professionals (CAIDP) and is a member of the Canadian Forum for Impact Investment and Development (CAFIID).

With a background in cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and inclusive dialogue, Natasha Lay transforms ideas into practical solutions to strengthen communities. Her perspective is shaped by a journey across cultures: growing up in Australia in a Chinese Hakka family with roots in Timor-Leste, and later building her life as a newcomer to Canada. Navigating these layered identities has deepened her understanding of empathy and belonging, guiding her leadership. Natasha is passionate about place-based action, helping communities design solutions that foster resilience and inclusion. She has mobilized youth for climate action, scaled mentorship programs for refugee entrepreneurs, and built partnerships that expand workplace inclusion in rural Alberta. Her goal is to create generational impact by opening doors for others and shaping systems where everyone can thrive.

Onyinye Oguntoye leads communications for the Climate Adaptation and Protected Areas Initiative at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). She has worked across public policy, international development, and public engagement with several organizations including, BBC Media Action, ODI, and J-PAL, where she forged partnerships and delivered communications that raised the visibility of these organisations. Her interests span equality, healthcare, education, and climate change, reflecting her curiosity about how interconnected global challenges are. She is passionate about community service and making an impact through her career and within her community. Outside of work, Onyinye enjoys exploring new cultures through travel also caring for her many plants. She holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Cambridge.

Pierre-David is a career Foreign Service Officer with previous diplomatic postings in France, Haiti, to the UN in New York, and in Colombia. In Ottawa, he notably served as advisor to the Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and to the Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Director. He holds a Master of Science degree in History from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Arts degree in Forced Migration Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University. Pierre-David and his husband are the proud parents of a daughter.

Rany Ibrahim is a public servant, educator, and community leader with over 20 years of experience working across government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. He currently serves in a senior leadership role with the Government of Nova Scotia. He is also a part-time university professor, where he teaches graduate courses in business and public administration. Rany is passionate about digital equity, community development, and inclusive economic growth.

Sammy Lau is the Co-founder and CEO of Greenline. He previously held marketing leadership roles at Ask-AI, Lillio, and Top Hat. He serves on the Board of the Art Canada Institute, where he chairs the Technology and Information Governance Committee, and in 2025 was appointed by Toronto City Council to the Board of TO Live. Sammy volunteers as an interviewer for the Loran Scholars Foundation and McCall MacBain Scholarships, and supports Asian Canadian leadership through the National Council of Asian Canadians and the ACCT Foundation. He has also served on boards under the University of Toronto’s Governing Council and on campaign leadership teams for Members of Parliament. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, he holds an Honours BA from Trinity College, University of Toronto, as a Loran Scholar.

Shamsher Vellani is Co-founder and CEO of Optimus Analytics, leading a globally recognized investment management firm with Financial Services Commission registration across 39 markets, including all G7 countries. At Vision Alpha in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, he co-founded a Special Purpose Vehicle issuing Actively Managed Certificates on the SIX Swiss Exchange, driving innovative fintech solutions. A thought leader intersecting technology, mathematics, engineering, and finance, Shamsher develops unconventional tools to bridge these domains, solving complex problems — his algorithms have achieved annual returns exceeding 34% over five years. A recognized speaker at the World FX Expo and former NCAA Varsity Men’s Hockey player, he brings discipline and teamwork to his leadership. Committed to mentoring underrepresented talent and fostering community development, Shamsher aims to leverage AKFC’s Global Leadership Program to advance sustainable financial innovation and global impact.

Ms. Sharmila Khare joined the Federal Public Service in 1995. Since 2009, she has devoted her public service to the charitable and non-profit sector. Sharmila joined the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in May 2015 as Director of the Policy, Planning and Legislation Division in the Charities Directorate. On May 16, 2022, Sharmila was appointed to the position of Director General, Charities Directorate. Sharmila holds a Combined Honours BA in Mathematics and Economics from Glendon College and an MA in Economics from McMaster University. She has completed additional graduate diplomas and certificates in public administration, public sector leadership, strategic regulatory management and international development including a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Mount Royal University. Sharmila is a single mother who adopted two older children from India. In addition to being a mom, she enjoys volunteering in her community, taking dance classes, swimming, travelling, and reading novels!

Sophia Dhrolia is the DEI Lead at Interac Corp., who is passionate about building a culture that values diversity, champions inclusion, and promotes collaboration to drive business results. They are committed to developing environments where differences are valued and where people are empowered to bring their authentic selves to the workplace. Using a data-driven strategy, they focus on breaking down systemic barriers, driving positive change in organizations, and improving experiences. Sophia speaks regularly on the importance of using data to drive strategy, advocacy, inclusive language and creating cultures of belonging. They are a keynote speaker and a guest on podcasts, including the most recent one, where they discuss trust, data, and building inclusive workplaces on the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing podcast. They are also a founding member of the Employee Wellbeing Council and HERizon Project with Women in Communications and Tech. They are also the proud recipient of the 2022 Women in IT ‘Diversity Lead of the Year’ award, the 2024 Women in Payments advocate for Diversity & Inclusion award, and the 2025 Canadian Finance Leaders DEI award.

Tanya Rumble is a nationally recognized fundraising executive, named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023. With nearly 15 years of experience, she has raised millions for leading institutions including the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, McMaster University, and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she is currently Executive Director, Development for University-Wide Initiatives. As co-founder of Recast Philanthropy, Tanya is a catalyst for change in the charitable sector, advancing restorative, equity-centred approaches to giving. She has spoken at major conferences including CAGP, CCAE, CASE, and Blackbaud’s bbcon, and facilitated conversations with global thought leaders such as Edgar Villanueva. Tanya contributes her expertise as Board Secretary with AFP Canada, Board Director with Findhelp/211 and The Forum, committee member with CERIC, and member of the Government of Canada’s Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector. A racialized settler in Tkaronto, she is committed to reconciliation and transformative philanthropy.

Trinh (Theresa) Do is the Personal Banking Climate Lead at RBC, where she shapes the bank’s strategy to deliver value to retail clients through climate-focused initiatives. Theresa’s diverse career has taken her from political journalism to global affairs to business strategy, enabling a unique and multidisciplinary approach to her work.

Tracey holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and Global Studies from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s degree in International Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Tel Aviv University, and a Doctorate in Education, specializing in International Educational Leadership and Policy, from the University of Toronto. Her doctoral research explored the educational experiences of autistic learners in Ontario during COVID-19 school closures. In January 2021, Tracey joined Right To Play as Director of Global Partnerships, where she leads the organization’s institutional funding portfolios with Global Affairs Canada and U.S. philanthropic foundations. She is continually inspired by the learners, teachers, and parents she works alongside and firmly believes that education is the world’s most powerful tool for advancing gender equality. Outside of work, Tracey enjoys cooking and curling, and her Golden Retriever, Birken, is always ready to make a guest appearance on Teams calls.

Social impact leader with almost 20 years of Canadian and international experience designing and scaling cross-sector programs. From supporting emergency operations in conflict zones like the Syria/Turkey border to diplomatically influencing peacebuilding policy at the United Nations, my career has been defined by a deep commitment to building structures that allow vulnerable communities to participate and share their ideas. I specialize in stakeholder engagement and accountability in politically sensitive environments. Executives trust me to deliver memorable and measurable results, aligning projects with corporate strategies and values. Currently, as a member of CBC/Radio-Canada’s national equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) committee, I advise our executive team on EDI policy, trends, communication and change management to improve diversity in leadership roles, staff engagement metrics, and audience perception. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, Haitian Creole, I believe our world needs more imagination, connection and trusting relationships.