Heather Cayouette is a consultant and fractional COO who helps mission-driven organizations optimize how their work gets done. She focuses on the intersection of people, process, and technology, supporting teams to strengthen operations, navigate risk, and build resilience in a changing landscape. A Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C), she brings a strong privacy and risk lens to her work. She is the author of Reset the System: A Practical Guide to Rethinking the Way You Work to Power Why You Do It, which offers a clear, practical approach to moving out of survival mode and into more intentional, sustainable ways of working. 

Patrick Doyle is the Mobile Food Market Coordinator for the Cambridge Food Bank, a role he has held since 2022. During that time, he has helped thousands of community members access fresh produce, try new foods, learn new recipes, and eat better. Born and raised in Waterloo Region, Patrick loves gardening, cooking, and eating, and is passionate about sharing that love with others. He lives in Kitchener with his wife and their dog. 

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’. 

Brenda Okorogba, C.M., is a nationally recognized social impact and systems change leader appointed to the Order of Canada for her contributions to advancing education equity and economic opportunity across Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa. She serves on the boards and advisory bodies of multiple organizations, providing strategic oversight on governance, policy, organizational growth, and long-term impact. Throughout her career, she has mobilized more than $5 billion in non-dilutive funding to support education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community advancement initiatives.

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 is Senior Partner, Delivery 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. 

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 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. 

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. 

Lori McLain is an equity-informed leader who has enjoyed over 15 years disrupting the status quo across healthcare, municipal government, and nonprofit sectors. She brings a professional background in organizational development, equity and inclusion, people strategy, and governance. As the founder of Workplace Elevation, she supports individuals and organizations in strengthening workplace culture, inclusive practices, and people-centred systems. She is dedicated to creating environments where employees are valued and workplace wellness is the foundation for long-term success. 

Dave Whiteside is the Director of Insights at YMCA WorkWell – an arm of the YMCA focused on improving workplace and community well-being through data-driven Insights and Leader Coaching. Leading the team’s national Insights initiatives, Dave has made it his mission to help organizations understand what their people are really experiencing – and then actually do something about it. With an ongoing goal to make complex data seem simple, he believes that data only matters if it tells compelling stories and drives genuine change. He takes gratitude very seriously and will never, ever miss giving a deserved high five. 

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. 

Charlotte Field is a fundraiser and digital native with more than 15 years of experience in communications and fundraising. She’s a strategic thinker with a mind for integrating offline and online tactics to create cohesive donor journeys that generate exceptional results. As a partner at Good Works, she’s worked with charities of all sizes and causes to raise funds from annual and legacy donors. Charlotte is a co-author of ‘You Can’t Take It With You: The Art & Science of Legacy Fundraising’ (2019), a regular on the conference circuit, and pronounces ‘GIF’ with a hard ‘G’. 

Rochelle Greaves, 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. 

Richard Plummer (he/him) 

Richard Plummer is a senior executive and fundraising strategist with over 20 years of leadership in revenue generation, nonprofit management, and community capacity building. As the Senior Director/Principal with PLUMSolutions.ca he helps organizations build their capacity and grow through strategic planning, innovative fundraising and sponsorship, partnerships and leadership training.  Richard has held senior leadership roles at BNP Inspire Philanthropic Consulting, United Way Eastern Ontario, YMCA-YWCA, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, Youth Services Bureau and the McConnell Foundation. As Principal of PLUM Solutions Consulting, he has led transformative campaigns and built sustainable funding models for both national and community based non-profits. Currently he serves on the AFP Ottawa Board of Directors as Chair of Fundraising Day and has served on several national and regional boards and advisory committees advancing inclusion, social enterprise, and sector capacity building. Richard is known for his ability to build partnerships and align mission-driven goals with measurable results that drive lasting organizational impact.

Based in Vancouver, BC, Samantha Rogers 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. 

Marla Smith 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. 

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. 

Lori Gotlieb is an award-winning volunteer engagement strategist, consultant, author, podcaster, and educator with extensive experience helping nonprofit organizations, associations, and community leaders build high-impact volunteer programs. Recognized with the Linda Buchanan Award for Excellence in Volunteer Management, Lori is a contributing author to the Volunteer Management Handbook, 2nd Edition and a sought-after speaker across North America.

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. https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidijakop/ 

Jessica Pang-Parks, CVA, Trauma of Money Certified™, 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.  

Erin Spink, Acting Director, Community Engagement with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 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.

With over 15 years in Human Resources, Veronica Torres Deally has built her career around connecting people to purpose—whether through talent acquisition or volunteer engagement. She is passionate about supporting those who lead volunteers and believes in making tools, training, and resources both practical and engaging. Currently pursuing studies in instructional design and data analytics, Veronica is excited about bringing fresh, creative approaches to the future of volunteer management.

For the last decade Dean Delpeache has been focused on talent management and creating frameworks of equity for organizations. Through his consultancy, Strasity, he helps organizations design strategic frameworks focused on Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (DIBE). Dean is also a Professor and Program Lead of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace program at George Brown College, and is a global conference speaker, delivering talks and workshops to both students and industry professionals. His passions for talent and DIBE have led him to become a vocal advocate for creating equitable workplaces. Dean possesses a Masters in Human Resources Management (HRM) and is completing his PhD In HRM from York University, and has completed a Certificate program in Leadership and Inclusion at Centennial College.

Chanel Grenaway has over 20 years of experience building the organizational capacity of nonprofit leaders across Canada. Through equity assessments, facilitation, and coaching, she advises leaders, teams, and boards who are ready to design cultures where equity and belonging are integrated into how they lead and operate. Her work is grounded in her Good Culture Framework, which gives organizations a clear path toward more inclusive practices, services, and leadership. When she is not at her desk, you can find her at the dojo working on her third degree black belt. 

Rachel Mansell is a people-focused strategist who 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. Rachel’s background is in human rights, law and policy with a focus on dialogue and inclusion in public spaces. The majority of her career has been in the nonprofit/charitable and higher education sectors, and she has also consulted with senior leaders across private, public, and health regulatory sectors. In an increasingly polarized world where opinion is often seen as fact, Rachel provides data-driven, community grounded recommendations while championing 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. Rachel is currently a Senior Associate at NJ Global Consulting and the Vice President of Community Engaged Practice at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). 

Nancy Mitchell 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 entrepreneurship. 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 leads work with public, private, and non-profit organizations to develop research and strategies to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within organizational processes. 

Lisa Paull, whose ancestral name is Ts’eláselwet, is the new Director of Programs & Services at New Relationship Trust. Her professional background encompasses educational programs and services, as well as personal development. Lisa is dedicated to supporting Indigenous capacity building through the delivery of impactful programming and services, which includes fostering true collaboration with stakeholders and partners. With extensive experience in leadership, counseling, administration, and Indigenous capacity building, she has served on diverse advisory groups focused on Indigenizing programs and providing wrap-around supports. Lisa is inspired to uphold BC First Nations in achieving their diverse goals and objectives.

Sartaj Sarkaria (she/her) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), where she leads national initiatives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in workplaces across Canada. With more than a decade of executive leadership experience, Sartaj has a strong track record of guiding organizations through transformation, strengthening governance, and driving sustainable growth. 

Gretchen Ferguson is Vantage Point’s Director of Education and Consulting Programs. A dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience across the non-profit and post-secondary sectors in Canada and internationally, she specializes in education design and delivery, program development, and strategic initiatives — with a track record of mobilizing the resources, relationships, and partnerships that move missions forward. Gretchen brings board experience — including as a founding member and chair of multiple non-profits — and is deeply committed to equity, economic inclusion, and empowering organizations and communities to drive meaningful change. 

A passion for philanthropy, combined with a degree in Journalism led to Lisa’s MacDonald’s long-term affiliation with The Hilborn Group. As the Editor in Chief of Hilborn’s flagship digital publication, Charity eNews as well as Foundation Magazine, Lisa takes pride in bringing weekly information and innovative ideas to nonprofit sector leaders. You may also recognize her name from the past Editorial bylines of Gift Planning in Canada, AFP eWire Canada, and Calgary Foundation’s Advice to Advisors.An accomplished non-fiction book editor, Lisa has helped many writers successfully bring their books to market, including the best seller Excellence in Fundraising in Canada, Creative Deviations and Lessons in Philanthropy: The Legacy of Barb McInnes (2025).  Her latest projects include the “Let’s Get Real” Canadian Perspectives on Fundraising Podcast, teaching writing at an Ottawa community centre and completing a 45,000-word fiction manuscript for middle grade readers.   

Minnie Karanja is the Founder and Executive Director of Impact Weaving, a consultancy supporting nonprofits and social purpose organizations in strategy, governance, leadership, and organizational development. She also teaches nonprofit management at Simon Fraser University and previously served on the Government of Canada’s Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector (ACCS), contributing to national policy conversations affecting charities and nonprofits across Canada. 

Alisha Patel is the VP of People & Culture at CanadaHelps, where she drives organizational transformation by aligning business strategy, people leadership, and human-centered design to advance social impact. With over 20 years of cross-functional experience bridging HR, business strategy, and finance, Alisha is a purpose-driven executive known for building high-performing, inclusive, and resilient organizations. A passionate DE&I advocate, she brings a people-first approach to change management, workforce strategy, and organizational effectiveness fostering cultures of collaboration, innovation, and belonging where diverse teams can thrive and do their best work.

Rebecca Rogers (she, they) is a nonprofit executive and equity strategist with more than three decades of experience advancing intersectional feminist, anti‑racist, and anti‑oppressive frameworks across the private, municipal, and nonprofit sectors. A long‑time leader in the gender‑based violence field, she has shaped policy, strengthened sector standards, and informed community responses to violence and inequity, always centering those facing the greatest barriers. A skilled leader and coalition‑builder, Rebecca has led cultural transformation in complex organizations, fostering belonging, accountability, and trust. Her work is grounded in social justice, human rights, and a deep commitment to building equitable systems that support women and gender‑diverse people to thrive. 

Anjum Sultana is an award-winning public affairs strategist who works at the intersection of children’s rights, gender equality, and global cooperation.
As a first-generation Canadian, Anjum leverages her expertise in public policy, programming, and board governance to be a catalyst and champion for social impact and economic inclusion in Canada and globally. A convenor and community builder, Anjum has spent the last 15 years advancing equity and access to opportunity for children and youth from diverse communities. With an interest in global affairs, Anjum has lived, worked, and travelled to over 25 countries.

Dr. Megan Conway, President and CEO, Volunteer Canada, 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.

Camila Miki is the Senior Manager, Philanthropy at Save the Children, where she helps build meaningful partnerships that support children, families, and communities. Her career has taken her from the classroom to the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Save the Children, Camila worked with organizations including UNICEF Canada and Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, experiences that have shaped her commitment to creating meaningful social impact. Having grown up in multiple countries in South America, she brings a global outlook and deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, Camila is passionate about fostering meaningful connections, championing innovation, and recognizing individuals and organizations making a positive difference in their communities. 

With over 25 years immersed in the voluntary sector, Subrina Monteith 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

Cari Moore is the Programs and Volunteer Coordinator for the Chilliwack and District Seniors Resources society.  She has been serving the not-for-profit sector for 20 years in administration, program coordination, and volunteer management. Cari is a volunteer with Soroptimist International of Chilliwack, on the Board President at Volunteer BC, and Director of Volunteer Fraser Valley. 2 years ago she became a grandmother to twin boys, who have now become her new passion. Cari is looking forward to being a judge and appreciates the opportunity. 

Anusha Narendran is a passionate family support professional with a deep commitment to community connection, inclusive programming, and volunteer leadership. Her academic path took her through Centennial College and Toronto Metropolitan University, and she’s had the joy of leading meaningful programs at Malvern Family Resource Centre. Along the way, she’s trained and mentored volunteers, helped build strong community partnerships, and earned certifications in Volunteer Management, Not-For-Profit Leadership, and Trauma-Informed Practice. She is a honoured 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 Waldman held chief financial officer positions in companies in both for-profit and charitable sectors, before branching out to provide financial leadership in a fractional CFO capacity for a number of organizations. For the past eleven years, Heather has been helping companies improve overall performance and impact, and clearing pathways for organizations to realize their full potential. As Executive Director at Endeavour Volunteer Consulting, Heather brings a wealth of expertise in non-profit development, sustaining community impact, and encouraging and engaging skilled individuals and corporations to become active partners. Heather earned her business degree in marketing and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to Canada and requalifying as a Canadian CA-CPA. She served as finance chair on the board for an organization dedicated to ending violence against women.