Social Impact

Jane Porter is a professional facilitator, entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of Bridge Building Group. She’s on a mission to transform the world one conversation at a time through a community of bridge builders. For the last fifteen years, Jane has helped leaders—who often wouldn’t be in the same room together—have hard (but good!) conversations and find a way forward. Facilitating these groups has led to breakthroughs on some of the most pressing issues of our time: from how we extract natural resources thoughtfully to how Indigenous people can lead on climate action. Right now, one of the most important conversations we need to have is about Canada. That’s why Jane and the team at Bridge Building Group started www.ConversationswithCanadians.ca to provide the skills and spaces for Canadians to discuss our future. She has also shared her insights as a TEDx speaker on Bridge Building for Democracy. Jane lives in Ottawa with her husband Michael, their two young kids, and German Shepherd. Learn more at www.bridgebuilding.ca.

Christian has been embedded in the charitable sector since he was 10 years old. From attending summer camp run by BGC Ottawa to running major fundraisers for charities like Carleton University, The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation and Youth Ottawa, to working with and volunteering with numerous causes.  In his professional work, Christian has held roles in fundraising, communications and engagement for Carleton University, Youth Ottawa,The Sponsorship Collective and Farm Radio International. Christian is the Director of Partnerships and Development for Future of Good: a special interest publication that works to make the social purpose world smarter through journalism, learning and research. Christian is also the founder of Purpose Podcasting: an agency committed to helping nonprofits and charities use audio to make an impact.  In his personal life, Christian volunteers for both the Ottawa Community Foundation on their community grants committee as well as on the corporate oversight committee of United Way East Ontario.  Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management with a specialization in Social Policy as well as a Master’s in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University. Christian was the recipient of numerous awards for his philanthropic work including The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the OC150 award, the Barbara McInnes Junior Superhero of the Year award and Carleton University’s Board of Governor’s Award for Community Leadership. Christian was also one of 2 Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education TD Fellows in 2018. He is a Global Shaper recognized by the World Economic Forum. Christian is also a TEDx speaker where he spoke about the Future of Charity in 2016.

Cody de Leijer is a dynamic leader and innovator dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. As the Director, Programs at Enactus Canada, he supports over 2,100 post-secondary students at 76 campuses to launch social enterprises that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past year, Enactus Canada students volunteered 209,358 hours on 152 projects that positively impacted the lives of 29,837 people. Beyond his professional work, Cody enjoys competing in dragon boat and marathon running.

Brendan Steven is a professional writer and communications strategist with over a decade of diverse experience in speechwriting, thought leadership, branding, as well as fundraising and stewardship communications. As UJA’s Director, Content & Chief Writer, he leads a team of writers at the umbrella institution of Toronto’s Jewish community. He is active in Toronto’s Roman Catholic community, especially through lay leadership roles within St. Basil’s Parish; as a member of the board of directors of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Greater Toronto Central Council; and as a coordinator and co-founder of the Lumen Gentium Forum, a fellowship program in the Archdiocese of Toronto forming young Catholic professionals in the principles of virtuous leadership and Catholic social teaching.

Anoodth Naushan is an award-winning thought leader, researcher, policy specialist, and community advocate who finds joy in supporting people and projects to advance gender, racial and economic justice. She has worked with multiple organizations and institutions across Canada and the UK to strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence. Recently, she co-led Possibility Seeds' Courage to Act project, aimed at addressing gender-based violence on Canadian post-secondary campuses; this initiative has been recognized as a promising practice and modelled internationally. Anoodth holds a Masters in Social Policy and Social Research from UCL. Compassion, curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and equity are cornerstones of her work.

Calissa Ngozi is an award-winning inspirational speaker and tv and media guest expert-as seen on CP24, Global News, Breakfast Television, The Social, CHCH and more. She has had a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the mental health, education, and social services fields. Calissa's passion for supporting individuals in need has been evident throughout her journey. With a diverse background in mental health, hospital care, education, acquired brain injury rehabilitation, and private practice, Calissa has made significant strides in providing essential mental health and behavior support services. In addition to her exemplary work in the field, Calissa Ngozi is a Professor at Mohawk College, where she imparts her wealth of knowledge and expertise to aspiring professionals in multiple departments. Her dedication to education and mentorship is further evidenced by her ability to captivate audiences with her ability to host, facilitate, and keynote conferences and workshops, to inspire positive change and resilience. Calissa's impact extends beyond academia and professional settings. She is a former board of director with the Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care, and currently serves on the Pathstone Mental Health Foundation Board, and the Niagara College Child & Youth Care advisory committee.

Having worked as a marine biologist, divemaster, and educator around the world, Lisa is extremely passionate about ocean conservation and education. While diving in some of the most pristine reefs in the world, she found marine debris to be a common denominator and disproportionately impact impoverished communities. Her experience inspired her to start Oceanic Impact focusing on having positive impacts on the ocean and society by empowering communities to take action. She has many years of international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural experience in marine biology, conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, and education. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Neuroscience from McGill University and a Master of Marine Management degree from Dalhousie University. Her Master's thesis focused on creating an ocean literacy framework to guide future ocean education initiatives and create an ocean-literate community. Having worked concurrently in government, academia, environmental not-for-profit, and industry, Lisa strives to incorporate a holistic lens into tackling ocean issues at local, national, and international levels.

Aanchal Vash is a High-Performance Wellness Expert, Mental Health Speaker, and Serial Entrepreneur committed to helping individuals and organizations sustain success without compromising mental well-being. After losing her older brother to malaria and her twin brother to suicide, she founded Reach Out Together, a registered Canadian not-for-profit organization committed to breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging peer-to-peer support in communities, workplaces, and schools. Beyond her nonprofit, Aanchal is the author of five bestselling books, including Ongoing Success and Wellbeing, where she shares actionable strategies for achieving success while maintaining mental health. She has spoken at leading platforms like EmpowerCON in LA, the International Peace Festival, and Grief Awareness Week, and has been featured in CBC, Yahoo Finance, Thrive Global, and Women Entrepreneur India for her expertise in resilience, leadership, and well-being. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Indian Women Leaders in Canada, Aanchal has received the EXPY® Award, Community Development Award from the University of Toronto, and the Quilly® Award from the National Association of Bestselling Authors. @AanchalVash

In 2015, Alana Moor's life took an unexpected turn when she was sentenced to 81 months in a Panamanian prison. Used as a drug mule by the right-hand man of a famous music artist, her fashion designer dreams shattered. Yet, through unwavering self-discipline and daily exercise, she not only survived but thrived. Upon her release, Alana embarked on a mission to make a difference. She founded The Hour Glass Movement, providing incarcerated women with essential supplies, including feminine hygiene products. Alana also became a certified mindset life coach, using her personal journey to inspire and guide others. Today, Alana is a passionate advocate for formerly incarcerated females in Central America. She's writing a tell-all book, aiming to impact a million young people, guiding them toward better decisions and unlocking their potential. As a motivational speaker, Alana brings raw honesty and humor to her talks. Her story is a testament to resilience and rising above adversity. She's also a two-time award-winning speaker and leadership expert, headhunted to expand a global health and wellness business. This company focuses on helping individuals through their pre- and post-operative journeys with mental health, nutrition, fitness, and concierge services. Alana is a people person, dedicated to changing lives

 | When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Jorgia Moore felt helpless hearing from family friends fleeing the violence. Driven to act, she quickly developed a crisis response plan with her mother, Janice Krissa. Together, they co-founded the Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers in April 2022, providing essentials to over 20,000 newcomers. Moore noticed many of the Ukrainian clients struggled to find employment due to language barriers. Inspired to help further, she and Janice launched Don’ya Ukraine’s Kitchen, offering jobs to newcomers and a supportive community. The kitchen, starting at Cook County Saloon with Cree Chef Matthew Potts, now has its own location on Fort Road and partnerships with retail chains and cafes. In its first 30 hours, it generated $30,000 in revenue. With no prior food service experience, Moore embraced the challenge, learning about packaging, barcodes, and more. The kitchen’s dishes balance traditional Ukrainian flavors with modern tastes, breaking stereotypes around Ukrainian cuisine in Alberta. For Moore, preserving Ukrainian culture is personal. A third-generation Canadian of Ukrainian heritage, she attended Ukrainian immersion school, danced semi-professionally, and continues to raise funds for Ukrainian initiatives. Her passion extends beyond business—she seeks to create a lasting impact for the Ukrainian community in Canada, transforming tragedy into a celebration of culture and resilience. | 

As a Canadian-Caribbean podcaster, social activist, educator, and DEI consultant based in Greater Montréal, I navigate the intersections of technology, education, and non-profit sectors with a vision to empower and educate. Starting CONGRTS in 2016, I ventured into supporting BIPOC high school graduates, followed by the launch of "Marissa Says," a podcast fostering a learning environment through diverse thoughts and experiences. These initiatives mirror my dedication to community upliftment and spreading joy. My work in DEI is fuelled by believing that the world is made up of beautiful people with beautiful minds and that learning to lean into our differences with respect benefits all. I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Criminology and Women’s Studies. I have supported organizations through structural changes and capacity shifts with almost a decade of experience in the non-profit and grassroots sector. Adding my inclusive and equity-based approach to processes has contributed to the growth and development of the teams I have worked with. ‍ Through my personal, academic, and professional journeys, coinciding at unique intersections where I thrive as a Black woman, I work to empower and learn alongside folks on how a more equitable world can come to be.

As Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Brand, Nicole manages media, strategic communications, and brand at CanadaHelps, the country’s largest online donation and fundraising platform, which has been used by nearly 5 million Canadians to give more than $3.4 billion to thousands of charities including shelters, food banks, arts and culture or environment charities, and more. As a regular spokesperson for the organization on podcasts and news media, Nicole shares with Canadians how they can get involved and make an impact to support a cause they care about, as well as the challenges facing Canadian charities. Joining as an intern in 2014, Nicole has been involved in CanadaHelps’ astronomical trajectory, helping to raise more than $438 million in 2024, a 217% increase from 2017. In that time, she has led strategic partnerships and media activations with Mastercard, Mirvish, and more. In her spare time, she is a frequent volunteer having previously volunteered as a GivingTuesday community leader in her hometown of Mississauga, volunteered as an advisor at Food Banks Mississauga, and with CivicAction as an executive on their Emerging Leaders Network to activate hundreds of leaders across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to connect, learn about leadership and city building challenges, and more. Currently she is a student mentor at the University of Toronto and is a 2025 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow. When she is not working or volunteering, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift or planning her next travel adventure.

Devon Havenaar: Empowering the Next Generation of Construction Leaders Devon Havenaar has been a dedicated member of the construction industry since the age of 18, quickly rising through the ranks. By 22, he earned his carpentry license, becoming one of the youngest journeyman carpenters in the country, and by 25, he stepped into a leadership role, overseeing major projects in Canada’s capital. His career highlights include representing Local 93 at the 2018 Carpenters Union Apprenticeship Competition, working on landmark projects for two of Canada’s largest contractors, and completing leadership training in Las Vegas three times. Beyond his professional career, Devon and his wife Taylor flipped two homes, including a duplex, and built their dream home—all before the age of 25. Despite his accomplishments, Devon’s greatest pride is in his family—his wife and three children, with a fourth on the way. As an avid reader and hardcore music enthusiast, he continuously seeks growth and inspiration. Devon is passionate about transforming the construction industry by investing in people. In his TEDx Talk, What if we built people first? A radical approach to construction, he advocates for leadership development, workforce retention, and mental health awareness in the trades. His mission is to empower construction workers to overcome self-doubt, embrace growth, and become confident leaders. Through his dedication and vision, Devon is not only shaping the future of construction leadership but also inspiring those around him to unlock their full potential.

Ryan Singh is a government relations and public affairs professional with over twenty years of experience in federal, provincial and municipal politics. He had an extensive career at Queen’s Park including as the Chief of Staff to five Chief Government Whips. As a government relations consultant, he provided non-profits, SMEs and Fortune 500 companies strategic advice. He currently serves as the Director of Advocacy (Canada) for the Institute of Internal Auditors, ensuring awareness of the profession with government and stakeholders across the country. Ryan is passionate about community, culture and civic engagement. In 2021, after identifying a void in awareness and services for the community, Ryan founded the Indo-Caribbean Canadian Association (ICCA), a not-for-profit with the mandate to serve, connect, and amplify Canada's Indo-Caribbean community. Under Ryan's leadership, ICCA now has close to 50 regular volunteers and offers strategic programming and services for the community. One program of these programs is VOICE – the Voter Organization for Indo-Caribbean Engagement, which provides non-partisan civic education and community building and engagement tools to the community. The Star Bhai program coordinates a monthly workshop for boys and young men in the community, ensuring an opportunity for mentorship and learning. Another is EPIC – Equality and Pride for Indo-Caribbeans offers ongoing initiatives to combat homophobia and transphobia. To address food insecurity, Share Yuh RICE (Raising Indo-Caribbean Essentials) collects culturally appropriate (Caribbean-based) foods for local food banks. Finally, Dhal Pages is a directory of Indo-Caribbean businesses ensuring they have more visibility. Programs like these didn’t exist before.

Elizabeth (Liz) Thompson is a public affairs professional with a strong commitment to advancing women's health. With a background in political science, global studies, and public relations, Liz has built a career at the intersection of health policy, advocacy, and project management. Liz is the founder of Double X Health Collective, an initiative focused on researching female reproductive health. Through the collective, she is focused on improving access to reproductive health care and challenging barriers in the health care system. Double X Health Collective is working to provide education and resources that support informed decision-making and better health outcomes for folks with uteruses. Liz’s professional experience includes leading multiple health care projects, developing operational procedures, and supporting organizations in government relations and stakeholder engagement. She specializes in aged care and women's health initiatives, providing strategic guidance to drive meaningful policy change. Known for her tenacity, organizational skills, and ability to manage complex projects, Liz thrives in fast-paced environments. She believes that designing programs to challenge the status quo is essential for making significant policy advancements in health care. Liz holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Global Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. She remains committed to using her expertise to create a more equitable and accessible health care system for all.

Tarah McMaster Senior Director, Events, Program Strategy & Stakeholders Tarah brings over a decade of experience managing events and programming in both non-profit organizations and 3rd party event management companies. She is passionate about creating memorable and innovative experiences for the VersaFi membership community. Outside of work, she spends time with her English bulldog named Jake and cooking new meals for her family and friends. She is the Board Chair for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Clarington, and is passionate about giving back to her community.

Tiffany Chamandy is the Executive Director of the Chamandy Foundation, a family foundation dedicated to supporting children and youth. With a strong commitment to social impact, they work closely with grassroots organizations to uplift marginalized populations and drive meaningful change in communities across Canada. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Tiffany ensures that the foundation’s work amplifies underrepresented voices and promotes equitable access to resources. Whether collaborating with grassroots organizations or supporting innovative programs, she remain dedicated to making the world a better, more inclusive place. With a background in science, Tiffany holds a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in solar physics from the University of Oslo.

Special Education Resource Teacher dedicated to making sure all children have a place in our schools. Diversity should be celebrated! It makes our world a better place.

Gilad Cohen is a Jewish-Canadian artist, photographer, podcaster, speaker, and human rights advocate based in Toronto. Since 2008, he has mobilized communities through storytelling and the arts. In 2012, he founded JAYU, an award-winning charity that amplifies human rights through the annual Human Rights Film Festival, The Hum podcast, and the iAM Program, which mentors over 200 equity-deserving youth in the GTA each year.