Visionary Keynotes
Phil Nichols, CEO, Toronto Humane Society
James Russell, PhD, Author, Professor, Advisor
Rachel Hunnybun, VP Donor Insights, Blakely
Leadership Insights Speakers
Heather Clark, Chief Marketing Officer, SickKids Foundation
Mike Kujawski, Managing Partner, Center of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing
Lesley Heighway, CEO & President, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation
Current Speakers | Full Roster & Session Descriptions
Heather Clark, Chief Marketing Officer, SickKids Foundation
Doug Earle, President & CEO, West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation
Sandra Colburn, Director of Client Services, Engage Fundraising
Danny Anckle, CEO & Executive Director, Tropicana Community Services
Mikhael Bornstein, Principal, The Philanthropic Leader
Richard Plummer, Senior Consultant, BNP Inspire
Amanda Braet, Director of Development, Birchway Niagara
Karen Milligan, Executive Director, Ontario 211 Services
Leigh Sandison, Founding Partner, Real Path
Alison Keys, President, Keys Marketing Group, BC
Anthony Grey, President, Tropicana Community Services
Julie Fiorini, General Manager, Charity & Donor Services, CanadaHelps
Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE,MAdEd, Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications, United for Literacy formerly Frontier College, Nova Scotia
Ben Smithee, Chief Relationship Officer, NextAfter–Texas
Jess Brayne, Senior Manager, Community & Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
Melissa Cameron, Executive Director, Island Nature Trust, PEI
Heather Clark, Chief Marketing Officer, SickKids Foundation
Megan Kelly, Director of Brand and Donor Engagement, (CAMH) The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Fred Reibin, Shareholder Engagement Lead and Brand Manager, Saskatoon Community Foundation, Saskatchewan
Marla Smith, Director, Foundations & Communications, Pathstone Foundation
Judi Steadman, Director, Corporate & Community Partnerships, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
Emma Wile, Arctic Children & Youth Foundation, Nunavut
Elena Yunusov, Founder & Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation
Karri LaJeunesse, Senior Consultant, Harvey McKinnon Associates
Lisa Smith, Director of Operations, Keys Marketing Group
HEATHER CLARK, CMO, SickKids Foundation
Heather Clark is Chief Marketing Officer and is responsible for all aspects of SickKids Foundation’s marketing and communications efforts, including mass audience revenue. She joined SickKids in 2016 and was named Chief Marketing Officer in October 2022. Throughout her career, Heather has worked on global brands such as Apple, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Joe Fresh, Nike and Tim Hortons. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing customer-centric solutions with ROI-driven business models and has earned a reputation for strategic planning with a hyper-focus on growth. Heather graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing Management. She is an award-winning marketer and has been recognized by Marketing Magazine as one to watch. In her spare time, Heather writes fiction. She is the bestselling author of two novels, Chai Tea Sunday and Elephant in the Sky. Heather also enjoys travelling, SCUBA diving and reading, but her greatest joy comes from spending time with her husband and three children.
SESSION: Let’s Talk Balloons: Celebrating 150 Years of SickKids with Innovation & Impact. SickKids turned 150 — and the milestone wasn’t just about looking back, but about creating bold momentum for the future. Join Heather Clark, Chief Marketing Officer at SickKids Foundation, for an inside look at how the team created a year-long celebration designed to inspire, engage, and fundraise. Discover the strategic approach, the fully integrated campaign, two unforgettable birthday parties, and the innovative “balloon spotting” program that engaged corporate partners while helping to educate the world (yes, the world!) on SickKids milestone moments. This session will reveal how SickKids used 150 years of history to drive fundraising today and build for tomorrow.
Meghan Kelly, Director of Brand & Donor Engagement, CAMH Foundation.
Meghan Kelly is a purpose-driven leader in marketing, communications, and partnerships, with over 15 years of experience delivering award-winning campaigns and leading high-performing teams. Her career has been defined by transformational work that drives measurable results and meaningful change—whether launching ethically made consumer products or leading national awareness campaigns on mental health and addiction.
As Director of Brand & Donor Engagement at CAMH Foundation, Meghan has played a key leadership role in Canada’s largest-ever fundraising campaign for mental health. Since joining CAMH, she has held several senior roles and developed powerful, issue-driven campaigns on complex topics such as suicide, addiction, and stigma—helping to shift public perception and deepen donor engagement.
SESSION: Reimagining Fundraising: Building Awareness and Inspiring Action Through Brand Marketing. Fundraising today is about more than making the ask. Growth depends on building awareness, creating mental availability, and sparking genuine connections that inspire people to act. In this session, we’ll explore how innovative brand marketing and donor engagement strategies are reshaping the future of philanthropy. Through campaigns like No One Left Behind and the community-powered Sunrise Challenge, we’ll take you behind the scenes to show how creative campaign design, smart media use, and compelling storytelling help us reach new audiences and strengthen supporter relationships. You’ll walk away with fresh insights into what’s working, where innovation is driving change, and how brand marketing can turn awareness into lasting impact.
Leigh Sandison, Founding Partner, Real Path. Leigh Sandison started her career in fundraising in the UK – in corporate partnerships, product development and innovation in mass market fundraising. She then focused on strategy and insight-led experience design for top global companies across a variety of sectors. Leigh is a founding partner of Real Path – the insights and strategy consultancy focused on helping non-profits maximize the lifetime value of their supporters. Specializing in using supporter insights to develop innovative solutions, Leigh’s focus is creating wonderfully engaging, insight-led experiences that delight people. Leigh helps clients envision future supporter experiences and provides the path to put that vision into action.
SESSION: Assumption to Insight: How Real Donor Journeys Lead to Lasting Generosity
This session introduces a new standard for insight-led fundraising: Extrospective Donor Experience Design. You’ll learn how to:
– Challenge assumptions about your donors
– Map the donor journey using real conversations with supporters and prospects
– Turn key insights into strategies for recruitment, stewardship, and long-term engagement
– Keep the supporter experience front and centre at every touchpoint and stage of the giving journey
Through a case study, we’ll show how donor-led insights can shape strategies, tactics, and tools that drive long-term giving. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to challenge assumptions, centre your donor’s experience, and build fundraising strategies that are both human and effective. This is for anyone ready to go beyond the usual tactics and reimagine donor experience.
Taya Tootoo, Executive Director, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation
Taya Tootoo (she/they) is currently the Executive Director for the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation. Prior to moving into administration, she started work in the organization within the Qupanuaq Office, managing a small team building the foundations for the service structures and support for families.
Her previous work had her working within the Department of Education, resource division, where she managed all the Inuktut Resources for the territory’s schools. Taya was raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut for the majority of her life. She completed high school at Pearson College, United World College of the Pacific on Vancouver Island. She is currently enrolled as a student at the University of Toronto within the Anthropology and Indigenous studies streams.
Taya is also a mother, advocate, and avid dog lover. She loves to hike, hunt, boat, camp, berry pick and enjoy time with family and friends. Her lineage is a mix of Metis on her mother’s side and Inuk on her fathers. She was raised with cultural values from both backgrounds and grown around a sense of community that she continues to incorporate into her daily life; actively learning and growing in her role as a mother, student, leader, and team member.
Session: Title and description to come.
Fred Reibin, Stakeholder Engagement & Brand Manager, Saskatoon Community Foundation
Fred Reibin is a passionate storyteller, social entrepreneur and creative brand strategist. In 2014, along with 3 others, he founded Unite Marketing Cooperative to help good messages spread in the community and purpose-driven organizations succeed. Through his work with Unite, Fred contributed to the introduction of a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy for the province of Saskatchewan, saw a 100% success rate in social crowdfunding campaigns (raising over $1M), and helped launch over a hundred social change campaigns. Fred is inspiring philanthropy and community vitality. To be most impactful, Fred leverages the power of branding to create meaningful connections between people and their community.
Session: Empowering Your Brand: Building Living Narratives That Drive Connection. I’m more than a logo and colours – your brand story is already being written every day. The question isn’t whether you have a brand narrative—it’s whether you’re actively shaping it or allowing it to develop by chance. This session will empower you to take control of that story, ensuring it authentically represents your values, engages your audience, and drives the actions that matter most to your success. Join us to discover how the stories that shape your mission may indeed be closer than you think—and learn how to unlock their full potential to transform your brand from a static identity into a dynamic force for connection and growth.
Marla Smith, CFRE, ACFRE Candidate, Director, Foundation & Communications, Pathstone Foundation
Marla Smith is a passionate and community-minded fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She holds her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, is an ACFRE candidate, an AFP Certified Facilitator, and a proud CFRE Ambassador. In her role as Director of Foundation & Communications at Pathstone Foundation, Marla works to strengthen mental health services for children, youth, and families in Niagara through thoughtful, ethical, and relationship-based fundraising. She believes in building trust, telling meaningful stories, and engaging donors in ways that reflect shared values and long-term impact. Marla has a deep appreciation for collaboration and brings a strategic yet people-centered approach to her work. During her time at Niagara Children’s Centre, she led her team through a period of significant growth, including securing the Centre’s largest individual gift. She also gives back to the profession through volunteer leadership. Marla serves on the AFP Foundation for Canada Board, chairs National Philanthropy Day, and leads professional development efforts as Chair of Education for AFP Golden Horseshoe. She is committed to mentoring others and building a strong, supportive fundraising community. Marla is also a proud wife, mom, and friend—roles that keep her grounded and remind her every day why this work matters.
Amanda Braet, Director of Development, Birchway Niagara. Amanda Braet is the Director of Development at Birchway Niagara, where she leads all aspects of fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnerships to sustain and grow services for women, children, and individuals affected by gender-based violence. With over 20 years of experience in the fundraising profession and holding the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, Amanda brings both seasoned expertise and a deep passion for advancing meaningful causes. Recognized as one of Niagara’s 40 Under Forty (2021) for her professional accomplishments and community leadership, she has also completed the Not-for-Profit Leadership Certificate at Brock University. Amanda is an active leader in the fundraising community, serving as Co-Chair of the Niagara Fundraisers Network, and contributing in various volunteer roles with the Golden Horseshoe Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP). Her approach blends strategy, relationship-building, and a deep belief in the power of generosity to create lasting change. Through her work and volunteer commitments, Amanda continues to champion collaboration, inspire giving, and help build a stronger, safer community.
Session: Ethical Fundraising in Real Life: Navigating the Gray Areas with Confidence
Fundraising is rooted in trust—but real-life ethical decisions are rarely black and white. What happens when a major donor wants more influence than their gift should allow? Or when a restricted gift clashes with your mission? What if a board member oversteps with donor data?
This session gets real about the everyday gray areas fundraisers face but rarely talk about. Using high-profile case studies, headlines from the sector, and practical decision-making tools, we will unpack the nuances behind common ethical dilemmas and explore how to respond with clarity, courage, and professionalism. Participants will walk away with:
• Real-world examples drawn from media and the sector
• A toolkit for making values-based decisions when the stakes are high
• Conversation starters and strategies to foster a culture of ethical leadership
• The confidence to navigate complex situations without second-guessing themselves
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this okay?”—this session is for you.
Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE,MAdEd, Vice President, Philanthropy & United for Literacy.
Kathleen A. Provost is the Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications at United for Literacy (previously Frontier College), a national organization working in partnerships with communities across Canada, offering free tutoring and mentoring to adults, youth, and children who are looking for literacy and numeracy support. Kathleen has over 30 years of experience in the charitable sector. She has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2007 and a long-time member and volunteer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). She has received numerous recognitions during her career, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the charitable sector and was recognized as 2021 Fundraiser of the Year in Nova Scotia. She writes this column exclusively for each issue of Foundation Magazine. United for Literacy (previously Frontier College), a national organization with over 120 years of frontline experience in Canada. We partner with volunteers, partners and communities to offer free services of tutoring and mentoring to adult, youth, and children who need literacy support.
SESSION: From City to Countryside – Enhancing skills for fundraisers: the Case of Nova Scotia. Why do some skills need to be learnt—and others are inherent and needing to be strengthened?
The charitable sector is shifting faster than ever, and fundraisers are the cornerstone of change. Our role is evolving more quickly than the resources we have to keep up. As fundraisers, we know Donor–Grantee relationships are being shaped by forces beyond our control—making it essential to adapt. Traditional training has its place, but today’s challenges demand new, flexible approaches to learning. Today, a professional fundraiser needs to sharpen the soft skills that matter most for success.
I am a firm believer in life-long learning. Drawing on the non-traditional lessons from Nova Scotia over the past decade, in this session I will show how fundraisers can harness informal learning to sharpen the soft skills that matter most. You’ll leave with practical insights to build stronger, more impactful relationships in today’s rapidly changing fundraising landscape.
What you’ll take away:
1- Insights and learnings from Nova Scotia’s Ivany Report: Now or Never
2- An understanding of sector trends and the new skills required to build stronger donor relationships
3- A practical “Skill Challenge Checklist” to identify and grow the soft skills you need today
Whether you’re working in a small town or a big city, you’ll leave with strategies to strengthen your professional toolkit—and the confidence to adapt to a fast-changing fundraising world
Mike Kujawaski, Managing Partner of the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing (CEPSM).
Mike Kujawski is a management consultant, trainer, and speaker with over 20 years of experience supporting public sector and non-profit organizations across Canada and internationally. His specialty areas include strategic marketing and communications, social behaviour change, digital engagement, organizational branding, and data analytics. Mike has worked on initiatives in public health, fire safety, climate action, immigration, emergency preparedness, and digital literacy. He has trained thousands through workshops and frequently speaks on digital trends, digital culture, the impact of artificial intelligence, and ethical behaviour change. Some of his clients include Bank of Canada, Elections Canada, Health Canada, the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, and the United Nations. Known for translating complex trends into clear strategies, he helps organizations adapt and lead in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
SESSION: Navigating the Modern Digital Landscape: Social Media’s Risks, Opportunities, and What’s Next
In this session, Mike Kujawski will deliver a timely and practical look at the fast-changing world of social media within today’s broader digital culture and what it means for public sector and non-profit organizations. Participants will explore the latest platform shifts, emerging networks, and evolving user behaviours shaping how people consume, share, and trust information. Beyond the hype, Mike demonstrates how organizations can use social platforms strategically to strengthen relationships, build trust, and demonstrate impact. He also tackles the realities of algorithm changes, misinformation, generative AI, and regulatory pressures that complicate the digital landscape. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of current dynamics, future trends, and actionable strategies they can apply right away.
Ben Smithee, Chief Relationship Officer, NextAfter.
At my core, I’m a strategist, storyteller, and connector. I’m passionate about helping organizations grow by building meaningful relationships, crafting clear strategies, and bringing bold ideas to life. My career started in consumer intelligence, analytics, and digital marketing. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead initiatives for global brands, innovative nonprofits, and startups alike. I’ve been blessed to travel the globe speaking and coaching executive teams through business transformation, and built marketing frameworks that help organizations scale by moving from confusion to clarity. At NextAfter I focus on amplifying our mission, deepening our client and partner relationships, and helping us grow in both purpose and performance. I lead our marketing, sales, and events teams, share our knowledge with as many leaders as possible, and support our team’s mission to unleash generosity. My core mission is as a husband and dad. I’m an avid outdoorsman, adventure-seeker, and try to find any way to get on a golf course as much as possible. NextAfter combines the perpetual learning of a fundraising research lab, the practical application of a digital-first agency, and the rigorous instruction of a training institute. We are obsessed with understanding what inspires people to give. That’s why we’ve constructed the first-of-its-kind digital fundraising research lab. In the lab, we study how nonprofit organizations engage with their donors, and then we test different approaches to understand what works (and what doesn’t) to grow generosity.
We approach this from two different angles: From the perspective of the donor…Through our many mystery donor research studies, we have given thousands of online donations to 1000+ different nonprofit organizations across 9 countries so that we can understand how nonprofits communicate and engage with their donors online. From the perspective of market-tested data…Based on what we learn from the mystery donor research studies, we then market-test different strategies designed to increase digital fundraising performance. Our online fundraising research library has recorded 6,000+ digital fundraising experiments that help evolve our understanding of what makes people give.
SESSION DESCRIPTION: What’s Working in Recurring Giving. How to Generate More Than Ever. In this talk, Ben Smithee from NextAfter will walk you through a recently released research study where we took a look at 138 large national Nonprofits and what the experience was like from the donor’s perspective when they decided to give multiple gifts to these organizations. Every communication, or lack thereof, was collected, categorized, and analyzed. Ben will walk you through the highlights and lowlights from the study and share ways you can improve your recurring giving program.
Anthony Grey, BA, MBA, President, Tropicana Community Services. Anthony Grey is the CEO of DxEcosystems Group and brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, business services management, business process design, and transformation. Tropicana Community Services Organization (Tropicana) offers culturally appropriate and supportive programs to those in need, including but not limited to counselling, settlement services, childcare, education, personal development, and employment services, with a predominant focus on the Black, African, and Caribbean communities of Toronto. Tropicana was founded in 1980 as a non-profit community organization in Scarborough, Ontario by Jamaican-born Robert Brown and co-founder Derrick McLennon. Their goal was to serve disadvantaged youth and their families, particularly those from a Black, African, and Caribbean heritage. Each year Tropicana’s staff, with the assistance of its dedicated volunteers, is able to help thousands of people in need. Over the past 40 years, additional programs and services have been added to the organization, both through internal development and external partnerships. Current programs include but are not limited to counselling, settlement services, tutoring, youth leadership programs, aggression management, March break and summer camps, childcare, employment and counselling, activities. In 1984 the organization became the first Caribbean, Black, and African community organization to become a United Way member agency. Since this time we have gained numerous partnership and supporters. As a business manager and operations expert, he has led significant initiatives in business architecture and general operations management. Recognized as a thought leader and team builder, Anthony has held leadership roles at Mutual of Omaha, KPMG, American Express, and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), where he demonstrated his results-oriented approach. An innovator and technology entrepreneur, he is passionate about integrating best practices and innovation to deliver exceptional customer results. Anthony also contributes as a volunteer, board advisor, and executive leader, underscoring his commitment to excellence and community service.
Lesley Heighway, President & CEO, Peterborough Region Health Centre Foundation. Since 2011, Lesley Heighway has dedicated her career to the healthcare needs of her community and the surrounding region through her leadership of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation. As President & CEO, she leads a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, and together with the community, they’ve raised $45 million over the last five years to ensure world-class health care remains the standard. Lesley is known and respected for being a champion of innovation, a strategic and visionary leader, and for leading her organization to new and unprecedented levels of success. A graduate of the University of Ottawa and Northwestern University, Lesley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Master of Business Administration degree. Lesley serves on the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) Canada Council Board of Directors, and she also serves as a mentor with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Toronto Chapter. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences. In 2021 Lesley received the prestigious Fellow designation from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), an honour bestowed on less than 2% of the professionals working in the field of healthcare philanthropy across North America.
SESSION: The Power of Leaders to Evoke Mission in Fundraising: My Real-World Experience. The $70 million Campaign for Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is crucial to the future to bring the best patient care the world has to offer to our doorstep. Without continued investment and solutions that address our region’s specific challenges, our hospital won’t be able to meet growing demand and patients in our region will be left behind. For over 45 years, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation has partnered with our community to make world-class care possible and to bring new lifesaving services to our region. Donors help our hospital recruit the best and the brightest healthcare professionals to Peterborough Regional. Our donor community has invested in every corner of PRHC and it’s evolved from a small-town hospital to a fully integrated regional hub for care that serves a population of 600,000. But now we’re facing challenges that make our shared mission and collective efforts more important than ever before. Lesley Heighway has often been front-and-centre as the voice of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation’s fundraising campaigns. Her appeal is heard and read in multiple channels in the region’s media and communications. The PRHC Foundation takes advantage of radio, television, newspapers, social media and digital opportunities to connect with potential donors of all segments of the communities the foundation serves.
Richard Plummer, Senior Consultant, BNP Inspire. Richard Plummer is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in non-profit management and capacity building. Passionate about collaboration and community impact, he has played a key role in stabilizing and transforming organizations through strategic partnerships, revenue optimization and innovative program development. His expertise lies in aligning organizational priorities with sustainable funding solutions to drive long-term growth and meaningful social impact. Prior to joining BNP Inspire, Richard was the National Executive Director of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, where he led national service projects, advanced policy initiatives, and secured sustainable funding through grants and campaigns. His leadership contributed to the expansion of awareness programs, the promotion of legislative reforms, and the strengthening of the organization’s financial viability. Richard has also held senior positions at the McConnell Foundation, YMCA-YWCA, and United Way Ottawa.
Karen Milligan, Executive Director, Ontario 211 Services. Karen Milligan is the Executive Director for Ontario 211 Services, the coordinating body for 211 service in Ontario. Karen is a values-driven, empathetic leader who is passionate about partnering with others to develop innovative solutions to complex community challenges. Karen has deep experience managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and leading large scale system transformations. Prior to her work with 211, Karen held senior roles at United Way Ottawa in Communications, Capacity Building and Resource Development and began her career in the hotel industry and then the automotive sector, spending 10 years in progressive leadership roles with Ford Motor Company of Canada. Karen is also a proud Ivey Business School Community Shift fellow, a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt and an active volunteer in her community.
Alison Keys, President, Keys Marketing Group. Alison Keys is the Founder, President & CEO of Keys Marketing Group, where she has spent three decades helping nonprofits and professional associations unlock transformational growth. With over 30 years of experience, Alison and her team have designed and delivered thousands of successful fundraising campaigns across North America, recently surpassing the $2.5 billion milestone raised on behalf of their clients. Driven by a passion for connecting people, purpose, and impact, Alison believes that effective fundraising does more than generate revenue—it inspires movements, strengthens communities, and empowers organizations to fulfill their missions. Her strategic insights and innovative approaches have positioned her as a trusted advisor to leaders seeking to elevate their fundraising outcomes. Alison brings clarity, energy, and a deep commitment to helping organizations thrive.
PANEL DISCUSSION: What’s Keeping You Awake at Night? Nonprofit leaders are increasingly kept awake by financial instability, rising demands, and staff burnout—concerns echoed in BNP’s national survey of sector executives. With increasingly unpredictable funding, the pressure is to do more with less. We will discuss the results of this survey, the impacts and what are some of the key approaches that NFP leaders are taking to shift from a scarcity—to an asset-based approach that emphasizes strengths, relationships, and untapped potential including strategic resource development and reframing fundraising as a proactive strategy for mission advancement.
Vanessa Mangar, Major Gifts, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. Vanessa Mangar is a multifaceted professional whose expertise spans the arts, education, and non-profit sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Education from York University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management from Centennial College. Vanessa is deeply rooted in Toronto’s dynamic arts and culture scene and remains an active contributor to its growth and sustainability.
With a background as a dancer, arts educator, event manager, and arts administrator, Vanessa brings a creative and thoughtful approach to every project she undertakes. Her work is driven by a passion for community impact and meaningful collaboration. She partners with various non-profit organizations and community initiatives, alongside her role at Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. In her current position, she supports the Major Gifts team with strategic fundraising efforts, including sponsorship fulfillment and stewardship for the Foundation’s signature event, the annual Teddy Bear Affair gala.
Vanessa is committed to using her skills and experience to build inclusive, engaging, and sustainable communities through the arts and philanthropy.
Jess Brayne, Senior Manager, Community & Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. Jess is a creative and collaborative fundraising professional with a strong track record of building high-impact partnerships that drive meaningful engagement. She began her career at Heart & Stroke, where she managed third-party and partnership fundraising events. Jess brought this expertise to Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, where she continues to lead with purpose and passion. More recently, Jess has sharpened her focus on workplace fundraising, working closely with corporate partners to engage employee groups through impactful giving, volunteering, and learning opportunities. Her ability to foster authentic connections has resulted in deepened corporate relationships and innovative employee engagement strategies. Jess is also an experienced committee leader, currently stewarding an energetic group of 30+ early-to-mid-career professionals from Bay Street firms to lead a thriving workplace fundraising campaign that continues to achieve strong year-over-year growth. Jess is passionate about creating opportunities for others to make a lasting contribution. Her relationship-first approach, strategic mindset, and commitment to impact continue to inspire colleagues and partners alike.
SESSION: Engaging Corporate Partners and Sponsors through Events & Campaigns. How do you create long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with corporate sponsors? This session will explore proven strategies to engage companies through signature events, partnership activations, and workplace giving campaigns. Participants will hear three case studies that showcase different models of success:
• The Gala (40 years, $40M+ raised): A flagship fundraising event that unites corporate leaders and community champions.
• The Joe Carter Classic (17 years, $3M+ raised): A high-profile partnership event that leverages celebrity and experience to drive impact.
• The Teddy Bear Adventure (7 years, ~$1M raised): A workplace giving campaign engaging 20 leading banks and firms across Bay Street, combining employee fundraising with marquee sponsorship opportunities.
Through these examples, attendees will gain insights into how to:
• Build authentic relationships with corporate partners
• Offer diverse opportunities for engagement and visibility
• Leverage events and campaigns to create shared value and long-term commitment
Join us to learn how blending creativity, collaboration, and strategy can unlock corporate investment and strengthen your fundraising portfolio.
Doug Earle President & CEO, West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation
Doug Earle is a nationally recognized leader in Canada’s non-profit and healthcare fundraising sectors with over 30 years’ experience. As former CEO of the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation and President & CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada, Doug has driven major capital campaigns and led organizations through transformative growth, raising over $1.2 billion for health, community, and education causes. Known for building strong donor communities and inspiring teams, Doug is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and frequent conference speaker on philanthropy, major gifts, and advancing integrated healthcare.
Sandra Colburn, Director of Client Services, Engage Fundraising
Sandra Colburn is Director of Client Services at iMarketing Solutions Group in Toronto, where she leads client partnerships and high-impact marketing strategies. With senior roles at Candela Strategies, Agency59 Response, and United Way of Greater Toronto, Sandra brings deep expertise in digital and direct marketing, campaign leadership, and account management. Known for her client-focused approach and strong relationship-building skills, she helps organizations drive engagement, deliver results, and achieve their goals in both nonprofit and corporate sectors.
SESSION: Mastering New Donor Acquisition – A Panel Discussion. The landscape of donor acquisition is at a challenging point. Many are struggling to reach new supporters using traditional methods. The message is clear: it’s time to move into the digital fundraising space and expand on what’s possible from a cross channel perspective. This Engage panel brings together experts who have successfully made the leap, sharing how to leverage advanced donor databases, implement smarter segmentation, and adopt digital tools that actually work. If you’re ready to future-proof your fundraising and find your next generation of donors, this discussion is for you.
Karri LaJeunesse, Senior Consultant, Harvey McKinnon Associates. Karri is a passionate fundraiser with 15 years of experience helping organizations create lasting impact. She leads fundraising programs for Oxfam Canada, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of fundraising trends, Karri is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP). She thrives on working with mission-driven clients who are making the world a better place.
Lisa Smith, Director of Operations, Keys Marketing Group. Lisa is a dynamic fundraising leader with over a decade of experience helping Canadian charities and nonprofits grow their donor bases and maximize impact. She specializes in telefundraising, donor engagement, and strategic marketing. With a background in PR, digital strategy, and nonprofit leadership, Lisa has spearheaded successful fundraising campaigns for organizations of all sizes. Passionate about ethical fundraising, data security, and innovative donor engagement, she brings a fresh perspective on building lasting supporter relationships.
SESSION: Growing Your Monthly Donor Base: A Multi-Channel Success Story. Want to expand your monthly donor base? Join Lisa from Keys Marketing Group and Karri from Harvey McKinnon Associates as they reveal the strategies behind a multi-channel fundraising success. Discover how the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides increased their monthly donors by 40% using an integrated approach with digital ads, direct mail, and telemarketing. Walk away with actionable insights to boost your own donor retention and revenue!
Elena Yunusov, Founder & Executive Director of the Human Feedback Foundation. Yunusov is Founder & Executive Director of the Human Feedback Foundation (HFF), a Linux Foundation AI & Data nonprofit on a mission to advance a more open and human-centered future for AI. She leads RAISE — Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact, Canada’s first national program to train 500+ nonprofit staff and pilot AI projects at CAMH Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Achev, Furniture Bank, and CanadaHelps, with support from DIGITAL, The Dais (TMU) and Creative Destruction Lab. Elena previously held leadership roles at Borealis AI (RBC) and Highline Beta and serves on Northeastern University’s MS in Cyber-Physical Systems advisory committee. Named among the Top Women in Canadian Tech, she also runs AI Tinkerers Toronto, a 3,000-member AI/ML engineer community; its Paper Club, a bi-weekly researcher-led AI paper deep dives for engineering and product teams; and a human-centered AI in Production mentorship program pilot at Northeastern University and University of Toronto
SESSION: The Next Decade of Giving: How AI Is Rewriting the Social Contract. Philanthropy is built on trust, but trust is being renegotiated. As artificial intelligence reshapes how people communicate, make decisions, and define value, fundraisers find themselves at the front line of a massive cultural shift. In this session, Elena Yunusov, Founder & Executive Director of the Human Feedback Foundation, explores what AI means for the future of giving: how technology is transforming expectations of transparency, participation, and accountability in the social sector. Drawing from her experience leading RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Impact), Canada’s first national initiative to accelerate AI adoption in the nonprofit sector backed by DIGITAL and delivered in partnership with The Dais at TMU, and Creative Destruction Lab, Elena will share how nonprofits can help ensure AI stays human-centered while adapting to the realities of AI-driven change, and how both funders and fundraisers are key to ensuring that the next wave of innovation serves society.
Emma Wile, Interim Director of Services, Umingmak Centre. Originally from Iqaluit, Nunavut, and has a strong passion for supporting children and families. With experience as a daycare teacher and training as a Therapeutic Play Practitioner, she brings a thoughtful, child-focused approach to her work. Emma is currently the Interim Director of Services at the Umingmak Centre, a program of Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, that supports children, youth, and families through challenging experiences. She helps lead the team, ensuring services are effective, culturally informed, and meet national standards. In her spare time, Emma enjoys making art and exploring the outdoors with her husband, daughter, and their husky.
Jeneca Fanjoy, Manager of Group Applications, Arctic Children & Youth Foundation. Jeneca Fanjoy is originally from New Brunswick and has made Nunavut her home for over two decades. With a background in nursing and a passion for community well-being, she is dedicated to creating programs that respond to the real needs of children, youth, and families across the North. As the Programs Manager at the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, Jeneca leads Qupanuaq, an initiative focused on supports that range from traditional parka projects to essential health and family resources. She works closely with communities to ensure every program reflects local strengths, voices, and priorities. Outside of work, Jeneca enjoys embroidery, reading, and quiet evenings with her family and two cats.
SESSION: Description to Come. National Voices Track.