Visionary Keynotes
Phil Nichols, CEO, Toronto Humane Society
Russell, James, PhD, Author, Professor, Advisor
Rachel Hunnybun, VP Donor Insights, Blakely
Current Speakers | Full Roster & Session Descriptions to Come Shortly
Amanda Braet, Director of Development, Birchway Niagara–Ontario
Tara Irwin, CFRE, Manager Digital, UHN Foundation–Ontario
Alison Keys, President, Keys Marketing Group–BC
Anthony Grey, President, Tropicana Community Services–Ontario
Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE,MAdEd, Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications, United for Literacy formerly Frontier College–Nova Scotia
Ben Smithee, Chief Relationship Officer, NextAfter–Texas
Mike Kujawski, Managing Partner, Center of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing–Ontario
Lesley Heighway, CEO & President, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation–Ontario
Brandon Meawasige, Chief Operating Officer, Indspire–Ontario
Steve Shaw, Podcaster, Customer First Thinking & VP Strategy, Kenna— Ontario
Jess Brayne, Senior Manager, Community & Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada— Ontario
Dr. Zainub Verjee C.M., Executive Director, Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries (GOG)— Ontario
Melissa Cameron, Executive Director, Island Nature Trust — PEI
Heather Clark, Chief Marketing Officer, SickKids Foundation — Ontario
Jayne Hunter, Executive Director, Literacy Nova Scotia — Nova Scotia
Megan Kelly, Director of Brand and Donor Engagement, (CAMH) The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Ontario
Fred Reibin, Shareholder Engagement Lead and Brand Manager, Saskatoon Community Foundation — Saskatchewan
Marla Smith, Director, Foundations & Communications, Pathstone Foundation — Ontario
Judi Steadman, Director, Corporate & Community Partnerships, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
Taya Tootoo, Executive Director, Arctic Children & Youth Foundation — Nunavut
Natasha Tucker, Executive Director, Mind Your Plastic —Nova Scotia
Louise-Hélène Villeneuve, Executive Director, Yukon Foundation — Yukon
Elena Yunusov, Founder & Executive Director, Human Feedback Foundation — Ontario
HEATHER CLARK, CMO, SickKids Foundation
Heather Clark joined SickKids Foundation in January 2016. In her role as Chief Marketing Officer, Heather is responsible for driving innovation and growing the direct and digital marketing portfolio to increase fundraising revenue. Heather is an accomplished senior marketer with experience in B2B and B2C marketing, including brand strategy, mass media advertising, digital marketing and direct marketing. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing customer-centric solutions with ROI-driven business models for some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Chatelaine, Coca-Cola, FedEx, Joe Fresh, Maclean’s, Tim Hortons and Today’s Parent. Heather graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing Management. She is an award-winning marketer, developing the strategies for twelve different campaigns that have gone on to win top awards for achieving results. She has been recognized by Marketing Magazine as “one to watch”, and she was the chosen alumnus to provide the keynote speech at the University of Guelph President’s Welcome, Class of 2010. 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.
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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.
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Brandon Meawasige, Chief Operating Officer, Indspire
Brandon Meawasige, a member of Serpent River First Nation, is the Chief Operating Officer at Indspire. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from McMaster University and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing from St. Lawrence College. Since joining Indspire in 2020, Brandon has led the Communications team—spearheading a reimagining and successful execution of Indspire’s events—and has played a key role in shaping the organization’s voice and public presence.
With over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and media, Brandon previously managed a web design agency and held leadership roles with both established tech companies and early-stage startups. Born and raised in Toronto, he also has familial ties to Alderville First Nation and was a recipient of Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures bursary program during his undergraduate studies. Currently pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University, Brandon remains deeply committed to advancing Indigenous education and empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada.
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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.
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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.
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Louise-Hélène Villeneuve, Executive Director, Yukon Foundation
Louise-Hélène Villeneuve brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector locally and nationally, as well as in entrepreneurship. She is a community-oriented and dedicated leader who quickly establishes trust, credibility, and meaningful relationships. Louise-Hélène is known for her strategic mindset and her ability to guide organizations through processes that lead to clear, client- or mission-driven outcomes. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and a Coaching Certification, and offers bilingual services in English and French. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Yukon Foundation, where she is proud to support educational advancement and community well-being through scholarships and grants that reflect the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to Yukoners.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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Mike Kujawaski, Managing Partner of the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing (CEPSM).
Mike Kujawski has over 20 years of experience as a management consultant, trainer, and professional speaker for government, non-profit, and association clients across Canada and around the globe. He is the Managing Partner and Senior Consultant at the Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing (CEPSM), where his areas of expertise include strategic marketing and communications, social (behaviour change) marketing, digital and social media strategy development, data analytics, social network analysis, and AI workflow optimization. He primarily works with public sector and non-profit organizations, striving to achieve positive societal outcomes. Mike is frequently invited to speak at major conferences and events on topics ranging from disruptive digital trends and the evolution of digital culture to ethical behaviour change strategies and rebuilding trust in an era of mis- and disinformation.
Mike’s consulting, training, and speaking work spans four continents and covers a wide range of sectors, including health, education, justice, and the environment. His project work has also extended into areas such as organizational restructuring, governance, risk management, staffing, and policy development—helping organizations adopt a digital-first, audience-centric mindset. Some of Mike’s consulting clients include Public Safety Canada, Elections Canada, the Office of the Auditor General, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Health Canada, Justice Canada, Lakehead District School Board, the Government of Kazakhstan, the Government of Tanzania, and the Government of Sharjah, UAE.
As a trainer, Mike has delivered both public and in-house workshops across Canada and internationally to thousands of public servants and non-profit professionals. His workbooks have been translated into six languages, and he has developed and instructed multiple university certificate courses, including the Professional Certificate in Public Sector Marketing (Carleton University), the Certificate in Digital and Social Media Strategy for Social Good (Carleton University), and the Social Media Engagement Certificate (Brandon University)—all tailored specifically to the public and non-profit sectors. Mike holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Carleton University, with a dual concentration in Marketing and International Business, along with various supplementary certifications in strategic marketing, behaviour change, communications, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital engagement. He is also an associate consultant at Think Digital and an instructor at the Institute on Governance.
Mike actively volunteers as a board executive for the Social Marketing Association of North America (SMANA), the International Social Marketing Association (iSMA), and several community-based boards in his home city of Ottawa, Canada. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, runner, skier, guitar player, photographer, and committed life-long learner.
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Dr. Zainub Verjee, Executive Director, Galeries Ontario/Ontario Galleries (GOG).
Accomplished, experienced and visionary, Dr Zainub Verjee is a member of Order of Canada and is the laureate of the 2020 Governor General’s Visual and Media Arts Award for Outstanding Contribution. A public intellectual, she was elected as Senior Fellow of Massey College and appointed as McLaughlin College Fellow at York University. Recognizing her extraordinary contribution to arts and culture, she was conferred with honorary doctorates by OCAD University, Toronto and NSCAD University, Halifax as well as Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
A recognized thought leader and senior executive in Arts, Culture and Heritage sector, with experience in leading and managing cultural institutions, cultural organizations, cultural departments, international contemporary art centres and cultural agencies, she has shaped culture policy at all levels of governments and contributed to building of cultural institutions and organizations in Canada and internationally. In the 1990s, Zainub was the executive director of the Western Front Society in Vancouver, B.C.. Later she held positions at Canada Council for the Arts in Ottawa, Department of Canadian Heritage in Gatineau and at the City of Mississauga.
As a scholar, she has been part of many research projects and think-tanks to strengthen post-secondary art education in Canada and Internationally as well as published extensively. Her recent scholarly publication is a co-authored chapter The Making of the Black Star Collection at the Image Center in Facing the Black Star Other recent publications that documents her work are Variable Conditions – Para-computational Arts in Canada, 1965–1995 and Other Places: Reflections on Media Arts in Canada Her other writings can be found at the Galleries West Magazine while some of her new interviews can be found here.
Currently, she is leading major national digital data projects to bring cultural institutions within the digital ecosystem and activating the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report (TRC). Specifically, the recommendation of #67 of the TRC that contributes to a review of museum policies and best practices to determine the level of compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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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.
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Stephen Shaw, Chief Strategy Officer, Kenna
As Chief Strategy Officer at Kenna, Stephen’s role is to guide clients on the adoption of customer management as a core marketing discipline and to serve as an advocate for marketing transformation.
A recognized authority in Canada on the subject of relationship and database marketing, Stephen’s expertise spans information technology, customer analytics, and marketing strategy. Over the years, he has worked with major clients in almost every business sector, spearheading a diverse range of marketing initiatives, from the development of customer relationship programs to creation of fully integrated lead management systems to conducting end-to-end enterprise audits of customer management maturity. Stephen is a rare breed of marketer: technically fluent while equally facile at relationship management strategy and brand identity development. He is an impassioned communicator with an ability to synthesize complex ideas and concepts in a way that is easily grasped by general audiences.
Over the past 30 years, Stephen has been a frequent contributor to Direct Marketing Magazine. He has also contributed CRM-related articles to various online publications. All of his articles appear on the Kenna thought leadership hub Customerfirsthinking.ca, He also hosts a podcast called Customer First Thinking where his guests have included many notable marketing experts and luminaries.
Stephen’s prior experience includes strategic leadership positions at various prominent CRM and database marketing services companies in Canada. His early career was spent in the direct response field, specifically in the areas of publishing, mail order and financial services.
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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.
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Tara Irwin , CFRE, Manager Digital, UHN Foundation
With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, I specialize in crafting integrated campaign strategies that engage donors and drive results. As a digital fundraising expert, I leverage data, technology, and storytelling to enhance donor experience and inspire giving. Passionate about healthcare philanthropy and peer-to-peer fundraising events, I thrive in creating meaningful connections that amplify impact. As a former instructor in the Fundraising Management Program at Humber College, I also enjoy mentoring and developing future fundraising professionals.
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Amanda Braet, Director og 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.