It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a year since I officially stepped into the role of Executive Director of Results Canada. It’s been a privilege to lead this organization and work alongside our dedicated team of board, staff and volunteer advocates, particularly in complex and tumultuous year.
I’ve been involved with Results since 2015 and have held numerous different roles, including Campaigns Director and Deputy Executive Director. That long relationship meant the transition felt less like arriving somewhere new and more like taking on a different responsibility within a community I already cared deeply about. Despite a smooth transition, 2025 brought its unique set of challenges.
It’s a cliché at this point to say the world feels increasingly complex and uncertain – but it does. The issues Results works on every day – poverty alleviation, international cooperation, civic engagement – feel heavier and progress a little less certain. Leading an organization committed to long-term change in a moment where the ground beneath us is constantly shifting has been challenging. There are days when the scale of the problems feels overwhelming, and others when the urgency is energizing.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to focus on what I can control. Focusing on where Results can have the biggest impact means being clear about our priorities, supporting staff and volunteers doing the work, and making decisions with intention. Reminding myself that not everything is manageable has been surprisingly freeing. It’s allowed me to spend less energy reacting to every news headline and more time focusing on moving the work forward.
From an organizational standpoint, mission has also been an incredibly strong anchor. When the world feels noisy and unpredictable, returning to why Results Canada exists – and who we exist for – has helped me to cut through to what matters. Our mission, to create the political will to end extreme poverty, has become a compass for decision-making: what we say yes to, what we say no to, and how we show up for our community.
Equally important has been creating an atmosphere where people can do their best work. Creating a positive and functional working environment is fundamental to our ability to have impact. In a sector where the work is emotionally demanding and the needs never end, how we work together really matters. I’m very proud of the fact that many people tell me how much they love working with my team who are smart, strategic, and hard workers but also inclusive, funny and kind.
Another important reminder this year has been the rhythm of the work of advocacy and non-profit management. Remembering to take time to rest during the slower periods and prioritize my own well-being (because I know the busy periods are coming) has really served me well this past year. It means I’m better able to bring my best self to the office and the work. The work, of course, never really ends. There is always more to do, more to respond to, more that could be improved. Learning when to step back and rest has been part of the learning curve.
Celebrating the small wins has always been a Results ethos, but with a series of devastating setbacks this year, it’s more essential than ever. Progress in this work is often incremental and hard-won. Taking time to acknowledge moments of impact – a conversation that shifts perspective, a new partnership, a volunteer stepping into leadership – helps make the work visible and shared. These moments belong to the staff, volunteers, and partners who show up day after day.
In fact, the Results Canada volunteer community has been showing up for 40 years, and I’m excited to celebrate that anniversary this year. There is no better motivator to me that, despite the hardships many face here in Canada, there is a still a diverse movement of folks across this country who raise their voices in solidarity with those also facing hardships around the world.
As I move into my second year as Executive Director, I do with optimism and confidence in the collective strength of this community. I’m still learning. But I’m clear on this: the work matters, the people matter, and progress, even when it’s slow, is possible.
