Evelyne Guindon has over 25 years of experience working with international non-governmental organizations on a wide range of issues, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, nutrition, natural resource management, and health, as well as humanitarian responses. She has held leadership roles in several organizations, including Vice President of International Programs at CARE Canada, CEO of Cuso International, and Managing Director of Women Deliver Canada. She is currently Associate Director at Oxford HR and a lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and Chair of Informed Opinions.
Amos Ojebiyi is a risk and finance professional with over thirteen years of experience in financial sector regulation, finance, and management consulting. He currently works with the Credit Unions and Insurance Policy team at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). His work focuses on financial system stability, macroprudential regulations, and financial sector reforms. Amos co-founded the Society of Students Chartered Accountants (SSCA), a campus-based non-government organization with a vision to ensure financial probity among student bodies.
Beth Gillis is a finance professional with a CPA, CMA designation. Sheh has worked as a Finance Officer at the CHEO Research Institute in Ottawa for the past five years, providing financial administration for a wide range of research grants under her portfolio. Prior to coming to Ottawa, Beth lived in Halifax and worked in the finance department of a private telecommunications company. Beth brings extensive experience in financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting to Results’ Board of Directors.
Brenda Okorogba is a Learning Experience Designer, Strategy and Growth Advisor, and Community Builder dedicated to fostering collective liberation and prosperity. For over a decade, she has collaborated with diverse stakeholders on learning solutions, community-based initiatives, and social change. At Momentswithbren Consulting, Brenda supports clients through training, strategic advising, and outcome-driven programming. With a background spanning Africa and North and Central America, Brenda brings a unique and innovative approach, embracing experimentation and data-driven decision making. In Ghana, she led economic empowerment and community mobilization initiatives funded by Global Affairs Canada, advancing Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy and championing human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
Chiamaka Ifediora-Nwosisi is an accomplished International Business Development Executive with over 20 years of multi-sector experience. Chiamaka’s exceptional leadership skills and ability to think outside the box, build lasting relationships, and develop game changing ideas have propelled businesses in 13 countries to new heights. She currently works for Code for Canada. She brings a unique blend of business acumen, strategic thinking, and commitment to social causes. Her commitment to social justice is evident through her extensive work with grassroots advocacy groups and NGOs in Nigeria. She works tirelessly to raise awareness and collaborates with stakeholders to effect real change. Chiamaka grew up in Lagos, Nigeria providing her with a unique perspective on social issues. She now lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family.
Daniela Valenzuela Neto is a fourth-year Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management (BPAPM) student at Carleton University, specializing in international policy. Proudly Brazilian-Peruvian-Canadian and a first-generation student, she is passionate about socio-economic justice, poverty alleviation, and advancing meaningful youth engagement in policymaking. Her experience spans the United Nations, the Senate of Canada, and the federal public service, with work focused on public policy, international cooperation, and civic engagement. Daniela has also served for over three years as an Executive at Young Diplomats of Canada, supporting youth participation in international affairs and multilateral decision-making spaces, including engagement with the G7, G20 Youth Summits, and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
She is also the founder of Carleton’s BPAPM Case Competition, an initiative aimed at expanding student engagement in public policy and civic participation in Ottawa. She firmly believes that empowering young people to engage in policy discussions and governance processes is essential to building more inclusive and equitable communities. As a Young Director through FORA’s Rise on Boards program, Daniela is committed to strengthening intergenerational leadership and increasing youth representation in governance and decision-making spaces. Daniela is a recipient of the Youth Ottawa 21 Under 21 Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Laura Blair is the Director of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization at Kinvia. She focuses on building relationships and resource strategies that support community-led work to grow and thrive. She has spent over two decades in the international development sector, including over 13 years at CARE Canada, working at the intersection of partnerships, funding, and impact. Prior to her work at CARE Canada Laura worked at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, the Aga Khan Foundation Canada and Global Affairs Canada. Throughout her career, Laura has worked closely with governments, foundations, and civil society partners to build impactful programming to alleviate poverty and promote gender equality. Based in Ottawa, she balances her professional life with family, community, and a deep belief in the power of collective action.
Margaret Zou has worked in the non-profit sector for the past nine years. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), based in Nogojiwanong | Peterborough, where she leads programs focused on youth engagement, environmental justice, and social change. Prior to this role, Margaret worked at the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) as Advocacy and Mobilization Coordinator, supporting physicians and medical students across Canada in advancing environmental health advocacy. Her work is grounded in the intersection of climate, health, and social justice.
Michael Embaie was born in Eritrea and arrived to Canada as a refugee in 1983. He holds degrees in Social Work from the University of Calgary, and in International Law and Protection of Refugees from York University. He is a Regulated Citizenship and Immigration Consultant.
Michael's career spans the federal government, academia, and international service. He held several positions with Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), served as Head of the Resettlement Program for Southern Africa with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and sessional instructor roles at University spanning 20 years.
A dedicated advocate for refugees, anti-racism, diversity, and social justice, Michael has served on numerous Canadian and international boards. His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Immigrants of Distinction Award, a Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada in recognition of an outstanding volunteer contribution to the Calgary Community, and more.
Based in Ottawa, Rafael brings with him over 15 years of experience in the international aid and development sector, having worked in Tanzania, Zambia, Morocco, and Senegal. At Algonquin College, he leads the financial management of Information Technology Services, overseeing multi year budgets, financial operations, and strategic planning across multiple business units. Prior to this, Rafael served as Manager of Finance and Facilities Management at Amnesty International Canada, and Head of Finance & Administration at GIZ, the German development agency, in offices in Senegal and the Palestinian Territories. In this role, Rafael provided strategic financial leadership, guided financial initiatives, and significantly enhanced the operational efficiency of the offices. His work has been instrumental in promoting governance and accountability within the organization.
Rebecca Davidson has 20 years’ experience working in international development, with a passion for improving access to quality health care in low resource settings. She has designed and managed high-impact, donor-compliant portfolios exceeding $100M, and brings deep expertise in rights-based, gender-equal development programming. As Chief of Programs at UNICEF Canada, Rebecca leads domestic and international advocacy and oversees the Canadian youth engagement program. Previous to joining UNICEF Canada, Rebecca held a number of roles with CARE including Director of Programs, Innovation & Impact with CARE USA, and with CARE Canada as Chief of Party based in Zambia, and Head of Global Health based in Ottawa. Rebecca is a natural collaborator and bridge-builder, with strong relationship-building skills across government, civil society, and the private sector. She previously served on the OCIC Board and has worked with Cuso International, Helen Keller International and MEDA. Rebecca has an M.A. in International Development with a specialization in Human Rights.
Sebastian (he/him) is a civic organizer, community volunteer and presently serves as Government Relations and Membership Manager at
Imagine Canada. His work focuses on improving the health and working environment for hundreds of Canadian charities and non-profits. He has successfully amended federal legislation affecting charitable partnerships with non-qualified donees and works across several policy files. In his free time, he works with several organizations to push for anti-poverty and anti-discrimination legislation. Sebastian has a background in multilateral and humanitarian affairs, with a former life as a federal public servant at Global Affairs Canada. He is an alumnus of the inaugural cohort of the Max Bell School at McGill University, as well as the University of Ottawa as a Loran Scholar. Sebastian is based in Montréal, Québec.
