staff

everything we do is because we care about people living in poverty

staff members

Gabriel Cassie

Parliamentary Affairs Manager

about Gabriel

I’ve always believed that the small acts of ordinary people are what propels change forward. Working at Results has only reinforced this belief. I’ve seen how the actions of Results’ volunteers bring us closer to ending extreme poverty around the globe. Their actions draw attention to global issues, hold politicians accountable, and challenge parliamentarians to be true champions of international development.

Results’ mission is to “generate the political will to end extreme poverty.” Our organization recognizes that poverty is fundamentally a political issue that requires political action to solve. There’s no magic solution to poverty, but our advocacy can catalyze action to make our world a better place. I am thankful that, in my role as Parliamentary Affairs Manager, I can play a part in that.

Chris Dendys

Executive Director

about Chris

Results has shown me that a world free of poverty is possible and it’s inspired me to see that even as an individual, I can be part of big change and that I can impact lives. I have a view of the world in which I believe that people are fundamentally good. When you have that outlook it’s easy then to view the world with compassion, empathy and hope.

One of the more powerful moments in my time with Results was when there was a danger of our losing funding for tuberculosis. One of our volunteers who had never written a Letter to the Editor before, pushed herself to learn about the issues and sent her letter to her local newspaper and it got published. The next day, the Minister for International Development responded to her letter and the funding cuts that we knew were going to happen, did not happen. I felt like that volunteer changed the world that day.

Dominique Denoncourt

Policy and Advocacy Officer

about Dominique

Working here makes me happy because I feel empowered by living by my values and renewing my commitment to my ideals every day. Results Canada's mission appealed to me because, by focusing on public engagement and a positive approach to change, it also contributes to strengthening participatory democracy and global citizenship.

In 2022, I had the opportunity to support the work of a women's rights organization in Burkina Faso. This was one of my most significant volunteering experiences, as it enabled me, after my studies, to see how theory applies in reality - or doesn't - and to reflect on the contribution I could make in the international cooperation sector. During this mandate, I was able to deepen my understanding of the challenges faced by our partners in the Global South, both in terms of access to resources and advocacy. It was therefore important for me to evolve in an environment that is willing to act against inequalities, while transforming the practices of international cooperation.

Safia Ibrahim

Public Engagement Manager

about Safia

When ordinary people unite for a common goal, the outcome is remarkable. Each volunteer at Results Canada is a firm believer that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to adequate food and nutrition, healthcare, and education. What sets Results Canada apart is its commitment and dedication to help their volunteers succeed by providing the tools and support needed to address the inequalities in our world through action and real change. I’m excited and honoured to be doing this work.

As a volunteer, I use my lived experience to vigorously advocate for all children. As a polio survivor who lives in Canada, I know there are children who will not be as fortunate as I was. Children who will not have access to healthcare and education will be robbed of their childhood. I like to see myself as that voice I needed to advocate on my behalf when I was a little girl who was not given the same opportunities as the other children in my neighbourhood.

My favourite memory as a Results Canada volunteer was in 2020, when Canada announced it would pledge $600 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and $47.5 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative after we tirelessly wrote letters, emailed, and called on our elected officials to invest in vaccines for children everywhere.

Ekatha Ann John

Policy and Advocacy Manager - Global Health

about Ekatha

A world free of poverty is possible – this optimism is what drew me to Results Canada. The people I meet, the actions I see, and the conversations I’m a part of everyday fuel the fire in me to keep fighting for impact. Our team does not believe in saviours, only strong advocates and the power of collective action. This belief, coupled with our unwavering commitment to take action in everyday life, is what makes Results Canada exemplar.

In 2010, I volunteered with a humanitarian organization in India to advocate for the rights of Sri Lankan refugees. I was introduced to concepts like anti-oppression and the power of bringing voices from the community to the decision-making table. It also taught me to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view – a skill that has helped me build allies and make lifelong friends who empower me in my journey as an advocate of social justice and health equity.

Denise MacDonald

Communications Manager

about Denise

I am passionate about social justice and using communications to provide a platform for marginalized voices, fight injustice, and offer real solutions. That's why I'm so excited to work at Results Canada, where I can apply my skills to reach these goals.

Everyday, I work on being a more compassionate person to others (and myself!). My past volunteer and work experiences have provided me with opportunities to learn and apply compassion in marginalized communities. As a volunteer literacy tutor for inmates and staff at an inner-city women's centre, I learned so much from the program participants who challenged my assumptions and taught me what real inclusivity can look like.

So far, my favourite part of working at Results is the people. I'm so inspired by my colleagues and also the volunteers who are incredible and dedicated advocates. I look forward to continually learning from them.

Gordon Mair

Finance and Administration Manager

about Gordon

“If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re a part of the problem.” I have a long history of working with compassionate organizations that are striving to improve the quality of life of our fellow human beings…the North-South Institute, CARE International, Sierra Club Canada, and Amnesty International, and it seemed like a natural progression to join Results Canada.

My most memorable and inspiring experience to date was when I was working as the Assistant Country Director of the CARE mission in Lusaka, Zambia when, because of the damage done by climate change, the mission was tasked with establishing a network to distribute food which was provided through the World Food Program of the UN to starving villagers in Zambia’s Southern Province. This was truly a life-changing experience.

So far, the most exciting things about working at Results Canada are 1) the fulfilling mandate of the organization and the fact that there is a real opportunity for each of us to make a difference in the world, and 2) the enjoyable work environment created by the wonderful people who work for the organization.

Peace Mukazi

Public Engagement Officer

about Peace

I have been an active volunteer for 12 years, and now with Results I can take what I’ve learned and advocate for a world free of poverty. My favourite thing about working at Results is being in a dynamic environment with committed individuals who show a lot of passion for their work. Being a part of such a great group gives me a sense of belonging and purpose.

My most inspiring volunteer experience was writing a petition to the East African Legislative Assembly asking for the inclusion and recognition of young people in decision-making processes and employment opportunities. Working with my colleagues, I was inspired by the power of teamwork and commitment we had for the cause.

Leigh Raithby

Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer

about Leigh

As an advocate for health equity and social justice, Results Canada immediately felt like a perfect match for me. With a staff of passionate and intelligent advocates and the support of international partners and volunteers from across Canada, Results has reinforced my confidence in the ability to make a meaningful difference and end extreme poverty. There is a tremendous sense of community at Results, which inspires me to use my voice while amplifying the voices of those around me. I strive to lead with compassion in every aspect of my life, as I believe with compassion we can better connect with others and the world around us.

My most inspiring volunteer experience was working as a Recreational Art Therapy Volunteer at my local rehabilitation hospital. I would visit with the residents and engage in visual art activities with them, which offered an escape from their current reality and provided some much-appreciated social support. This volunteer position solidified my desire to use my abilities to help improve the quality of life of others.

Taryn Russell

Deputy Executive Director

about Taryn

I believe that advocacy is one of the most important tools anyone can use to change systems that perpetuate inequities in the world, including poverty. I feel like my work at Results is a powerful way I can contribute to an end to extreme poverty. I love getting to meet so many interesting and passionate people in my work. From our volunteers to parliamentarians and partners around the world – there is always the opportunity for interesting conversations about the issues people care about most. Now more than ever we need to engage more Canadians in the fight for a more just future.

Outside of my work on global justice issues I’m a huge animal lover! I lend support to animal rescue organizations and animal rights charities in my spare time. I am also a long-time vegetarian and have my own rescue mutt named Diego who always keeps me active and entertained.

Lindsay Sheridan

Senior Advisor, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs

about Lindsay

My work at Results Canada has taught me the importance of remaining hopeful and optimistic in an evolving and expanding global world, while allowing me to experience the impact and power of a group of individuals working towards a common goal. Every day I come into the office and learn of a new action taken by a colleague, volunteer, or Parliamentarian that moves us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal of ending extreme poverty.

Through my position as Parliamentary Officer I have the opportunity to engage with Members of Parliament and Senators on important global health issues, and create an ongoing platform for advocacy, awareness and action. I’m able to witness the importance of our constantly growing volunteer network and the essential role they play in the political sphere. Our volunteers are everyday people that convey the importance of global health to their respective Members of Parliament, leading ultimately to action and real change.

My favourite thing about working at Results is being able to start every day with this sense that we can make a difference, and that there’s space for big impact.

- Chris, Executive Director, Results Canada

stories

Ekatha Ann John
Policy and Advocacy Manager - Global Health

 "My role involves a bit of everything – speaking truth to power, analyzing policies, ensuring people with lived experience are at decision-making tables, and pursuing my passion – story-telling. "
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Hi there! I’m Ekatha Ann John, the Global Health Policy and Advocacy Manager at Results Canada. 

I was born and raised in Chennai, a sunny, coastal city in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.  

I’ve always been fascinated by people and their stories – I found them in books, bustling markets, and the boundless open paddy field behind my family’s ancestral home.  

These interactions also initiated me early into discourses around caste and inequity. I saw people break their backs to put food on tables they weren’t allowed to sit at; people who weren’t allowed to draw water from certain wells just because they belonged to a certain social group.  

Growing up in a middle-class family I was shielded from, but not blind, to the struggles of people branded as pariahs based on their caste, ethnicity, and class.  

I had so many questions, but few answers.   

My entry into journalism felt like a natural progression. It was a powerful medium for what I really wanted to do: share stories from communities that have been historically marginalized. I worked as a health and social justice reporter for the Press Trust of India and later on with The Times of India, an English language daily newspaper.  

I made it my mission to cover stories that rarely make headlines in increasingly click baits-driven newsrooms. Some of the stories I’m most proud of are an undercover investigation on unlicensed child care institutions in India, and a six-part series, titled ‘Up in Alms – Inside Chennai’s Begging Industry’, which gave a rare glimpse into the structural, systemic and social factors that push communities into begging.  

In 2018, I did a Master’s in Migration and Global Health from Queen Mary University of London, UK, as a Chevening Scholar and moved to Canada in 2020. In 2022, I joined Results Canada as the Global Health Policy and Advocacy Manager. Results was, again, a natural choice for me given my experiences working with communities we advocate for and with.  

My role involves a bit of everything – speaking truth to power, analyzing policies, ensuring people with lived experience are at decision-making tables, and pursuing my passion – story-telling.  

Outside work, I read, travel, watch plays, dance, play the piano, and compose my scream song.  

 

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