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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tessa Maddison is many different people in one: dancer, singer, yoga teacher, and Results Office Manager extraordinaire! But ask her and she will tell you that, above all else, she is an adventurer. Having travelled widely, Tessa enjoys nothing more than exploring and connecting with art, architecture, and people from every corner of the world.
Tessa’s background is as varied as her talents. Soon after completing high school, she was awarded a prestigious opportunity to represent the UK at Walt Disney World in Florida through the World Showcase Fellowship Programme. It was there, after being introduced to representatives from around the world, that she began to connect with the global community and made her first international friendships.
When she returned to London, Tessa completed a degree at Middlesex University with a BA Hons in Communications and Information Technology. She started her career as a project manager and has worked in manufacturing, R&D, and service firms in Europe and Canada.
Results Canada is Tessa’s first foray into non-profit work. She loves working with Results because she gets to see first-hand the impact made by both the team and the volunteers. As Tessa puts it, “it’s great to be with a motivated and hard-working group of people, dedicated to making a better world for all!”
Based in Toronto, Janet Butler-McPhee has been working in the non-profit sector for more than fifteen years. She is currently the Director of Communications and Advocacy at the HIV Legal Network. Janet was the Communications Director for the Reproductive Health Access, Information, and Services in Emergencies (RAISE) Initiative and the Averting Maternal Death and Disability Program at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. Her work focused on public health advocacy and communications in support of reproductive rights and care in development and humanitarian contexts.
Elizabeth Dove is Executive Director of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Network Canada. UNGC is dedicated to assisting Canadian organizations with the advancement of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prior to UNGC, Elizabeth has worked as senior staff and consultant on advancing health issues, empowerment of women and youth, the arts, and international development. She also enjoys teaching and mentoring to grow Canada's network of social impact and sustainability leaders.
Elizabeth holds the McGill-McConnell Master of Management for National Voluntary (Non-Profit) Sector Leaders and was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her work on social justice issues.
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.
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.
Emrul Hasan is currently working at Plan Canada as the Vice President of Program Effectiveness and Quality, responsible for leading the Program Effectiveness unit, Gender Equality unit, Technical Quality unit, and Policy and Advocacy unit. He is also a member of CSO Partnership Advisory Group (CPAG) to advise Global Affairs Canada on the implementation of CSO Partnership Policy.
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.
Ahmed Irfan is a social impact and strategy leader with experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. He is currently a member of Royal Bank of Canada’s Enterprise Climate Strategy team and previously led the strategy function at Nutrition International. Irfan has a background in management consulting, delivering impact-focused projects for clients across Africa, Asia, and North America; and producing thought leadership on topics such as systems approaches to advancing inclusive economic growth. He is originally from the Maldives where he led a human rights advocacy organization and worked in the UN system.
Jean-Michel Laurin is President & CEO of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council. He has 15 years of experience in government relations, policy analysis, and communications. In that role, Jean-Michel established himself as a credible advocate, spokesperson and policy expert for Canadian industry. Jean-Michel has been involved with Results Canada for close to 25 years. He served as a volunteer in the Montreal and Gatineau groups, as a Director on two separate occasions and as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Aynsley Morris is an Ottawa-based, senior-level communications professional in the non-profit sector, specializing in international development and health. A strong commitment to social justice and the environment drives both her professional and personal life. She volunteers extensively to support progressive change. She has served in leadership positions on the Boards of the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and the Task Force to Bring Back the Don, and is involved in Fora's Girls on Boards program to support young women in governance positions.
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.
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.
Jennifer Wani is a young leader from Regina, Saskatchewan whose position on Results Canada’s Board of Directors is being supported by Girls on Boards. Launched in 2017 with the support of Department of Women and Gender Equality, Girls on Boards places community-minded, motivated, and trained young women non-profit governance boards in communities across Canada. Jennifer served as a leader on Luther College High School’s Student Representative Council. She is actively engaged in volunteering in her community and has already served as a volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations. She is a Co-founder of the South Sudanese Youth of Canada, a non-profit, nongovernmental organization. She’s been engaged as a youth leader and spokesperson at the national level, covering topics on gender equality, feminism, youth engagement, and activism.
