VICTORIA FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Communications and Media Relations Specialist
Adam grew up in Clearwater, B.C., and earned a BA in Communications from SFU in 2017, then a master's degree in journalism from Carleton University in 2019. He's now proud to call Victoria home and is honoured to live on the traditional homelands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples. He spent four years working as a reporter and radio producer at CBC Victoria before joining the Victoria Foundation. He's also worked for The Globe and Mail and the Ottawa Citizen. A natural storyteller and communicator, he's thrilled to have a role in sharing the inspiring stories of local changemakers in Greater Victoria's social profit sector. In his spare time, Adam writes fiction, explores the hiking trails around his home, belly laughs, and enjoys lazy Saturday mornings with his partner and a massive pot of strong coffee.
Brad has obtained his Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager designations and has worked as an associate financial advisor with the Ely & Associates wealth management team at Raymond James Ltd since 2011. Since graduating from the University of Western with a degree in economics, he has been providing clients with financial advice in both Ontario and British Columbia since 2004. The beauty of the West Coast captured Brad, and he and his family moved to Victoria in 2007 where he feels fortunate to have been welcomed so warmly.
Job Titles:
- Director, Governance and Executive Operations
Brin was born in Edmonton and raised in Prince George. She has called Victoria home since 1991, when she moved here having never visited the city before. She attended Camosun College and the University of Victoria, studying psychology and then business administration. After 16 years in the tourism industry, she changed career paths and joined a local real estate company. As part of their support staff for over 5 years, she filled many different roles including reception and conveyancing. Outside of work, Brin enjoys an active lifestyle, reading, and creating foods, crafts and memories with her family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
Carol joined the Foundation in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of experience in community development and philanthropy within the non-profit sector. She has worked on projects in Victoria and globally to mobilize knowledge and tools to strengthen communities in an era of rapid change. Prior to moving to Vancouver Island, she was executive director of a foundation in New England that conserved farms and natural areas, and earlier worked on community and economic development projects in southern Africa. She started her career focusing on emerging workplace issues with the Society for Human Resource Management based near Washington, DC. She completed studies at University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University and University College London. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, Nordic skiing and hiking in the great outdoors.
Chilandu was born and raised in Zambia, and moved to Victoria in 2015 to pursue her studies at Camosun College. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (Accounting major). Prior to joining the foundation, Chilandu completed co-operative work terms with National Money Mart and Aryze Developments where she worked as a Tax Preparer and Junior Accountant. In her spare time, Chilandu enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, photography, volunteering, and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor
- Honourary Governors President & Advisor
Dr. Grace Wong Sneddon is an adjunct professor in the Department of Art History and Visual Studies and an associate fellow in the Centre for the Studies of Religion and Societies at the University of Victoria. As the former Director of Academic Leadership Initiatives and Adviser to the Provost on Equity and Diversity at the University of Victoria, she has been responsible for the development and implementation of professional development for senior leaders, a diverse faculty renewal program and tasked with creating a campus wide culture of respect that values diversity, equity and inclusion.
With an Interdisciplinary Ph.D in Anthropology and Pacific and Asian Studies from the University of Victoria Dr. Wong Sneddon's areas of research include: race and gender in popular culture, Asian North American identity, the Chinese diasporic culture, women in leadership, equity, diversity and inclusion. Her research has informed her extensive experience in the areas of educational and employment equity and she consults widely with post-secondary institutions and government agencies locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. She is honoured and privileged to work, live, and play in the traditional lands of the Lkwungen Peoples, the Esquimalt and the Songhees and acknowledges with respect the Huu-ay-aht of the Nuu-chah-nult First Nations where her father lived without his family for 40 years. She is passionately committed to her community and is President, Honorary Governors of the Victoria Foundation, Director of the Hoy Sun Ning Yung Benevolent Association and Pacific Opera Victoria, ViceChair of the Victoria Chinese Museum Society and past president of the Greater Victoria Eldercare Foundation.
Giselle was born and raised in Turkey. She attended Istanbul Bilgi University and the University of Victoria, studying international finance and then business management. She has worked as Senior Audit Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Turkey and Financial Reporting Specialist at Beymen Group. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Hayleigh was born and raised in Vancouver on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She moved to Victoria in 2021 and has deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn and connect with the lands of the W?SÁNE? and Lekwungen people of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. She graduated with a degree in Health Sciences and certificate in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University. Hayleigh's passion for public health and pre-natal development led her to work in research with the Children's Health Policy Centre. She then joined the Vancouver Foundation where she contributed to the uplifting and centering of community voices and expertise through the Systems Change and Participatory Action Research granting program. Hayleigh is a trained facilitator whose batteries fully charge through authentic and vulnerable connection, creating space for brave conversations and championing joyful liberation. Away from the desk, you can find her running along scenic views, settling down with a good book, or spending time outdoors with her partner and yorkie puppy.
Job Titles:
- Risk Manager
- Director of Investments
Ian was born in Ottawa and grew up in Ottawa and Belleville, Ontario (with a brief year in Winnipeg). He is a graduate of Queen's University, and after university, he spent over a decade teaching at a college in Kobe, Japan. Ian is a highly experienced risk manager with extensive theoretical and hands-on experience trading proprietary strategies designed to mitigate the impact of market volatility and generate additional portfolio yield. He came back to Canada in 2007, and helped launch a Vancouver-based hedge fund. The Fund went on to be one of three finalists for Morningstar's Best Opportunistic Hedge Fund in 2012, and he managed investments for some of Canada's top institutional investors, including Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Manitoba Teachers' Society and the Jim Pattison Foundation. Ian and his family moved to Victoria in 2017, where he worked as Chief Risk Officer for a top-ranked investment advisory team. He joined the Victoria Foundation's Investment Committee in 2020, and came on board as the Foundation's Director of Investments in 2022. He has been a CFA charterholder since 2015, and has a deep commitment to professional development and education. He currently teaches multiple investment courses for the University of Victoria Continuing Studies program, and has been a guest lecturer for the 4th year Strategic Investing course at the Richard Ivey School of Business. When he's not working or playing with his two young kids, you'll usually find Ian on one of the local tennis courts.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Communications and Digital Engagement
Jaime grew up on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish people, while spending many summers in her family's home on the ancestral homelands of the Mi'kmaq and Beothuk. She studied Art History at the University of Victoria before completing a Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. She worked as an administrator and social media specialist for the Myseum of Toronto, a research curator with CRC Research in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, and, more recently, managed a digital rebranding and biodiversity communications campaign for the National Environmental Treasure. She is currently an associate faculty member at Royal Roads where she teaches communications to environmental science students. When not working, Jaime enjoys spending time in nature, identifying wild plant species on iNaturalist, and playing D&D with friends.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Giving Initiatives and Partnerships
Jessica joined the Foundation in 2019 with almost 20 years experience in fundraising and philanthropy within the social profit sector. With an educational background in marketing and communications, she began her career at Big Brothers and Sisters of Victoria where she discovered a passion for strengthening resources that serve the emotional and physical well-being of children and their families. She has spent most of her professional experience in healthcare fundraising, including an active role in BC Children's Hospital Foundation's $200 million campaign for a new hospital. She serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals board and is the current Victoria National Philanthropy Day chair. Her commitment to social change and honoring the heartfelt connection between a donor's intention and the causes they love is what brought Jessica to the Foundation. As the organization's new strategic partnership manager, she will serve as the resource and bridge between community initiatives and philanthropic services.
John was born in England and moved to Ireland where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He has enjoyed living and working in various international locations including UK, Ireland , Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Switzerland and arrived in Canada in 2010. John has over 15 years of Canadian and international experience at the Finance Director and CFO level. John's experience includes board environments with non-profits, for profit, investment, family wealth companies and government. He has experience in HR best practices, risk management and investment management. His most recent role was with E-Comm 911 requiring split time between Victoria and Vancouver. He is an avid cyclist who bikes to work daily, all year round! He is crazy about soccer having coached at local youth level and is a keen supporter of Manchester United.
John van Cuylenborg BA, LLB John is a lawyer and partner with a leading Victoria law firm, Cook Roberts LLP. He joined Cook Roberts LLP in 2000, after being called to the BC bar in 1993. John earned his BA in International Relations from UBC, and his law degree from UVic. John previously served 3 terms on the Board of the UVic Foundation, and has been an active member of the Canadian Bar Association, including chairing a local section. John was raised in Victoria and appreciates the privilege of living in such a community and the opportunity to contribute to that community.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Jonathon grew up in Airdrie, Alberta, and after studying broadcasting at Mount Royal College made his way to Prince George, BC to work as a news reporter and anchor at 94x and The Wolf. His path would then take him to Simon Fraser University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in communications, before returning to Prince George to work for Northern Health in communications. After almost five years with Northern Health, Jonathon relocated to Victoria to work for BC Transit prior to joining the Victoria Foundation. Jonathon also holds a Master of Arts in disaster and emergency management from Royal Roads University and received his Accreditation in Public Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society. Outside of work you can find Jonathon spending time with his wife and children.
Karen is a Chartered Professional Accountant, and a founding Partner in the Victoria CPA firm of Cameron Izard Snell LLP, where she values her role as a trusted business, tax and accounting advisor to business owners and individual clients. Earlier in her career she was a Senior Manager in a National CPA firm. Karen is 5th generation born in Victoria with strong connections to our community. Karen is Past President and current Executive member of the Victoria Entrepreneurial Club, and past Chair of the Follow a Leader program of Minerva Foundation for BC Women. She enjoys memberships and involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, UDI, Viatec, Think Local First Victoria, and SNS Yacht Club. In her leisure time, Karen feels fortunate to be sailing with her family around our local BC waters.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Financial Reporting and Analysis
Karen was born in Hong Kong, raised in Victoria, and has her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Business and Finance from the University of Victoria. She came to the Foundation with over a decade of banking experience in both personal and small business advising. Karen wrote and passed the Common Final Exam for Chartered Professional Accountants in 2019 and worked in Public Practice with Grant Thornton for over two years in Victoria. Karen enjoys travelling, singing, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Lori is a communications professional with over 25 years of experience in public relations, project management, and business development in the government, corporate and non-profit sectors. She is the Principal of PR4Good, and Marketing Lead, Digital / Online Media for BC Colleges. An avid volunteer, she currently sits on the TLC Fund for Kids Board of Directors and is the Victoria Community Leader for a social enterprise called Mealshare. Lori has also been Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador Committee, and was the former Media Relations Director for the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion events in Victoria. Lori is passionate about our community and sharing her time, talent and skills for social good.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, Special Funds
Raised in Mexico, studied and work in Mexico City and Toronto. She holds a law degree from Anahuac University, a Translator Diploma from University of Toronto, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and Legal Assistant Certificate from Camosun College, and completed creative writing courses from the University of Victoria. She volunteered in the Spanish community and with programs for children and youth. Maria is also a self-published author of books for immigrants and an administrator of her own YouTube channel where she shares what she calls "Immigrants' Adventures." Victoria has been her home since 2001. She enjoys swimming and walking her dog with her family.
Marilyn Sing BAA, CIPP/C Marilyn has over 25 years of experience in management roles including business development, risk management, communications and marketing. She is the principal consultant at IPP Consulting, which helps organizations meet their obligation to operate in compliance with applicable privacy laws. Born and raised in Victoria, Marilyn started volunteering at a young age and has continued to give back to her community throughout her adult life. She founded the OCTA Collective Society, which launched the artsREACH program in 2005. OCTA received a Quality of Life Award from the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria in 2006 and Marilyn was recognized with a For Kid's Sake Award from Today's Parent Magazine for the artsREACH program in 2007. Her past appointments include member of the TELUS Victoria Community Board and member of the CRD Arts Advisory Council where she served three years as chair.
Job Titles:
- Information Systems and Data Specialist
Melanie joined the Victoria Foundation in 2010. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, photography, volunteering, and outdoor activities.
Melody was born and raised in Victoria and completed her studies in Business Management and E commerce, graduating with honours. While working in innovative private industry around Victoria, and starting a live-streaming business with her partner, Melody has also been an active member in the community serving special interest groups. She is passionate about raising up the community around her through social innovation. When not working or volunteering, Melody enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, taking in the cultural aspects of the city, and spending time with her young children.
Job Titles:
- Director & Senior Private Banker With Bank of Montreal 's Private Banking
- Michael Is Director & Senior Private Banker With Bank of Montreal 's Private Banking Office in Victoria. He Joined BMO in 1980 and Has Held Various
Michael is Director & Senior Private Banker with Bank of Montreal's Private Banking office in Victoria. He joined BMO in 1980 and has held various positions with the firm, as Private Banker since 1990. Michael has been active in the business and non-profit field in Victoria for a number of years and is currently President with the Cridge Centre for the Family (on the board since 1997) and member of the Victoria Capital Club, as well as being active on the boards of other charities. Michael has been a member of the Victoria Foundation Finance Committee since 2013. Michael is a 5 th generation Victorian, descended from one of the founding families of Victoria. He and his family enjoy Victoria and are committed to giving back to the community.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Philanthropic Services
Natasha's background includes over 13 years as a paralegal specializing in the area of Wills and Estates with the law firm of McConnan Bion O'Connor & Peterson. Wanting a career change, Natasha decided that a natural fit would be in the area of Legacy Giving. Natasha joined the University of Victoria and managed the Planned Giving and Estate Administration Department for over six years. More recently, Natasha joins us after three years with Victoria Hospice where she established a formal planned giving program and later became the Director of Fund Development. Natasha has served on the Board of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners for seven years, as well as the LEAVE A LEGACY™ program. Born and raised in Victoria, Natasha enjoys the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. She spends her weekends gardening, cooking and crafting.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Financial Operations and Payroll
Nathan was born in Vancouver, raised in Victoria and graduated from Oak Bay High School. He has been with the foundation since May 2008. He graduated from Camosun College in April 2009 with his Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting Option) degree. He completed the Certified General Accountant program in August 2011. Nathan completed co-operative work terms with local accounting firms before joining the Foundation. Nathan enjoys volunteering, reading books and playing board games.
Job Titles:
- Technology Project Coordinator
Nor was born and raised in the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of Victoria. With over ten years of experience in project management, Nor has led medium to complex projects in the tech industry, working with cross-functional teams to manage budgets and timelines, and ensure successful project outcomes. Her interest in IT grew after leading software development projects for ERP systems. She also has a background in business process analysis and quality assurance, developing strategies and processes to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Nor is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and Six Sigma Green Belt, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of project management. Outside of work and studies, Nor enjoys traveling and exploring new places, as well as spending time with family and friends, and makes time to engage in community service projects that allow her to give back to those in need.
Job Titles:
- Indigenous Cultural Advisor
- Member of the Leq
Pattrick is a member of the Leq:amel First Nation (Sto:lo Nation.) He operates a private consulting business providing services in economic, community and organizational development, governance, planning and management. Pattrick is an active community volunteer. In addition to his role with the Victoria Foundation, Pattrick is a Governor, Law Foundation of BC; Co-Chair, Banff Centre Indigenous Program Council; International Advisory Board Member, Gustavson School of Business, UVic; Ch'nook Indigenous Advisory Board Member, Sauder School of Business, UBC; and Founding President, BC Aboriginal Golf Association. Pattrick has held executive and management roles with the Canadian Executive Service Organization, the Missing Women's Commission of Inquiry, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and others.
Rajiv is originally from the east coast of Canada, having been born and raised in Nova Scotia. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University in 1994 and his law degree from the University of Victoria in 1997. He was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1998. Rajiv lives in Victoria with his wife and daughters. He represents clients throughout British Columbia and beyond, with a focus on corporate and commercial financing, wealth planning, high technology transactions and land development. Rajiv also advises a number of institutional, commercial and academic organizations in the areas of intellectual property (including copyright and trademark registration and enforcement, technology acquisitions, cooperation agreements and technology transfers), employment law, restructuring, governance, financing and cross border transactions.
Job Titles:
- CIM
- Vice President, Investment Counsellor With CIBC Private Wealth Management
Rob Gareau's professional role is Vice President, Investment Counsellor with CIBC Private Wealth Management. As an Investment Counsellor he works with a team specializing in investment planning and management. Rob is an active member of the Victoria community where he enjoys spending time with his family. He has volunteered with a number of organizations that serve Victoria, most recently coaching minor soccer, a board member for Victoria Hospice, and Investment Committee member for the Victoria Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Director of Special Funds
Rory was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba. He worked for 14 years as a Senior Administrator with the Provincial Government's Environment Commission. In 2004 he moved to B.C. to become Director of Administration at the David Suzuki Foundation and in 2010 fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to Vancouver Island when he joined the Victoria Foundation. Rory has served on several charitable boards including the All Charities Campaign of Manitoba, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, and the Performing Arts Lodge (Vancouver). He has also volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, The Immigrant Centre of Winnipeg and, most recently with the Victoria Film Festival. He has a passion for travelling and has visited over 30 countries and loves theatre, classical music, art and architecture.
Job Titles:
- Indigenous Granting Advisory Coordinator
Sabrina was born in Seattle, Washington and was raised in Quw'utsun (Cowichan) territories on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She is from from Somena Village in Cowichan territories on her Father's side and Nuu chah nulth territories on her Mother's side. She is a proud parent to five grown children (two sets of twins and a single eldest child). She is expecting her first grandchild at the end of 2023. Sabrina has a long career history working within Indigenous communities in Cowichan (Duncan, BC) and in Lekwungen territories in Victoria BC. She moved to Victoria in 2007 and has spent a great deal of time developing and delivering culturally relevant, land-based youth programs for Indigenous children and youth in foster care in the Greater Victoria area and developing an accredited leadership program for Indigenous youth. In 2021 she completed a bachelor's degree in social work, Indigenous Specialization with the University of Victoria. In the same year she began a master's degree in social work with the University of Toronto in the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Program. She completed her studies at the end of June 2023 and will convocate in November 2023. Sabrina is a believer in lifelong learning and enjoys spending time with her children, practicing yoga and going to the gym.
Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation as CEO in 2001, Sandra enjoyed a successful career in fund development in both Canada and the USA. Most recently, she worked for five years as Director of Development and Planned Giving with the Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation and prior to that as Director of Development for the Cleveland Playhouse/Cleveland Opera. Among her many professional endeavours, Sandra has been a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) for over 10 years and has been an integral part of the success of the CAGP Vancouver Island Roundtable, where she served as Chair for four years. She also served on the Board of Community Foundations of Canada for eight years and for six years was an active participant with the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network. Sandy has been recognized on many occasions for her achievements and for her distinguished service to the community, including being invited to enter the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (2007) and a recipient of the Royal Roads University Community Leadership Award (2008), Vancouver Island Public Relations Professional of the Year Award (2009), University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award (2010), Rotary Community Leadership Award (2011), Order of British Columbia (2016) and University of Victoria Honorary Doctor of Laws (2018).
Job Titles:
- Director of Philanthropic Services
Sara joined the Victoria Foundation in 2008. She is responsible for working with professional advisors and their clients, building relationships in the community and enhancing services provided to individuals and organizations who invest their funds with the Foundation. A native Victorian, Sara graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in 1982. After practicing for several years Sara joined the BC Children's Hospital Foundation in 1993 where she served as the Director of Gift and Estate Planning for over 14 years. Sara maintains membership with the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, the Victoria Estate Planning Council, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She was also the founding chair of LEAVE A LEGACY™ British Columbia and served on the Board of the Victoria Symphony for six years.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Initiatives Associate
Sarah grew up on the east coast but has lived in British Columbia since 2003. She completed her degree in history and professional writing at the University of Victoria and has been living the island life ever since. Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation, Sarah worked with the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island at Jeneece Place, spent a year in New Brunswick working as an English language assistant in Francophone schools, and most recently worked as the document control manager for an archaeological consulting company. Sarah enjoys reading, exploring local parks and beaches, hiking, and spending time with her family on both coasts.
Job Titles:
- New Administrative Assistant for Special Funds
- Special Funds Administrative Assistant
Scott spent most of his life in British Columbia, where he has called Victoria home for over 30 years. Scott first came to the Victoria Foundation as a member of the Youth Council in 1999-2000. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Business Administration Certificate from the University of Victoria. His work experience includes working at a bank, doing event support and reception work for a university, and doing research work for a professor. One of Scott's passions is his volunteer work, where he volunteers at Operation Trackshoes every spring. Also, he spent many years volunteering at the Royal Jubilee Hospital and UVic Alumni. Scott's interests are swimming, reading, traveling, playing computer games, and spending time with family/friends.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Sushil grew up in Cobourg Ontario on the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations. She arrived on Vancouver Island in 1993 while researching education and communication for social change as part of her Master's in Environmental Studies from York University. Moving to Tofino before the Clayoquot blockades of '93 she did participatory research during the protests and beyond for the next year. Falling in love with the Island she remained in Tofino to write her thesis and opened an underground curry house to fund her work. After completing her degree, Sushil embraced cooking professionally for several years working in Victoria and Tofino. This work shifted her life long social justice focus to food security, bringing a diversity, equity, and eco-justice lens to her work with regional and national initiatives, including serving as the national program manager for the Red Fife Wheat Slow Food Presidium. During this time, she continued to write professionally for regional and international publications about food, culture, and justice. As Sushil's commitment to the charitable sector grew, she trained in organizational development, leadership, strategic communications, public engagement, and project and change management. She served as Executive Director for the Good Food Box and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, BC & Yukon, in addition to her charitable sector consulting. Her passion for communication and the empowerment of young people extends to teaching various genres of writing at the University of Victoria. Sushil lives on WSANEC traditional territory in Saanich with her family and can often be found gardening, cooking, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Member of Saulteau First Nations
Tamara is a member of Saulteau First Nations, and she co-leads Miller Titerle + Co's Indigenous Law Group. Tamara's Indigenous law practice focuses on economic development, government-to-government agreements, corporate structuring, the implementation of Indigenous rights and title and natural resource regulation. Her previous legal experience in general corporate commercial law and infrastructure projects provide clients with a more expansive business perspective. Tamara shares her skills with the BC Cancer Foundation Board of Directors and her own Nation's economic development entity, the Mistahiya Group of Companies. She is also former Vice President of the Aboriginal Mothers Centre Society, director of Vancouver Native Health Society and Governor of the Justice Institute of BC. Tamara was recognized in 2020 as a Lexpert Rising Star, one of the leading lawyers under 40 in Canada.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Tanya spent her formative years in the Yukon and, after a short stint in Lethbridge, Alberta, arrived in Victoria in 1989 to study at the University of Victoria. She holds a diploma in journalism, a BFA in writing and post-graduate certificate in fiction. Tanya's work has taken her down many paths including administrative work and grant writing with local non-profits and charities. During her 11 years as an Executive Assistant at a local newspaper, she created a long-running writing contest. In her spare time, Tanya loves reading, writing and exploring local trails with her partner and their newly adopted dog. Tanya joined the Victoria Foundation in 2019.
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator for Publications
Taryn joined the Foundation in 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in communications strategy and content development to her role on the communications team. After studying communications at the University of Toronto, she worked in public relations and ecotourism in Latin America before returning to Vancouver Island. Taryn specializes in non-profit communications and has worked for the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and the South Island Prosperity Partnership. She is passionate about helping community organizations tell their stories and believes strongly in aligning her values with her daily work. When she's not working, Taryn can be found exploring local forests and beaches.
Job Titles:
- Philanthropic Services Coordinator
Tracey was born and raised in the interior of BC but has called Victoria home since moving here to study at UVic, where she graduated with a degree in linguistics and a certificate in the management of information technology. Previously working as a project manager/business analyst for an IT consulting company and as an assistant to a financial adviser, Tracey was most recently the Community Relations Coordinator at Help Fill A Dream. Tracey has been an active volunteer for a variety of children's charities, both locally and province-wide, and is a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion. In her time outside of work, Tracey enjoys writing, baking, and adventuring with her three children.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Tracy grew up in New Jersey/Lenne Lenape First Nation territory and moved to Victoria in 2003. She studied Nutrition and Education at Rutgers University and Teachers College, Columbia University, developing a love for food security and working with young people. After settling in Victoria, she worked for Island Health as a Public Health Dietitian designing and implementing asset based community-development programs to support the health of children, youth and families. For the past 10 years, Tracy has been the Executive Director of the Horner Foundation, a family foundation with a focus on youth development. She brings a diversity of experience, strong love of community and passion for learning. In her spare time, Tracy can be found hanging out with her three children and partner at their home in WSÁNE?.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice - President
Wency Lum is the Associate Vice-President, University Systems and Chief Information Officer for the University of Victoria. Wency joined UVic in 2016 and has been responsible for the institution's IT strategy, policy, governance and projects to enable UVic's academic, research and administrative functions. She also serves on two other boards related to higher education and technology. Wency's previous roles include leadership of complex technology projects, business transformation, and information security across multiple sectors and organizations, including government, private sector, and the United Nations. Wency was born and raised in Victoria, and has worked, lived and travelled in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and USA. She is proud to call Victoria home, where her family roots have been for over 110 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Victoria.
Job Titles:
- Senior Portfolio Manager With the Infrastructure & Renewable Resources Team at the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation
Professionally, Zaman focuses on the oversight and governance of private company investments in the infrastructure sector for the…
Zaman is a Senior Portfolio Manager with the Infrastructure & Renewable Resources team at the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI). As the team's lead on asset management, he focuses on the oversight and governance of a global investment portfolio, and serves on various corporate boards. He is also a strategic thought leader on topics such as disruptive technologies and innovation. Previously, Zaman was a consultant with McKinsey & Company, where he worked with institutional investors, including pension funds and endowments. He also worked in international development and diplomacy with the Aga Khan Development Network. Zaman holds a BA in Government and a BSc in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering from Cornell University, and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Along with his wife and two children, Zaman feels proud and blessed to call Victoria home.