Our team

Irene Gannitsos (she/her)

Interim Executive Director

Irene rejoined our team in 2015, having previously worked with VCF from 2000-2012 in a variety of roles and leading much of the early social enterprise work.

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During her hiatus from VCF, Irene led the Community Investment division at Affinity Credit Union, an important sister organization to Vancity with a similarly long track record supporting innovative community development and also a fellow member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).

Irene has a broad range of experience supporting and leading different non-profit organizations, including specific expertise in each of our focus areas of social enterprise, community-owned real estate and impact investing. Irene has also worked in microcredit through international experiences in Bolivia and Guatemala, as well as domestic examples including inner-city Winnipeg, and as the founding Executive Director of the Immigrant Access Fund in Saskatoon. Her university degrees are in Business and in Rural Planning & Development, and she also had a role with the SFU Centre for Sustainable Community Development doing post-graduate research and coordinating a joint program delivered through a Mexican university in Cuernavaca.

She and her husband Rob live in North Vancouver with their two children.

Senior Leadership

Alvin Singh (he/him)

Director, External Relations and Impact

Alvin joined Vancity Community Foundation in 2023, bringing his love of helping good people tell great stories to drive lasting change.

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His most recent experience includes helping elect Vancouver’s first independent Mayor in more than three decades and serving as Director of Communications in the Mayor’s Office for four years, including during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With an Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the University of British Columbia, Alvin has a long history of commitment to public advocacy and social change at all three levels of government as well as with for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Alvin’s past work includes serving as National Communications Manager for the David Suzuki Foundation, where he worked to build support around a constitutional right to live in a healthy environment. He was also the City of Vancouver’s first Renter’s Advisory Committee Chair, where he helped advocate for affordable housing and renters rights.

Born and raised on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in East Vancouver, Alvin still lives there with his wife Allison.

Amber Armstrong (she/her)

ON LEAVE - Manager, CEO Office

Amber joined Vancity Community Foundation in 2024, bringing experience from the non-profit, government and private sectors.

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Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Studies and a Human Resources Management Certificate. She also holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Amber is currently pursuing a Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion through the University of British Columbia to deepen her commitment to inclusive workplace practices. She lives in Steveston with her family and is a grateful settler on the unceded and traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Peoples.

Deborah Baker

Director, Indigenous Partnerships and Investments

Deborah looks forward to connecting with you to see how we can help you with your projects or your interest in VCF!

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Deborah is a member of the Squamish Nation and a descendant of the Namgis and Shishalth Nations. She is the mother of five adult children and grandmother to one who was raised and lived on the Capilano Reserve in West Vancouver.

Deborah graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and served 16 years as an Elected Councillor of Squamish Nation. She volunteers with Honouring Indigenous People, All Nations Outreach Society and had previously worked with Indigenous Entrepreneurs and with First Nation Communities on Economic Development.

Deborah is a survivor of Indian Residential Schools.

She is supportive of housing, education and health care for Indigenous people.

Marie-Geneviève Lane, CPA

Director, Finance

Marie-Geneviève stewards our finances to ensure (regulatory) compliance, foster fiscal sustainability and drive impact.

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Marie-Geneviève joined VCF in January 2018, as the (then) sole member of the Finance department, following 10+ years of progressive accounting roles in charitable and small business sectors. She obtained her CPA designation in early 2022 and was promoted to Director of Finance later that year, while also growing the Finance team to four.

Originally from Montreal by way of Edmonton, Marie-Geneviève moved to Vancouver in 2002 to complete a master’s degree in Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University. Her career took a turn a few years later when she fell in love with bookkeeping at her then workplace, and she went back to school, completing her Diploma of Technology in Accounting (with Distinction) at BCIT in 2014. Since that time, she has worked in various accounting roles in diverse organizations including Options for Sexual Health, SPUD.ca, and Pace Accounting (a small private practice firm where she worked primarily with NPOs and housing co-ops). Marie-Geneviève has always prioritized working in values-based environments and, in her work, tries to marry keen financial analysis with a feminist social justice lens. She believes that a strong financial backbone is necessary to facilitate meaningful change, and she is proud to support her colleagues at VCF in this capacity.

Splitting her time between Vancouver and the Saanich Peninsula, Marie-Geneviève enjoys playing with her two rescue pups, attempting to birdwatch, lifting weights and going to see live music.

Michelle Daly (she/her)

Director, Philanthropy

Michelle shifts philanthropy toward equity and justice so communities can thrive.

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Inspired by the opportunity to work within an organization committed to social justice, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability, Michelle joined VCF in 2005 shortly after completing her degree in Communications (SFU). Over the years, Michelle has held several roles where she contributed to communications, community engagement and organizational/program development – primarily with the Enterprising Non-Profits program and Strategic Programs team. Later, she lead VCF’s Communication and Engagement efforts. During this time, Michelle acquired a professional certificate in Community Economic Development (SFU), IAP2 Certification(s) in Public Engagement, and participated in Vancity’s Cooperative Economics Study Tour (University of Bologna, Italy).

Currently, Michelle is leading the VCF’s Philanthropy team to embrace community-centric fundraising and to expand and deepen the VCF’s trust-based grantmaking practices. In doing this work, Michelle has been reflecting on her social location and the intersectional power and privilege she holds. As a fifth-generation settler with Irish, Scottish and English heritage, she recognizes that her family has benefitted from stolen lands for many generations and that settler-philanthropy is rooted in colonization and white dominant culture. Michelle has made personal commitments to be a better ally and professional commitments to support a reorientation of philanthropy towards equity and justice.

Michelle is profoundly grateful for the wisdom and teaching shared by her team, peers and the many instructors and advisors she has had the privilege of learning from, including through Partners in Reciprocity (the Circle on Philanthropy), the JEDI Accelerator (Philanthropic Foundations of Canada), Power in Privilege in Philanthropy Cohort (Community Foundations of Canada), Community of Practice (Recast Philanthropy) and the Unfunded Report (Foundation for Black Communities).

Michelle is a mom, sister, auntie, friend and daughter. She loves to read, write and be in nature paddling or meandering in the forest. She is grateful to Elders past and present for their stewardship of the land since time immemorial, and for being able to live, love, learn, work and play on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Michelle Kumar (she/her)

ON PARENTAL LEAVE - Director, Operations

Michelle joined VCF in 2023 as the Director, Operations.

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Michelle has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for over 10 years and worked as the Director of Operations and Human Resources for Surrey Crime Prevention Society since 2013. She has vast experience in program development, human resources and community engagement. With a passion for working with youth at risk, Michelle developed a Mentorship and Leadership Program to target issues faced in the City of Surrey.

Michelle is a graduate of Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a joint major in Criminology and Psychology. She holds a Human Resources Management Post-Baccalaureate diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). She has stayed involved in her community through actively participating in a number of committees and through volunteerism. She is a proud mom of a toddler, who enjoys reading and travelling in her free time.

Njeri Kontulahti

Director, Strategic Initiatives

Njeri (Jeri) Kontulahti joined Vancity Community Foundation in August 2023 as Managing Director, Homelessness and Housing Initiatives.

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Having previously worked at Vancity for over 25 years, her work involved developing and deepening connections with not-for-profit organizations to build their capacity and create impact.

Njeri has developed and managed granting programs, financial products, services and policies that support the financial inclusion of people in Indigenous, racialized and equity-deserving communities to build assets, including overseeing work serving refugees and newcomers, supporting the low barrier branch Pigeon Park in the Downtown Eastside, financial literacy, home ownership and access to credit.

Njeri has a BA in Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Masters of Management of Cooperatives and Credit Unions from St. Mary’s University in Halifax. Njeri has a passion for community and her volunteer work includes serving as a volunteer facilitator for the Cooperative Development Foundation’s Women’s Mentorship Program in Ottawa since 2007. This program brings women from credit unions all over the developing world to learn about credit union operations in Canada. She has volunteered for non-profit boards and networks, including serving as Vice President at Archway Community Services in Abbotsford, and is currently on the Board of Kinghaven Peardonville House, a treatment center in Abbotsford. She is a founding director of a non-profit, whose main aim is to support racialized individuals and families at risk of homelessness in British Columbia.

Njeri is humbled to live and work in Surrey, B.C., the traditional territories of the QayQayt, Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Semiahmoo, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) and Tsawwassen First Nations, with her husband and two sons, their dog Maddie and cat Max.

Sean Condon (he/him)

Director, Social and Economic Innovation

Sean leads impact projects that centre community and climate to create social change.

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Sean is the Director of Social and Economic Innovation with Vancity Community Foundation and brings extensive experience in social enterprise business development and management to the position.

Prior to his current role, he was the Managing Director of 312 Main, a VCF-led social and economic innovation centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Supporting more than 50 impact organizations, Sean helped ensure the space met its impact goals while being financially sustainable.

In addition, Sean was the founder of Megaphone, a magazine sold on the streets of Vancouver by people experiencing poverty and homelessness. Sean helped build Megaphone into an award-winning social enterprise that worked with more than 300 community members every year and put more than $100,000 annually into the pockets of its vendors.

Tiffany Ottahal (she/her)

Director, Solidarity Economy

Tiffany supports the Living Wage BC program, as well as VCF’s relationship with the co-operative and labour movements.

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For the past six years, Tiffany has led Vancity’s engagement with labor partnerships and community initiatives, focusing on the evolving economy, the rise of precarious work, good green jobs and climate justice. She has also collaborated with internal stakeholders to identify and address the banking, service and support needs of the labor community.

In her current role as Director, Solidarity Economy at Vancity Community Foundation, Tiffany works closely with the labor movement, cooperative sector, Indigenous communities and municipal leaders to develop value-driven investment products that tackle critical issues such as precarious work, climate change and affordable housing.

Tiffany holds a degree in Political Science from Simon Fraser University and an Advanced Specialty Certificate in Sustainable Business from BCIT. She also serves as an Advisor for the Union Co-operative Initiative, whose mandate is to advance cooperative economic models to address precarity.

Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys gardening, running through the forest and spending quality time with her husband and two children.

Tiffany is deeply grateful to live, work and play on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation.

Philanthropy

Gracious Kwapa (she/her)

Community and Equity Advisor

Gracious leads VCF’s efforts to connect resources from Community and Donor Advised Funds with community organizations that contribute to thriving communities.

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As the Community and Equity Advisor, Gracious focuses on fostering deep, reciprocal relationships with the communities we serve, founded in the principles of trust-based philanthropy.

As a settler in Canada, Gracious acknowledges that her presence and participation in the colonial system contributes to the continued struggles of Indigenous peoples. She is committed to active listening, unlearning and learning to decolonize the systems and practices that perpetuate harm against Indigenous people.

As a Black cis-gender woman, Gracious understands the burden that sometimes comes with lived experience. She strives to hold space, create and foster a trauma-informed environment where others can be their authentic self. As a transformational leader, Gracious is committed to supporting an inclusive workforce and communities with diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds which reflect the communities we serve and live in.

Gracious has a background in the financial services spanning over 12 years, where she held various roles as a retail banker and a marketer. A dynamic change agent and advocate who believes in being part of the solution, Gracious has served in numerous non-profit organizations including YWCA, UNICEF and Lifeline, who embody the basic tenants of humanity and believe in making the world a better place. She is currently working towards completing her Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate through UBC.

Gracious also has a background and is passionate about human rights, social justice and financial inclusion. In addition to her work, Gracious volunteers and facilitates the Each One, Teach One literacy course in the community.

Loucia Ho (she/her)

Senior Manager, Resource Development

Loucia leads resource development and philanthropic strategy to strengthen community impact and advance equitable change

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Loucia has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, where she led award-winning fundraising campaigns with a focus on organizational growth, sustainability and innovative solutions. She is proud to have won multiple CASE VIII awards in Fundraising and Communications, and Silver in Circle of Excellence for her work in digital strategy and design.

After completing her undergrad at the University of British Columbia, Loucia completed a dual master’s degree in Global Management and Business Administration from Royal Roads University and Management Centre Innsbruck in Austria, with a focused thesis on the relationship between cultural diversity and entrepreneurship in Canada.

As a first-generation immigrant, Loucia is grateful for the opportunity and privilege to live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Growing up in two different cultures has given Loucia a unique perspective and understanding of inclusivity and diversity. She is honoured to be part of an organization that is committed to advocacy and driving community change.

Madison Mussell (she/her)

Donor Relations Advisor

Madi builds and maintains strong relationships with fund advisors to support the redistribution of wealth and resources.

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Madison graduated from the University of British Columbia with a major in First Nations and Indigenous Studies and a minor in English Literature in 2016. Before joining VCF in 2021, Madi worked for Vancity at several branches in the Vancouver region, and drove the horse drawn carriage tours in Stanley Park. In her spare time, she enjoys embroidery, walking her dogs and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Madi’s favourite part about her job is getting to work with people who want to make our communities better for everyone.

Terran Bell (she/her)

Senior Manager, Community and Donor Advised Funds

Terran works with donors and partners to support their philanthropic goals and expand and deepen the impact of the Community and Donor Advised Fund portfolio.

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Terran completed a master’s degree in Gender & Social Policy and has worked with various non-profit organizations in Vancouver and abroad. Before coming to VCF and Vancity, her work was focused mainly on coordinating regional responses to gender-based violence.

She brings a broad range of experience from her work in frontline support, program development and policy analysis. She cares deeply about building community and finding innovative and creative ways to connect resources to community.

Vanessa Toussaint (she/her)

Donor Relations Coordinator

Vanessa supports the donor relation team with grant entry, fund administration and fund advisor engagement.

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Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Simon Fraser University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Kinesiology. Prior to joining VCF, she worked as a Member Services Centre agent at Vancity credit union, gaining firsthand experience in member engagement and financial service support.

Along with her financial background, she brings over 10 years of experience in support work and over 5 years of experience in the non-profit sector, where she has been deeply engaged in community outreach, coordination and administrative operations. Her overall professional background reflects her strong commitment to equity, advocacy and community well-being – values that inform her role as Donor Relations Coordinator.

As a second generation immigrant of Haitian descent, Vanessa brings an intersectional lens to her work, grounded in lived experience and a deep respect for community. She is grateful to live, work and play on the unceded and ancestral lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys travelling, spending time at home with her spouse and hanging out with her Frenchie, George Albert.

External Relations and Impact

Alex Fatur (she/her)

Specialist, Creative Services

Alex designs creative and story‑driven visuals that elevate our communications and uplift the communities we serve.

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Alex was born and raised on Vancouver Island where she attended Vancouver Island University, receiving her BA with a major in Graphic Design. Over the last decade, she has resided in the Lower Mainland and feels enormous gratitude to live, work and play on the ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Alex has cultivated a career as a design and marketing professional across a variety of industries, honing her craft for bringing innovative creative solutions to life. She feels inspired and energized to work with an organization like VCF, where she can contribute to initiatives that have a meaningful impact on the community and align more closely with her personal goals and values.

Outside of work, Alex can be found cuddling with her two cats, spending time with family and friends, enjoying nature, collecting antiques or listening to a true crime podcast.

Bryn Sadownik (she/her)

Senior Manager, Research and Evaluation

Bryn leads VCF’s research, data and evaluation team, using evidence and learning to drive impact and systems change.

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Bryn has over 15 years of experience working in impact assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis. Prior to joining VCF, Bryn worked as a consultant and researcher at SFU, leading numerous projects for government, private sector and non-profit organizations. Bryn holds a BA from Carleton University and a master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University.

Gloria Liu (she/her)

Evaluation Analyst

Gloria supports data, research and impact measurement to inform decision-making and work toward equitable outcomes.

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Prior to joining VCF, Gloria worked with Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada as a project specialist. Experienced in research and data analysis, she holds a Masters of Science in Migration Studies from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. She has worked in the International Organization of Migration, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Economic Social Commission of the Asia Pacific and other non-profit organizations in both Canada and Asia.

Hannah Sarchuk (she/her)

Specialist, Impact and Communications

Hannah advances VCF’s impact through integrated communications, government relations and advocacy strategy.

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Hannah joined Vancity Community Foundation in 2021, excited by the opportunity to work for an organization with aligned values and commitments including financial inclusion, equity, climate justice, anti-racism and Truth and Reconciliation. Previously, her work focused on women’s health and community building.

Hannah has a BA in Political Science and Geography (Environment & Sustainability) from the University of British Columbia, and recently completed the Nonprofit Management program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Originally from Ontario, Hannah feels immense gratitude to now be living, working and playing on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Kaeda Cameron (she/her)

Senior Manager, Marketing and Brand

Kaeda leads marketing, brand strategy and communications to amplify community impact and inclusive storytelling for VCF and its programs.

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Kaeda has built a career as a marketing communications professional and a social justice advocate. She brings a broad range of experience from her work at full-service marketing agencies, where she helped organizations of all sizes co-create and develop effective and inclusive marketing strategies and campaigns that resonate with the communities they serve.

Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Kaeda is privileged to live and work on the lands of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Frist Nations and is constantly in awe of the beauty and powerful gifts of nature she is honored to experience. Kaeda is a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology where she holds a Diploma of Technology in Marketing Management – Communications. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Asian Culture and Language from the University of British Columbia.

When Kaeda is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her partner and pets exploring the outdoors, sharing a meal with her family or gaming/streaming with her friends online.

Finance

Ginger Nunez (she/her)

Finance Officer

Ginger maintains the financial transaction processing within VCF and builds internal finance systems that support our various programs as they serve the community.

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She is a dedicated finance professional with five years of experience in bookkeeping, project management and accounts receivables. During her early years in the accounting industry working with various small to mid-size businesses, she became committed to promoting financial literacy to empower individuals to make informed decisions and reduce financial stress and anxiety.

Outside of work, she is passionate about exploring diverse cultures, fostering holistic perspectives through travel and reading.

Zach McKinley (he/him)

Finance Administrator

Zach supports the VCF’s accounts payables/receivables to ensure that programs can continue supporting community organizations.

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Zach moved to Vancouver from a small town in rural Alberta to pursue post-secondary education. He is very grateful to live and work on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

In May of 2020, he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology. Shortly after, Zach began working with Vancity credit union as a branch staff, where he worked until joining the Philanthropy team.

During Zach’s time at the University of British Columbia, he became very intrigued by the study of Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice theory, as well as the university’s commitment to Reconciliation. Given that he is a member of the Ojibwe First Nations from northwestern Ontario, he sought out his position at Vancity credit union and subsequently Vancity Community Foundation, as he’s always wanted to be a part of an organization that highlights these core values.

Impact Investing and Affordable Housing

Jenn McGinn (she/they)

Manager, Housing Accelerator Program

Jenn manages a grant and loan program that provides early-stage investment to affordable community housing projects.

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Prior to her role as Manager, Housing Accelerator Program, Jenn was a Community Business Account Manager with Vancity credit union’s Business and Commercial team since 2006. At VCU, Jenn managed a diverse portfolio of primarily not-for-profit organizations and impact businesses. She provided a range of financing options to members including cash-flow lending, business mortgages and loans and construction financing. Her real passion, however, was in assisting not-for-profits to acquire real estate, particularly for affordable housing purpose for equity-denied communities.

Jenn has deep roots in community and social justice. She has held leadership positions with a number of non-profit organizations, both at a staff and Board level. She is also a self-professed political animal – she served during a by-election period as the NDP MLA for the provincial riding of Vancouver-Fairview, making history as the first out lesbian elected to the BC Legislature. She has also held various positions on provincial and federal riding executives.

Outside of work, Jenn enjoys going to the gym, playing pickleball, cooking, the local arts scene and spending quality time with her partner and close friends.

Jenn is grateful to live, work and play on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Murtaza Shibary (he/him)

Coordinator, Strategic Investment

Murtaza supports with grant administration and works with community partners to drive accessible, equity‑focused impact.

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Murtaza is the Strategic Investment Coordinator at Vancity Community Foundation, supporting the team with impact investment strategies, investment administration and programming to advance social, economic and environmental outcomes. Murtaza holds an MBA in International Business from Trinity Western University and a BBA in Accounting from Douglas College.

Originally from Burnaby, B.C., Murtaza has been with Vancity credit union for over five years, serving in a variety of roles including customer service representative, supervisor and administrative worker. These experiences have provided a strong foundation in financial services, team leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Outside of work, Murtaza enjoys connecting with local communities, exploring Vancouver’s vibrant neighborhoods and is passionate about fostering social and economic equity wherever possible.

Murtaza is grateful to live, work and play on the traditional, unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Trevor Koch (he/him)

Analyst, Affordable Community Housing Program

Trevor supports community housing organizations by providing early-stage funding to advance affordable housing projects across Canada.

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Trevor grew up in Langley, B.C, where he completed a year of Applied Leadership at Columbia Bible College while playing on the varsity volleyball team. He then moved to Ontario to further his education, earning a BBA in Business Management along with a minor in Urban Ministry from Redeemer University. After graduating, Trevor spent two years as an analyst on the Commercial Banking team at FirstOntario Credit Union. In this role, he managed a small portfolio of members and helped fund various affordable housing projects. In his free time, Trevor enjoys playing volleyball, snowboarding, swimming and finding the best coffee shops in town.

BC Rent Bank

Faith Alabi (she/her)

Administrator

Faith supports rent bank partners and the internal BC Rent Bank team to administer programs that are targeted at the most vulnerable in the community.

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Faith graduated three years ago from Simon Fraser University, where she studied Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In line with her degree, Faith has dabbled in different businesses in the fashion and beauty world on a smaller scale (makeup, styling, designing, vintage reselling, etc.).

Before this role at BC Rent Bank, Faith worked as an assistant in a wellness clinic, as a teaching assistant at SFU and had a few retail jobs as a university student. She is passionate about helping others and has always gravitated towards roles that help her do that.

In her free time, Faith loves cooking and trying out new recipes, going out to eat with friends and can be very competitive at games. She also loves watching thriller movies and videos about social justice. If you’re not catching Faith at work, there are two other places to check – in church, or in her bed sleeping. She doesn’t have any pets, but absolutely adores children, and works with them often in her volunteer role.

Hemant Kumar (he/him)

Senior Developer

Hemant joined Vancity Community Foundation in 2024.

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Hemant Kumar is the Lead Developer for BC Rent Bank. Over the last 10 years, he worked with various software consultancy firms and has gained extensive experience in web development and a wide range of technologies. He is driven by a passion for continuous learning and staying current with the latest industry trends. He is an accomplished IT professional with a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from India. Following his graduation, Hemant pursued further studies in Canada, completing a post-graduate diploma in Internet Programming and Database Management.

For the past seven years, Hemant has made Victoria, B.C. his home. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys long drives across scenic Vancouver Island and exploring its picturesque hiking trails.

Melissa Giles (she/her)

Managing Director

Melissa leads a provincial network dedicated to supporting renters and finding innovate solutions to help them maintain their housing stability.

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Melissa is the Managing Director of BC Rent Bank, a project of Vancity Community Foundation funded by the Province of B.C. BC Rent Bank supports a network of rent banks across the province that provide essential eviction prevention and housing stability supports. She has almost 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, both domestically and internationally, and is passionate about social justice and housing affordability issues. In her work with BC Rent Bank, she focuses on what’s important: assisting renters with practical solutions in their time of crisis. Apart from work and study, Melissa enjoys hiking, cycling and enjoying the great outdoors.

Shauna Cornes (she/her)

Program Manager

Shauna oversees operations and initiatives across the rent bank network that enhance the housing stability of renters.

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Prior to joining Vancity Community Foundation in 2014, Shauna spent several years in frontline capacities in mental health and addictions and women’s health. Through her interactions with clients, she gained an intimate understanding of the far-reaching and devastating consequences of housing precarity and homelessness – soon after, Shauna made the move into the housing sector. Prior to joining the BC Rent Bank team, Shauna worked at Reaching Home, Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, as a Senior Program Officer.

She is now the Program Manager at BC Rent Bank, a homelessness prevention and stability program that supports low- to modest-income renters in B.C. Shauna oversees and supports the operations of rent banks across the province. She brings with her a Diploma of Technology in Human Resources Management from BCIT’s School of Business.

When not working, you can find Shauna with her husband and two young children exploring all of the beauty and adventure that Vancouver Island has to offer.

Living Wage BC

New LW Manager

Managing Director

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Jessie Niikoi (she/her)

Communications and Administration Coordinator

Jessie leads communications, administration and engagement with community to advance the work of the Living Wage campaign.

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Jessie recently started at Living Wage BC in October 2025. She has previously worked as the Chairperson of the British Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS), an advocate for affordable and accessible post-secondary education in B.C. In her spare time, she enjoys reading romance books and watching anime. Jessie is a sneaker lover and loves talking about new tech devices.

Reaching Home

Amy Main (she/her)

Community Program Officer

Amy works alongside community partners to steward funding and support thoughtful, community-led solutions to the housing crisis.

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Amy is excited to join VCF as a Community Program Officer. She has a background in the non-profit sector and full-cycle grant coordination. Amy holds a Master of Business Management from Sauder School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her educational focus was ethical business management and community development, which led to opportunities to work in rural Uganda, a community development program at UBC and as a Human Resources Manager for a large non-profit in Penticton, B.C. Amy brings an asset-based community development approach to projects and relationship-building with stakeholders.

For Amy, community development extends beyond work hours. She also coaches youth hockey and serves as a League Coordinator for a women’s hockey league.

Ellie Karkari

Officer, Finance and Contracts

Ellie leads funding processes that help community organizations deliver inclusive, impactful housing support.

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My name is Ellie. I joined VCF as an administrator on the Finance team, before moving to Reaching Home as the Officer, Finance and Contracts. I have always been ambitious to be a part of a team who makes a big difference in people’s lives. I love to learn about other cultures and look forward to travelling around the world.

Fola Michaels (she/her)

Community Program Officer

Fola manages Reaching Home funding to support community partners delivering effective, coordinated solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness.

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Fola is a results-oriented Program Officer with over seven years of experience in the public sector, specializing in settlement and integration programs, stakeholder engagement and the management of funding agreements. From January 2023 to June 2025, she served at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the B.C. and Yukon region, where she managed federal grant and contribution agreements with non-profit organizations supporting the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada. In this role, she also provided policy analysis and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Her portfolio included oversight of multi-million dollar budgets, compliance monitoring and cultivating strong partnerships with community-based organizations. In her acting supervisory capacity at IRCC, she led a team of Integration Program Officers, exercised delegated financial authority under the Financial Administration Act and played a key role in national strategic planning initiatives.

Fola’s professional background also includes impactful roles with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction as a Community Program Officer and Trainer, the Canada Revenue Agency as an Administrative Officer and in the financial services sector as a Customer Service Officer and Team Lead. These experiences have deepened her expertise in service delivery, policy implementation and operational efficiency.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies, a professional diploma in Human Resources (currently in the process of converting to the CPHR designation) and has been recognized with awards such as the IRCC Director’s Award for Teamwork. Fola brings to her work a strong blend of strategic insight, financial stewardship and people-centred leadership. She is passionate about inclusive, empowering service delivery that strengthens individuals and communities.

Outside of work, Fola enjoys trying new recipes, traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Karimah Naguib (she/her)

Program Manager

Karimah manages the Reaching Home program to strengthen accountability, partnerships and housing outcomes across Metro Vancouver.

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Karimah is the Program Manager for Reaching Home at Vancity Community Foundation. Her expertise includes standardizing data collection tools, developing dashboards and creating actionable insights to guide resource allocation and advocacy efforts. With a background in international development and gender equality programming, Karimah brings experience from previous roles with the Aga Khan Foundation in South and Central Asia and East Africa, UNICEF and the UNDP. She holds an MSc in Globalization and Development from SOAS, University of London and a BSc from the University of British Columbia.

Konrad Burton (he/him)

Community Program Officer

Konrad joined Vancity Community Foundation in 2024 as a Community Program Officer for Reaching Home.

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Prior to joining VCF, Konrad worked for a Kelowna non-profit as a support worker providing essential front-line services and advocacy to unhoused members of his community. Konrad is deeply passionate about working to create systemic change by supporting community-based organizations in the battle against homelessness. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia. Outside of work, Konrad is an avid martial artist and enjoys mountain biking and hiking on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Marina Villela (she/her)

Managing Director

Marina leads cross-functional execution to turn vision into measurable social impact.

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Marina brings significant and progressive experience from leadership roles working closely with the non-profit sector and Indigenous partners. Her most recent work experience was with the BC Housing Management Commission for more than 13 years, where she worked in the provision of programs and services aimed at assisting equity-denied communities. Marina has cultivated productive relationships with various levels of government, non-profit organizations and communities. She has led teams and stakeholders through successful and meaningful change initiatives aimed at strengthening service delivery in agile environments.

Marina has a passion for continued learning and purpose-driven change. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science and maintains the following professional designations: Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Canadian Administrative Professional (CCAP).

Her passion for social impact extends to mentorship and volunteer leadership. As a mentor with Minerva BC, the Chartered Professional in Human Resources BC & Yukon Professional Mentoring Program and the Project Management Institute, she has guided individuals to navigate challenges and reach their full potential. As the ED of Project Management Volunteers in WA, USA, she leads teams that provide pro bono project management services to non-profits.

At the heart of everything she does is a belief in the power of purpose-driven change. Whether she’s leading teams, optimizing systems or inspiring individuals, her work is rooted in accountability, authenticity and integrity. Her ultimate goal is to create meaningful impact that transforms communities and leaves a legacy of hope and possibility.

Margaret Budiselic (she/her)

Program Manager

As a Program Manager for Reaching Home, Margaret champions community‑led programs and works to embed equity into the systems that shape homelessness responses.

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Prior to joining Vancity, Margaret was a small business owner for over 12 years, managing in partnership a retail and wholesale clothing and giftware store specializing in fair trade items from developing countries. She started with Vancity as a micro credit specialist with Community Business Services in 2001, extending innovative credit to marginalized people and newcomers to Canada. The bulk of her time was in the branch as a Senior Account Manager, where her role was of a trusted advisor providing knowledge and seamless services to assist members in meeting their financial goals through loans, investments and retirement needs.

Outside of work, Margaret has extensive volunteer experience working with the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in her community in Abbotsford, and her passion with these folks is helping and making a positive impact in their lives. She is a co-founder of a non-profit organization focused on racialized and marginalized individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and an active board member of Ravens Moon, an organization that serves the homeless in Abbotsford.

Margaret loves travelling, running, hiking and above all, making new friends.

Van Tong

Program Lead, Data Analysis and Research

Van joined VCF in 2023 on the Reaching Home team.

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Van holds an MA in Quantitative Methods in Political Science from the University of Toronto, with a research focus on political economy and development economics. Her research explored various topics including labor market mobility, macro-prudential policies and homelessness strategy. Prior to joining Vancity, Van interned with BEworks in the role of data scientist, where she conducted experimentation and applied advanced econometric and statistical modelling to evaluate the efficacy of behavioural economics interventions in real-world business challenges.

Social and Economic Innovation

Dave Gerow

Building Maintenance Technician

Dave facilitates repairs and maintenance for 312 Main.

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As a lifetime resident of Vancouver, Dave, our Building Maintenance Technician, has seen the evolution of this vibrant community. With over 10 years of custodial and maintenance experience, as well as 15 years of commercial construction experience, Dave is more than qualified for this role. He brings a quiet determination to make this facility a co-working showcase and an interactive community hub that brings respite and connection to all those who enter.

David Hunt

Manager, Community and Membership

David oversees community and membership programs, collaborating with partners and teams to support responsive, people‑centred services.

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With over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, David brings a wide range of experience to his role at 312 Main. He has worked in many organizations in the Lower Mainland. Much of his work has included individuals seeking support around education, mental health, substance use, gender identity, employment, food security, housing and primary care. He has spent his entire life in Vancouver and feels strongly about supporting those in his community to thrive, while eliminating as many barriers as possible. He passionately believes in the power of collaboration, inclusion and community engagement to ensure the voices of often marginalized communities are heard.

Milan Sharma (he/him)

Community and Membership Specialist

Milan is a Community and Membership Specialist for 312 Main.

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Milan moved to Vancouver in 2018. After completing his business management degree, Milan worked for many different organizations in various sectors. He has been a part of the 312 Main security team for the past two years and has received praise for his work ethic and determination. Milan has now taken on this new role and is excited to see how he is able to grow his skillset and understanding of organizations that support those in the Downtown Eastside. He possesses great problem solving and de-escalation skills and works very well in a team. He is very enthusiastic to serve community members seeking support.

Sonam Swarup (she/her)

Manager, Operations

Sonam leads operations and business development to grow an inclusive, community‑focused hub at 312 Main.

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Sonam is driven by good storytelling, big picture thinking and doing things with a socially conscious mind. She has spent the last 10 years working with various social impact organizations including The Wellbeing Project, The Discourse and The Urban Worker Project. Previously, she co-founded a social venture that focused on engaging immigrant women and their transition to the Canadian workforce through cultural cooking classes. She earned her BA from Simon Fraser University and has studied internationally at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. She has received multiple awards for her work, including HSBC Women Leader of Tomorrow for Western Canada and an AMEX Emerging Innovator.

Temitopeoluwa Odelade (she/her)

Operations Coordinator

Temi coordinates the day-to-day operations to support members and keep 312 Main systems running effectively.

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Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she is a dynamic and self-motivated professional that brings a blend of analytical and creative skills into her work. She possesses a diploma in law, a BA in English and Literature studies, and a diploma in Business Management. She is passionate about making a difference, especially through meaningful work that supports thriving communities, and she actively contributes to non-profit organizations as she strives to create a positive change.