Board of Directors

Director, Policy and Engagement, Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO)

Wendy Miller has 30 years’ experience advancing social justice priorities in Toronto and provincially. At EKO Wendy is promoting strong public policy and capacity-building for the publicly funded child development and rehabilitation sector, which serves children with disabilities and their families. Previously, at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, she led diverse provincial initiatives in support of children’s aid societies and Indigenous child wellbeing agencies. Prior to joining OACAS, Wendy was Director of the Child Advocacy Project at Pro Bono Ontario where she led customized legal initiatives to address systemic barriers for marginalized young people and their families. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from McGill University, and completed the Schulich School of Business Masters Certificate Program in Public Sector Leadership.

Chief Executive Officer of the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) and the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement

Sharif Mahdy is the Chief Executive Officer of the Students Commission of Canada (SCC) and the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement. The SCC is a national inter-generational charitable organization that purposely works with others to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and valued so that their ideas for improving themselves, their peers and their communities can be put into action. Sharif has an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from the University of Western Ontario. He also has a Masters of Arts in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University. Sharif is also the Volunteer Board Chair of the National Alliance of Children and Youth (NACY): a national charitable organization that brings organizations together in a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and youth in Canada. Sharif is also the Treasurer for another national non-profit: Mentor Canada.

Head of Social Impact and Marketing, The Boston Consulting Group

Kate Banting is currently the Head of Social Impact and Marketing at the Boston Consulting Group. Previously, she was a Project leader in BCG’s Toronto office. At BCG, Kate has worked across a variety of industries from retail and consumer goods to transportation, financial services and social impact. Academically, Kate has an HBA degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and her MBA from the Harvard Business School. While at Harvard, Kate was involved in the Social Enterprise Initiative, was an Education Pioneer Fellow, and worked with a national after school program in their strategy group to generate external revenues and expand their skill set.

Strategic Consultant and Certified Human Resources Leader

Brina Ludwig Prout is a Certified Human Resource Leader(CHRL) and HR Executive with an extensive record in organizational change and transformation in the financial services and public sectors. Known for her collaborative, inclusive style, Brina consults to both senior executives in corporate Canada and emerging entrepreneurs and organizations in the Social Innovation field. Brina is passionate about children, diversity and intergenerational collaboration, and has been a member of the Advisory Committee for the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council’s (TRIEC) Connector Program and chaired her childrens’ school council for many years. Brina is a Strategic Advisor to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Ontario, and an inaugural member of the League of Intrapreneurs, Canada.

Principal, DDC Group

Dana Dodge is the Founder and Principal of DDC Group, a management consultancy focused on helping organizations shape their culture and build their capabilities. Dana has worked in the field of organizational development for over 20 years. She has worked in a wide variety of industries, with roles ranging from management consultant to in-house leader. In addition to being a skilled facilitator and coach, Dana consults in the areas of culture, HR strategy, talent management, succession planning, leadership development, high potential talent, change management, organization design, and employee engagement. Dana has an MSc from the London School of Economics, a BSc from Acadia University and is PROSCI change management certified. Dana is a proud board member of the Child Development Institute and volunteer facilitator for the Toronto chapter of Bereaved Families of Ontario.

Client Service Team Manager – Canada at MFS Investment Management

In his role as Client Services Manager, Dan has an award-winning reputation for delivering on clients’ specific needs. With more than 10 years of experience in the financial and investment services industry, Dan quickly identifies, communicates and resolves issues with clients, manages timelines, and executes account transactions. Dan holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation from the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI). Dan received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Williams School of Business at Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. He speaks French conversationally. He lives in downtown Toronto with his long-term partner. They enjoy travelling, trying new restaurants, personal fitness, reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of pets.

Partner, WeirFoulds LLP

Dan Thomson is a partner in the Corporate Group at WeirFoulds with a transaction-based practice that focuses on banking and financial services, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate/commercial matters. Dan has more than 20 years of legal and business experience, including nearly 10 years at an international law firm, two years running a commercial business unit for the Canadian subsidiary of a multi-national Fortune 300 insurance company, five years running his own legal practice, and five years at a well-known mid-size Toronto firm. Dan also practised in London, England, where he focused primarily on foreign investment into Canada and M&A transactions involving Canadian entities. Since 2006, Dan has been invited annually to teach a business law course at The Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. Dan has been nominated by Schulich students for the student’s annual Teaching Excellence Award.

Tax Partner, KPMG LLP

Frank Giordano is a tax partner at KPMG LLP, with a focus on Canadian corporate taxation. He is the leader of KPMG’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications tax practice in Toronto and member of KPMG’s Global Steering Committee for the Global Compliance Management Services practice. Frank has spent over 20 years providing tax compliance, advisory and planning services to clients and has also worked as a Chief Financial Officer for a private real estate company. Frank has lectured to undergraduate students in the Business Administration program at the University of Toronto and Schulich School of Business, York University. Frank is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) and a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation.

Vice-President, Government Relations and Advocacy, YMCA Canada

Jessica Lue is the Vice-President of Government Relations and Advocacy at YMCA Canada, leading the YMCA’s national advocacy and government relations efforts to build healthy communities. Jessica is driven to create impact and keen to support initiatives that aim to make a difference in society. At YMCA Canada, Jessica brings forward the charity’s expertise and experiences to advance federal policy in key areas, including early learning and child care, issues impacting young people and supports for the charitable sector. Prior to joining YMCA Canada, Jessica was a consultant at Santis Health, providing communications and advocacy support for clients exclusively in Canada’s health-care sector. Jessica holds an honours degree in biology and economics from Queen’s University and an Ontario graduate certificate in public relations from Humber College.

Executive – Health Care

Maryam Ebrahimpour holds a Master’s of Counselling degree from Ottawa University with over twelve years of experience as Registered Psychotherapist and leader in children and adult mental health sector.

During COVID Pandemic, Maryam returned to school to obtain Masters of Health Administration degree from University of Toronto.

She is currently a Certified Health Executive and Director at a downtown Community Health Centre. Maryam volunteers at different Board of Directors and provides mentorship to women who are emerging health leaders.

Chief Information Officer, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

An accomplished leader with over 20 years of strategic, operational and project management experience in healthcare with previous director level roles in Information Management & Technology at UHN, CAMH and SickKids.  Pakizah has extensive leadership experience across various areas including operations, procurement and contract negotiations, hospital information system implementations, strategic planning, project management, process improvement, change management, and stakeholder engagement.   Prior to her current role as Chief Information Officer for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Pakizah was the Director, Enterprise Information Management at the Hospital for Sick Children.  She has an undergrad in Honours Biochemistry, an MBA in Health Services Management, is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), certified in Health Information Management Professional (CHIM) and a Certified Health Executive (CHE) candidate.

Legal Counsel, Trillium Health Partners

Rajbir Bhinder is the in-house employment and labour lawyer at Trillium Health Partners, a leading community based hospital located in Mississauga and west Toronto. She advises the hospital on all aspects of workplace law, including statutory compliance, labour relations, human rights, occupational health and safety compliance, immigration, and dispute resolution. 

Prior to joining Trillium Health Partners, Rajbir gained experience at a boutique employment and labour law firm where she quickly developed a reputation as a tenacious litigator and a trusted advisor to her clients. Her commitment to excellence and deep understanding of workplace law has made her a valuable asset in navigating complex legal challenges in the healthcare sector.

Chief Administrative Officer, The Murray Wealth Group

Sue Eagleson is based in Toronto and is responsible for overseeing the administration and operations at The Murray Wealth Group. Sue earned a Bachelor’s degree (Economics) from Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute and is a member of the Toronto CFA Society. Currently, Sue’s community involvement includes volunteering as board member of CDI and as a finance committee member at the YWCA of Greater Toronto.

Vice-President, Client Development, Resources Global Professionals

Susan Paterson is an FCPA, FCA and Vice-President, Client Development, for Resources Global Professionals in Toronto. A senior finance professional with more than 20 years of experience, Susan supports her clients in various industries with a number of initiatives and has a strong track record in delivering optimally aligned teams to meet her clients’ needs. Prior to joining RGP, Susan worked at KPMG for 14 years in both the Audit Practice and Human Resources within KPMG’s recruiting group. Susan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University. In addition to her involvement with Child Development Institute, Susan is Chair of the Board of Directors of Covenant House and is actively involved with the Out of the Cold Program in Toronto.

Vice-President, Operational and Non-Financial Risk, Home Trust Company

Tracey is a risk management professional with over 20 years financial services experience. She is currently serving as VP, Operational and Non-Financial Risk, at Home Trust Company where she has oversight of operational, technology and other non-financial risks. Tracey began her career in public accounting, and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and Ontario, and is a holder of the Institute of Corporate Director designation.