Chair

Lesley has dedicated her career to supporting communities facing systemic barriers and advocating for social justice. As the inaugural Executive Director of The Shoebox Project for Women, a national charity that distributes essential items to women experiencing homelessness, she spearheaded a volunteer-led giving movement across Canada. Now serving as the Director of Fund Development & Growth at Sistering, Toronto’s only 24/7 Drop-In center for women and gender-diverse individuals, Lesley continues her commitment to empowering underserved populations, driving transformative programs, and fostering a community of care and support.

Vice-Chair

Danielle Lamothe is currently the vice-president of learning and innovation for the Canadian Society of Association Executives. With almost 2 decades experience in senior leadership roles in the non-profit sector, she has a strong background in governance, financial management, human resources management and service delivery. She is both a Certified Training and Development Professional and a Certified Association Executive and has a BA in English and Film from Laurentian University.

Board Secretary

Nicole is an independent consultant specializing in large-scale technology programs across the finance sector. Prior to this she was the Director of Corporate Systems for one of Canada’s largest investment firms and the Regional Vice President of an international software company. Nicole began her early years as a single mother of two, eventually earning a CPA and an MBA in Finance. She brings a can-do approach to problem solving and strategy, supporting women through the important work done by Jessie’s Centre.

Treasurer

Gurjot is a CPA who currently works as a Senior Financial Analyst at McCain Foods Limited. She has a background in audit services and is now focused on financial planning and analysis. As a firm believer in equity and respect towards women and young parents, she is excited to join the board this upcoming month and looks forward to supporting Jessie’s vision in her term.

Amanda is currently a Finance Manager, Programs at Grand Challenges Canada where she provides financial support to the Programs area of the organization, enabling downstream partners to meet pre-and post-award financial requirements. Prior to joining Grand Challenges Canada, she worked in a corporate tax advisory and reporting role at a large Canadian public company and practiced tax and audit at a national accounting firm, servicing small and large companies in various industries. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and obtained her CPA, CA designation in 2014. Amanda is excited to give back to the community and be a part of Jessie’s.

Jessica is an associate lawyer at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, with more than eight years of experience in family law. Her legal practice encompasses various aspects, from litigation to alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and collaborative practice. With a strong passion for her clients, Jessica advocates for them by providing personalized solutions to resolve their family law matters quickly and effectively. Jessica eager looks forward to actively contributing to the community through her involvement with Jessie’s.

Judy has a background in finance, accounting, and operations. She obtained a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from the University of Waterloo and is passionate about equity and opportunity for women and young families.  

Hazel is a Child and Youth Care Practitioner at the Peel District School Board, where she supports students who struggle with their social-emotional and self-regulation needs as well as those who experience mental health concerns. Hazel is also the Founder of Big Girl Interrupted, it is a community that is dedicated to inspiring women to uncover what is interrupting their life. She empowers women to disrupt the patterns that have impaired their ability to achieve and grow.

Diana is a paralegal who practices exclusively in the area of landlord and tenant law at the Landlord’s Self-Help Centre. She educates residential landlords about tenants’ rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure equality and equity in housing.

Moya is a proud mom of two and a past participant of Jessie’s Centre, now dedicated to giving back to the organization that helped shape her path. A true skincare enthusiast, she’s always discovering new products and routines to share. As an entrepreneur, she’s passionate about creating opportunities for others and is all about paying it forward. Outside of work, you’ll probably find her with a good book in hand. She’s big on community, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact - both in her business and everyday life.

Dr. Adrienne Galway is the President and CEO of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), a not-for-profit funded by the Ontario government to help postsecondary students navigate higher education and the labor market. With extensive experience in program development and strategic partnerships, she previously held senior roles at George Brown College and served as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities. Dr. Galway has taught at the University of Toronto and the State University of New York at Buffalo and has served on various governance boards. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Toronto.

Kasonde is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years of experience in clinical operations within hospital organizations in the GTA. Her clinical expertise expands working in the emergency department, progressive clinical leadership roles and remote work in indigenous communities. She is currently pursuing her project management certificate at the University of Toronto. Her focus is advocating for healthcare that is patient-centred, accessible, and equitable for all communities. She is eager to contribute to Jessie’s vision.

Cecile is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Laurentian University. She currently works for RBC as a Senior Manager of Process Optimization. Prior to this, she’s held various mid-level management finance, accounting and performance management positions in both the private and public sectors over her 20 + years as a professional accountant.
Based on her experiences working with various provincial and municipal funding agencies, Cecile understands the unique financial challenges that non-profits face and is committed to helping Jessie’s achieve their mission and goals.

Tammy Thorne is a strategic communications professional with two decades of experience working with non-profit, policy and government leadership teams at large organizations that include the Canadian Mental Health Association, City of Toronto, Government of Canada (Ministry of the Status of Women and Gender Equality), University of Toronto, WWF and Oceana Canada. She was the founding editor of dandyhorse magazine (2008-2016), Toronto’s first female-focused advocacy magazine for cyclists. Tammy is currently the senior manager of communications at LOFT Community Services, an established social services provider. Like Jessie’s founder June Callwood, she wants to make the world a better place.