This time, we’re featuring Vanessa Abaya, Senior Vice-President, Philanthropy & Campaign at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. With decades of experience leading large-scale fundraising in health care, Vanessa brings clarity, conviction, and heart to her work. We asked her seven quick questions about leadership, philanthropy, and what drives meaningful change.
1. Who are you, and what do you actually do? My role at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Senior Vice-President, Philanthropy & Campaign. I’m part of the executive team and responsible for organizational strategy, long-term planning, and overall leadership of the Foundation. I lead the major fundraising campaign and am accountable for gifts of $100,000 or more. I’m an immigrant to Canada and have lived in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. My sisters are my best friends, and I’m the favourite auntie to four incredible nieces (don’t tell my sister 🙂).
2. What pulled you into the nonprofit world? I was lucky to be an intern at the Vancouver Playhouse. I saw how art creates vibrant communities, speaks to our humanity, and connects people. I also witnessed generosity and a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself. I knew I wanted to be part of that.
3. Tell me about a moment that made you think, “Yes. This is why I do this.” I was sitting at my dad’s bedside after open-heart surgery while my mom was in the ICU recovering from valve surgery. I experienced first-hand the tireless, brilliant work of their health-care teams and understood the need for advanced equipment. We benefited from research funded by visionary donors — research that gave my parents more time with their grandchildren and with us. I felt immense gratitude. This is why I do this.
4. What’s something about working in nonprofits most people don’t understand? We are a business. We have strategic plans and annual goals focused not only on financial targets but on impact. We use resources intentionally, including investing in our people. I’m often asked about overhead or administrative costs, and my inside voice says: I’m part of the overhead, and my work makes a difference. The sector serves society in incredible ways, yet much of that work goes unnoticed unless people are in a moment of need. I can’t imagine our communities without nonprofits.
5. What’s one thing you wish more fundraisers or hiring managers knew? Skills can be taught; the drive to grow and improve cannot. I look for people who embrace learning and seek challenges. That mindset fuels long-term success — for individuals and teams alike.
6. What’s a small, underrated habit that’s helped your career? Take a break. Whether it’s working out, sleeping in on weekends, or truly using your holidays, it’s important to unplug and recharge. (Yes, some friends and colleagues may roll their eyes at this — they know my schedule. In this case, do as I say, not as I do 🙂.)
7. Finish this sentence: “The future of fundraising is…” Deeply human and selfless. I may be an optimist, but I believe generosity and genuine relationships will always remain in style.