Conversations

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Carleen Pauliuk

In this edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker , I had the chance to connect with Carleen Pauliuk , Vice President, Western Canada, with the Arthritis Society Canada . Carleen shares her perspective on leadership, impact, and building teams that make a real difference. 1. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I’m Carleen Pauliuk, Vice President, Western Canada at Arthritis Society Canada. I

May 19 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Nadia Wendowsky

In this edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker , we feature Nadia Wendowsky, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation in Montreal, with more than 13 years of experience in academic and healthcare philanthropy. From her time in Advancement at McGill University to leading a national team at the Canadian Cancer Society, Nadia brings a strong focus on people and purpose. 1. Who are you, a

April 21 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Liz Rejman

In this edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker , we meet Liz Rejman, a strategist and self-described “systems whisperer” who helps fundraising teams cut through operational chaos and focus on what really matters. Thoughtful, practical, and refreshingly candid, Liz shares why great fundraising is as much about structure as it is about heart. Who are you, and what do you actually do? As founder of

April 7 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Chantelle Ohrling

For this edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker, Phil Gerard sat down with Chantelle Ohrling , CFRE, a self-proclaimed planned giving nerd with a community-focused twist. Chantelle chairs Communications and Equity & Right Relations for the Canadian Association of Gift Planners Greater Vancouver Chapter, contributes to the Black Canadian Fundraisers Collective , and volunteers for Hogan’s All

March 24 Read more

7 Questions of a Changemaker with Grant Monck

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while, and the time has finally come. One of my longest-standing allies in the sector, Grant Monck , sat down with me to talk about his incredibly diverse and successful career in the nonprofit world. Thank you, Grant, for participating in 7 Questions for a Changemaker. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I have been a fundraiser, lawyer, and leadership vol

March 10 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Paul Nazareth

He needs no introduction… but we'll going to give him one anyway! Phil Gerard met Paul Nazareth back in 2008 at the AFP Congress in Toronto, where Paul was already known for building community and bringing people together. That early connection became part of a lasting professional relationship rooted in mentorship, generosity, and shared commitment to the sector. In this conversation, Paul shares

February 24 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Kristy James

This time, Phil Gerard sat down with Kristy James, President & CEO of the Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation , to talk about her path into the nonprofit sector, leadership, and what meaningful philanthropy really looks like in practice. Who are you and what do you actually do? I’m Kristy James, President & CEO of the Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation. If I’m being honest, wh

February 10 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Jeff Sodowsky

For today's edition of 7 Questions for a Changemaker, I sat down with Jeff Sodowsky , Vice President, Pacific & Senior Consultant at Global Philanthropic Canada . Jeff has years of experience fundraising in the Arts and Healthcare sectors, and is one of the most stylish guys I know! 1. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I'm a guide and partner focused on securing money for charitie

January 27 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Sue Griffin

For our next instalment of 7 Questions for a Changemaker , we’re excited to feature Sue Griffin , a seasoned non-profit leader and visionary fundraising strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations grow, adapt, and thrive. Sue has led complex fundraising campaigns for local and national non-profits, raising millions through annual giving, major gifts, and grant writing, w

January 13 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Vanessa Abaya

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. Who are you, and what do you act

December 17, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Dr. Katherine Pui

Today, we’re spotlighting someone who truly bridges worlds: medicine, philanthropy, and system-level change. Dr. Katherine Pui is not only a practicing medical doctor, but she’s also a seasoned fundraising leader with a long track record of advancing healthcare innovation, research, and patient care. Her work connects clinicians, donors, and communities with purpose, translating complex medical pr

December 2, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Siobhan Aspinall

The next changemaker in my 7 Questions for a Changemaker series is Siobhan Aspinall. A brilliant fundraiser, consultant, surfer (of course she is!!) , and one of Phil Gerard's , favourite people to share a French dinner with. She can also make you laugh as few others can! Siobhan helps charities strengthen their fundraising programs and build confident, capable teams. With deep experience in annua

November 12, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Denise Praill

I’ve been chatting with some incredible nonprofit leaders for my 7 Questions for a Changemaker series. Third up is Denise Praill, CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Denise shares her journey, what drives her, and some insights every fundraiser should hear. Who are you, and what do you actually do? I’m Denise Praill. I’m a daughter, wife, and most importantly, a mom to two daughters. I am the

October 15, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Erin Morantz

We’re excited to dive into our second edition of “7 Questions for a Changemaker” with our dear friend Erin Morantz , VP Advancement & Alumni Engagement at SFU. Erin has spent her career building meaningful philanthropic relationships and driving impact across the nonprofit and education sectors. An SFU alumna, she has held leadership roles in major giving, alumni engagement, and national nonpr

September 8, 2025 Read more

7 Questions for a Changemaker with Rowena Veylan

We’re kicking off our first 7 Questions for a Changemaker with our dear friend Rowena Veylan , founder of the New School of Fundraising . Rowena has spent over two decades in the sector and is now building a space where fundraisers can learn, grow, and challenge the old ways of doing things. She’s thoughtful, values-driven, and one of the most generous people you’ll meet, exactly the kind of chang

August 26, 2025 Read more