Jennifer Lonergan, PhD, founder of Artistri Sud, has worked with artisans and artisan groups in a dozen developing world nations in Latin America,  Asia, and Africa.  As a buyer for fair trade and ethical wholesale and retail markets in North America—in particular, for the boutique she owned, Artistri—and in partnership with international development organizations in the US and Canada, she has helped support artisans’ efforts to generate revenue by capitalizing on their strengths to meet the needs of a fast-paced marketplace.  Jennifer has a PhD in women’s history and twenty years’ experience in education and curriculum development, both critical tools in her efforts to build capacity among artisans to meet market needs while supporting cultural heritage preservation. For more about Jennifer, watch her video from TedxMontrealWomen.

Susan Maruya is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has experience working for a large international firm and is currently a principal leading the Assurance Standards Group at one of the top ten medium sized firms in Montreal. She has over twenty five years’ experience in accounting and auditing and founded the first Women’s Discussion Group on Accounting and Assurance, which brings together women from numerous leading accounting firms to share their knowledge and experience. Through her travels, particularly her trip to Nepal a couple of years ago, she was struck by the lack of resources and support for women in third world countries.  She saw how hard the Nepalese women had to work day after day with no real relief or change in sight.  This experience inspired her to join an organization like Artistri Sud.  She felt she could make a difference for these women through her contribution in the role of Chair of the Finance and Accounting Committee of the Board.  With the hope of empowering women in developing countries her wish is that their world becomes a much better place.

Arda Minassian is a tax lawyer specialized in global mobility services helping her clients with tax matters related to their mobile employees. Upon hearing about Artistri Sud’s mission, her desire to be involved grew. She finds volunteering with Artistri Sud to be highly rewarding, given her deep-rooted belief in supporting women’s empowerment in underdeveloped countries by giving them tools for greater financial autonomy and independence. Arda believes this type of mobilization helps lead women and their families to have a better life.

Sébastien Cadorette is a Human Resources professional experienced in transformational and international projects, and specifically in mergers and acquisitions. He enjoys connecting inspired people and teams and developing high performing organizations. Through his multiple travels to South America, he has witnessed first-hand the barriers many women faced in accessing employment and basic income. Passionate about improving the wellbeing of disadvantaged communities, he was inspired to join Artistri Sud to contribute to the economic empowerment of women and building sustainable communities. Sébastien holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from HEC Montréal and supports Artistri Sud’s mission as Chair of the Human Resources Committee.

Miki Kanungo is a business improvement consultant specializing in process improvement, optimization of organizations as well as learning and development. Having experience in a variety of large multinational companies as well as his own business endeavors he is passionate about sharing his time and energy and is excited to help Artistri Sud in strengthening its impact on various individuals and countries. Acting as Ambassador and consultant on a variety of projects and organizations, he feels he can make a difference for women in developing countries through his contribution in the role of Director of Strategy and Planning. Miki has his executive MBA, he is certified Green Belt in Lean Methodology and holds the certified Human resources designation. 

Véronique Geoffrion: Certified Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant and founder of Bottom-Line manners. She works with companies, charities and individuals giving seminars on important aspects to succeed in the business world and international arena, like how to Out-Class the Competition or how to Dine Like a Diplomat.

Clare Hallward: One of the founders of Project Chance, a program and an apartment building for single mothers committed to completing their education and their children. She was Vice President of the Lindbergh Foundation in the States and Chair of their Grant Selection Committee. In Montreal, she has been Chair of the Board of Directors of the Thomas More Institute and got her own degree there in her sixties.

Anita Nowak, PhD: Empathy expert and Academic Associate at McGill University, where Anita is responsible for the Integrated Management Fellows Program, which combines faculty-led projects and experiential learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the form of Impact Initiatives.

Lucille Panet-Raymond: Has spent 40 years in the non-profit world. She worked at the Montreal Women’s Y for ten years, 5 of which were as Assistant Executive Director where she was involved also in capital campaigns and special events. She also spent another 25 years at Panet-Raymond et Associés, consulting with over 20 clients. Her volunteer board experience includes La Fédération des femmes du Québec, the National YWCA of Canada, Auberge Transition, la Fondation Solstice, la Fondation Léa Roback and the IRB (Institutional Review Board) , Faculty of Medicine at McGill University.

Fred Schick: MA. Trilingual international development professional with over 10 years of practical field and office experience in the non-profit sector. As an Ecological Economist, he is specialized in training in small business development, environmental education, and food security. He has trained over 500 adults in microenterprise development in Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia the Caribbean and USA, and has also coordinated over 100 volunteers specialized in agro-ecology and rural development in Ecuador.

Paul Simard: Director, Community and Impact Partnerships at UNHCR.  Paul believes in the power of partnerships, of collaboration and of innovative and intentional partnerships. In helping to create the foundation for those opportunities to exist, he works to connect people with people, programs or projects that can create positive and meaningful outcomes that will advance innovation and entrepreneurship.