Creating a thriving and inclusive Canadian economy, one connection at a time.

Since 2016, Mark Schollenberg has contributed his business knowledge and experience supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and professionals as CGLCC’s Board Chair and Manitoba Regional Member. As a long-time employee of RBC, he has worked to grow and empower businesses across Canada, most recently as a Regional Enablement Coach for Business Markets.

As the Co-founder of CGLCC (2003) and Board Chair (2003-2018), Bruce McDonald continues to contribute his experience as a business consultant, LGBTBE owner, as well as his experience from many years in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. His support of 2SLGBTQI+ communities stretch beyond CGLCC. He was the Co-Founder of both Travel Gay Canada, an association that promoted Canada as a preferred destination for LGBT+ travellers internationally; and the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Business Education Foundation (CGLBEF), Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business education foundation.

Shawn Salewski is an accomplished entrepreneur and senior manager with over two decades of experience in public relations and communications. He currently serves as the Director General of Protection Incendie C.D., a business he has owned since 2022, leading a team dedicated to fire safety and protection. His inclusive leadership and ability to deliver quick, lasting results define his management style.

Previously, Shawn was the Assistant Vice President of External Communications at BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, where he led the team responsible for reputation management, corporate communications, events, and public relations activities. He believes that impactful, purpose-driven projects are essential in building trust and a strong brand.

A passionate advocate for LGBTQ2+ issues, Shawn is currently Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Chair of its Governance Committee. He was the Executive Sponsor of BDC’s LGBTQ2+ Employee Resource Group for five years, until 2023. He has also contributed to non-profit organizations such as Startup Canada and GRIS-Montréal. Shawn’s academic background includes undergraduate studies and a Master’s in Communications from the University of Ottawa. Originally from Ontario, he has lived in Montreal since 2012.

Dr. Gavin Armstrong is committed impact entrepreneur. He is currently serving as the Founder and President of Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise®, a social enterprise attempting to alleviate iron deficiency around the world using a simple health innovation. Through this role he was a Fulbright scholar at Auburn University and was awarded the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Entrepreneur category in 2016. In 2017 he received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award and was named ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ by EY Canada. In 2018 he successfully pitched his company Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise on CBC’s Dragons Den where he was able to secure a deal with two dragons. Gavin holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph.

Nicole is a values-driven executive leader and critical thinker. In her 17 years of B2B experience across industries, Nicole has led marketing, communications, and sales for publicly traded, private, and employee-owned companies. She works as a fractional CMO, helping small and medium sized businesses develop and execute customer, employee, and market-driven growth strategy and tackle complex organizational challenges.

She is known for driving change and taking creative risks. Recently, Nicole served as the head of marketing and communications for Chandos Construction, the world’s largest B Corp certified technical builder. Nicole transformed the Chandos brand and repositioned it in the market as a national, purpose-driven construction company. She centralized the national pursuit process to drive efficiency and quality and led social impact and purpose initiatives including diversity and inclusion and social procurement.

In addition to her recent appointment to the Fireball Equipment Advisory Board, Nicole is a member of the Board of Directors of the CGLCC, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce.

She recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a graduate diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Psychoanalysis and Culture at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis.

Nicole’s breadth and depth of experience allows her to approach problems from different angles and identify opportunities for organizations to differentiate and grow. She is originally from Toronto but has called Edmonton home since 2013 where she lives with her family.

Florence Chapman joined Sobeys Inc. in March 2019 and currently serves as Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion HR and Business Process supporting implementation of a multi-year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy. Prior to joining Sobeys Inc., Florence was CEO of Canadian Business SenseAbility, a leading not-for-profit committed to supporting corporations in advancing employment outcomes for people with disabilities through inclusive and accessible culture and process transformation.

Flo spent over 10 years in the financial services industry as Vice President, Institutional Equity Sales developing strategic global institutional client relationships for Midland Walwyn Capital, and Merrill Lynch in Toronto, New York City, and London, England. She holds a BA in Commerce and Economics from Trinity College, University of Toronto, and completed the Women in Business Initiative at the Rotman School of Management, U of T in 2015. In addition to recently joining the Board of the CGLCC, Flo is founding Board member of Access to Success, a Fellowship Program that provides scholarships to MBA students with disabilities at four of Canada’s leading MBA schools, and ATS Labs, Canada’s only accelerator for accessibility technology startups.

Margaret Coons is the Founder & CEO of Nuts For Cheese, Canada’s market leader in artisan, organic, plant-based dairy manufacturing. Vegan from an early age, Margaret developed a passion for plant-based cuisine becoming a vegan chef and experimenting with nuts and seeds to create deliciously creamy dairy-free cheeses. Since launching at a farmer’s market in 2015, Nuts For Cheese™ has enjoyed explosive growth across Canada and the United States with its award-winning artisanal and versatile dairy-free products available at national retailers, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and more. Today, Nuts For Cheese™ employs 30+ people, operating from a 25,000 square foot manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. Nuts For Cheese™ continues to scale year-over-year with a mission to create delicious, dairy-free and vegan cheese for cheese lovers everywhere.

In Jessica’s current role, she works with a team of Procurement and Business Professionals, across the globe, leading the Bank’s Supplier Diversity strategy, reporting into the Strategy team in RBC Global Procurement under the Chief Administration Office umbrella. Jessica firmly believes that inclusive procurement practices strengthen local economies, forge new business opportunities and create value for communities.

She is known for her strong relationship building skills and strong record in engaging teams, which sets her up for success in her current role. She is bold and is known to tap into the full RBC network to identify the best opportunities for diverse suppliers.

Jessica is energized by connecting with suppliers and spends her time on finding ways to advance the equality of opportunity for Women, BIPOC, LGBT+, people with disabilities, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses by promoting an inclusive supply chain and levelling the playing field for disadvantaged suppliers.

In her spare time Jessica carries that love for sports and you can often find her playing baseball, soccer or basketball with various GTA women’s leagues.

Jane Griffith is the Managing Partner and Founder of the Griffith Group Executive Search. A veteran search leader, Jane focuses on the recruitment of senior leaders in the not-for-profit, academic, and broader public sectors. She is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on hiring practices, with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal History from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Legal History from the University of Toronto. She is an active volunteer and has supported many organizations including 30% Club Canada, Informed Opinions, Congress 2017 with AFP Toronto, as the Founder of The Council of Women Executives, and has been appointed to the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Jane is also the Founder of the Canadian Chapter of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Association.

Joining Export Development Canada in 2021, Rachel is the VP, ESG Strategy, Outreach and Reporting.

Rachel brings over a decade of experience in ESG strategy and reporting in the Canadian financial industry. As the Head of TD’s ESG Reporting and Impact Measurement team, she navigated TD’s strategy through materiality assessments, the adoption of GRI standards, SASB and TCFD reporting. TD’s reporting won national acclaim, winning “Best ESG Reporting” in Canada from IR Magazine for three years in a row.

Originally from the U.K., Rachel completed her undergrad at St. Andrews University in Scotland and returned to school mid-career for a Certificate in Corporate Responsibility from St. Michael’s College in Toronto. In her spare time, Rachel volunteers with Ski Patrol Canada.

Partner/Principal | Intl Tax and Tran Svcs(ITTS). Ernst & Young LLP.

Debra Quade brings extensive knowledge of Supplier Diversity to CGLCC’s board. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, she currently manages the Supplier Diversity program at Kellanova.

As Co-Founder and CEO of CGLCC, Darrell Schuurman has been committed to CGLCC’s mission since 2003. He is a Former Managing Partner at DNA Marketing Group and has a background in business, sales and marketing. He is the Co-Founder of Travel Gay Canada.

A social change activist at heart, Sarah approaches their work with a steadfast commitment to co-creating equitable, sustainable, and joyous communities.

As an executive leader, they have spent nearly two decades working with the public service sector and large corporations to create policy, lead innovation and build progressive, future-ready organizations. They’re known for championing sustainable and scalable practices through the lens of inclusion, justice, and environmental responsibility.

Sarah’s advocacy for building bridges between people, place, and understanding means they can most often be found in community—supporting non-profits, hosting gatherings and fundraisers, and leading inclusive outdoor adventures.

Ashleigh has an extensive background in creating strategic partnerships and developing business opportunities. She finds professional and personal fulfilment at the intersection of advocacy, business, and impact-driven strategy. Ashleigh is also the founder of SheCann, an NGO focused on empowering women through medical cannabis. Her dedication to amplifying the needs of equity-deserving groups is evident in her success as a consultant and advocate. Ashleigh’s work has been recognized through over a dozen national awards and nominations and by print and televised media outlets on over 100 occasions in the last 5 years. She lives in Winnipeg with her partner, her 2 children, and 3 creatures (and counting!)

With over 5 years in the non-profit sector, Paige brings experience in fundraising and partnership management and a passion for advancing causes that focus on equity and sustainability. She has a BA from Queens and professional experience in communications, tech, and client relationship management.

With a career in the non-profit sector that spans over 15 years, Tyler has built a strong background in program management and grant-making, as well as donor education. Tyler holds an MSc in International Development and Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph and is committed to driving positive global change through his career. Using his funder’s experience, he will help to build CGLCC’s granting programs, through the new 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.

Outside of work, you can find Tyler on the soccer pitch or at the pool playing water polo with the Toronto Triggerfish. He also enjoys volunteering for local charities, fiddling around on his guitar, or curling up with a nice book and mug of coffee or tea.

Dre Choi is an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, consultant, researcher, and educator with over 15 years of leadership experience developing, advising, and executing EDI initiatives in organizations and institutions. Their professional experience includes applying robust intersectional EDI frameworks when assessing workplace climates, strengthening policies and practices, and evaluating EDI programs in corporate settings, universities, and the public sector. They are particularly fond of creating rigorous and innovative equity-informed research methodologies and metrics for analyzing data. Strategy-focused, Dre places a heavy emphasis on ethical practice, sustainability, impact, and lasting positive change.

They hold a PhD on the efficacy of equity practices and antiracist initiatives in higher education and the barriers to inclusion for members of equity-deserving groups.

With over ten years of experience in human resources, project management, organizational leadership, training and development, change management, and operational compliance, Austen is passionate about building inclusive, collaborative workplaces. A passionate equity advocate, Austen thrives in an environment that values problem-solving and innovation, continuous improvement, and the exploration of new ideas.

Splitting her time between Toronto and Northern Ontario whenever possible, Austen enjoys spending time outdoors, going on family adventures, vegetarian cooking, and exploring new arts & crafts like knitting and 3D printing.

Julie-Léonora, a communication and marketing professional with a background in Political Sciences, brings extensive experience spanning diverse industries, including the nonprofit sector. She firmly believes in the power of storytelling and effective content creation to emphasize and drive positive change.

As a former content strategist, editorial project manager, and communication and marketing lead, Julie-Léonora is also dedicated to advocating for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. She is actively working towards fostering greater inclusion and awareness. In pursuit of this mission, Julie-Léonora is currently undergoing training on feminist issues and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

A.J. joins the CGLCC with over 15 years of service, hospitality, and entertainment leadership experience. Coming to the team with extensive sales and outreach experience, he is also an avid world traveler. A.J. has seen over 50 countries and 5 continents during his time working with Royal Caribbean in entertainment. He has participated in and helped to organize several floating pride celebrations.

A.J. is focused squarely on adding value and providing opportunities to our current members, as well as expanding our network of certified suppliers, with a primary goal of diversifying corporate supply chains on a national level, and removing access barriers for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses.

Kim holds a Master’s in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po Paris, with concentrations in Stakeholder Engagement and Public Sector Innovation. She is particularly interested in how human rights frameworks can contribute to decolonizing design and create a more inclusive social impact. Her professional experience includes conducting research focused on empowering womxn, curating art exhibits and community-building events, being an advocate for francophone communities across Canada, as well as creating partnerships within civil society. Kim is excited to bring her passion for inclusive innovation to the Supplier Diversity program, which intersects perfectly with her interests and experience.

Outside of the office, she is most likely catching flights and/or waves. She also enjoys painting, writing, and tattooing.

Didi A. Chuk holds a Master’s in International Business Management and Finance from Edinburgh Business School. Recognized as a distinguished scholar, he was honored as the Best Graduating Student for his outstanding academic achievements. Throughout his career, Didi has collaborated with numerous government and public organizations, where his innovative strategies and customer-centric approach earned him the Top Performer accolade. His tenure at Scotiabank’s business banking division further showcased his expertise and commitment to excellence. Beyond his corporate roles, Didi has sat on the board of a charity endowment fund, ardently pushing for female economic empowerment. He’s also a staunch advocate for the rights of black and neurodivergent individuals, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for inclusivity and justice. Outside of work, Didi’s interests are diverse, from exploring culinary arts as a chef to the discipline of powerlifting. As he joins CGLCC, Didi brings a rich tapestry of experiences, achievements, and a genuine desire to foster an inclusive business landscape.

Raised in rural Manitoba and based in Winnipeg, Chris is the CGLCC’s Business Development Manager for the Central Region (MB & ON). With over 15 years of experience in multiple businesses – from manufacturing to Northern retail to food delivery technology – Chris has experienced and contributed to change and growth in various industries.

Chris is focused on building relationships and creating value for organizations and communities. His spare time is devoted to his family, including two dogs who do whatever they want.

Chris has over 15 years experience working both in Canada and abroad in the areas of international and community development, refugee protection, and education. From working with non-profit organizations, to sitting on the board of local 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, to teaching kindergarten up to university level students – Chris is motivated by a desire for social justice.

Most recently, as part of a PhD program in Education, Chris was researching the language learning experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers in Canadian ESL classrooms. He brings this same passion for understanding issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion to his work with the Supplier Diversity Program.

Outside of work, you will find Chris on the tennis court or doing laps as part of his fervent involvement in 2SLGBTQI+ sports!

Kailey Gilchrist brings a dynamic perspective to our team, with over 10 years of experience in business development and as a Diverse Supplier with her company, NONA Vegan. Leading a successful CPG food business has taught her versatility and resilience in entrepreneurship. Actively engaged with CGLCC for the past 5 years, she has attended Global Trade Missions, won pitch competitions, obtained Rainbow Registered status, and participated in the Out for Business Youth Program.

Now in the role of Manager of Corporate Business Development, Kailey holds a genuine commitment to fostering partnerships with organizations and supporting suppliers in their journeys. Having completed Tuck Executive Education programs at Dartmouth for Starting and Growing a Successful Diverse Business, she brings both practical experience and education to her role. Additionally, holding a degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Guelph, Kailey’s creative background may just be her ‘secret sauce’ in the world of business.

Seema is a connector and storyteller, passionate about creating impactful and moving content for tech, finance, not for profit and retail industries. Having her education and vast experience in Marketing and Communication, Seema is the Manager of Corporate Engagement for CGLCC, cultivating and sustaining robust and rich relationships with corporate partners and help them give back to the communities they serve.

Originally from Montreal, Tash is a Concordia Alum where they completed their degree in Leisure & Education. With experiences in non-profit, and public organizations, they dedicate themself to maximizing group and individuals’ experiences by fostering inclusive safe spaces. In 2016, Tash’s home base became Hull, Quebec, steps away Gatineau Park where they now reside with their partner, our 3 cats, and 1 high energy pup. Tash enjoys trail hikes, camping, leisure sports, and a cool breeze.

Named an ‘Inclusion warrior’ by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix while pursuing a double degree in Sustainability and International Development, Connor is a leader in breaking down gender binaries through their passion for 2S2SLGBTQI+QA+ community engagement.

Connor is excited to translate his experience into concrete policies, education, and support for workplaces that are ready to create stronger, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ customers and employees.

Pru is a Queer South Asian Business professional and an artist based in Toronto. She holds a MA in Painting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a focus on intersectionality. Her work is inspired by the relationship between her identity, community and equity. Her vision as a creative professional is to work toward bringing together dispersed communities through meaningful engagement and persuasive dialogue.

Pru manages some of the core programs at CGLCC, including Supplier Diversity and OUT for Business. Previous to CGLCC, she worked at Pride at Work Canada, as the Business Development Coordinator and held positions at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Originally from France and now Vancouver-based, Léa holds a Master’s in Gender studies and Administration. She is joining the CGLCC with over five years of experience in administration, bilingual customer service, and nonprofit organization. She is constantly advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as well as for neurodiversity awareness; she identifies as an intersectional feminist and truly believes in equal rights and opportunities for all

Highly trained in Nonviolent communication and a big empath, Léa’s main focus is to ensure all partners and members feel seen and valued.

In her spare time, Léa enjoys anything that brings joy to her soul, from paddle boarding, road trips or even interior design and going to Drag performances.

Idara (ee-dah-rah) is a people developer and project manager who resides in Edmonton. With 6+ years experience working with nonprofit organizations, she has gathered extensive understanding of the non profit sector in Alberta. Idara has also worked in post secondary institutions, with a goal to facilitate acclimatization of international students in Canada and to promote equality and diversity initiatives within tertiary institutions. Over the past few years Idara has honed her passion for community advocacy through running several community initiatives and offering educational sessions to organizations who wish to foster an inclusive workplace.

Idara’s interests include planning outfits and spaces, and connecting with friends and community. She is a huge fan of paint nights, clothing swaps and trips to the mountains.

Autumn has over a decade of experience managing technology systems for local, national and international nonprofit organizations. He lives in Ottawa with his partner and four spoiled cats.

Originally from Ottawa, Melika has a Ba. in Social sciences with Honors in International Studies and Modern Languages from Ottawa University. While in school she worked for Crown Corporations attached to the tourism industry but later found her calling in the non for profit sector. First by empowering francophone youth with leadership skills, and later supporting 2SLGBTQI+QIA+ Newcomers and asylum seekers with their integration process and to help them face various social, institutional and systemic barriers while in the Greater Toronto Area. Fitness and sweets are her favourite ways to relieve stress. So this, and her love for different cultures lead her to get certified as a Zumba Fitness instructor.

She is now based in the maritimes where she is studying Africentric Social Work at Dalhousie University in hopes of continuing her work in systemic change. Melika feels that her work with multiple vulnerable communities will enrich her work as grant manager with the CGLCC.

With a background in Political Sciences and Communications, Abdi has worked the last several years in community-based research centres. His background in conducting and coordinating public health research projects has focused on intersectional and underserved groups in the 2SLGBTQI+ community, which is where his passion lies.

Abdi is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. He is eager to apply his research experience and passion to the Knowledge Hub and strives to be inclusive of intersectional and underserved communities on this project.

Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Janelle (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha, Pākehā) brings her experience in grants funding and relationship management to support the delivery of the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. Janelle is responsible for the Ecosystem Fund within the Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut areas.

Janelle is passionate about the arts, communities, and cultural wellbeing. In her spare time you’ll find her attending galleries and performances, knitting, reading, or searching Toronto for the perfect flat white.”

Originally from Gotha, Germany, Stanley is passionate about all things international and gained work and study experience in Canada, Germany, and the United States. Having a strong background in grant and project management, Stanley is responsible for the delivery of the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program in Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C., the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

In his spare time you can find Stanley either painting and sketching, ballroom and swing dancing, or being active outside as he’s into many different sports throughout the year.

Adam is a Queer Canadian originally from Lebanon, who has called Vancouver home since 2016. With over five years of experience in Project Management, he holds certification as a Project Management Professional and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering. Adam’s journey took a significant turn driven by his passion for human rights and LGBTQI rights, prompting a career shift to focus on working with the 2SLGBTQI community. His interests span from travelling to cooking, and thrive on To-do lists.

Adam serves as the Special Projects Manager at CGLCC, channeling his skills and dedication into meaningful initiatives for the community.

Eloise brings experience in events management, fundraising and entrepreneurship to her role at the CGLCC. She has a BA from McGill and has worked in the public and non-profit sectors.

A graduate of HEC Montreal with degrees in Administration and Political Science, Anthony’s academic journey instilled in him a deep understanding of both business principles and the complexities of governance. Anthony brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to inclusivity to his role as Executive Assistant at CGLCC.

With a professional background rooted in politics, Anthony developed his expertise working alongside a Member of Parliament, focusing on supporting small businesses and non-profits with diverse needs. Additionally, he dedicates his time to volunteering with a women’s shelter foundation, offering support and advocacy for those in need.

Outside the office, Anthony’s love for his adorable Mini Australian Shepherd, Sirius, brings joy and balance to his life. He’s an avid explorer of the local coffee scene, always on the hunt for the perfect brew, and harbors a passion for travel, seeking out new experiences and cultures wherever he goes.

Over the last several years, Leila-Indira has merged her training in storytelling at one of the top journalism schools in Canada with direct experience working in the communications, marketing and branding space for several Arts and civic focused business development organizations. Her specialization is in translating and coordinating brand narratives into compelling digital stories across social and newsletter channels.

Leila’s journey into this niche is inspired by her past role as a summer intern with CGLCC, which further kindled her passion for storytelling, social advocacy, and inclusivity. She firmly believes that acknowledging and understanding the intersectionality of human experience is of utmost importance when using the power of narrative to advocate for social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Reggie was raised on the outskirts of Paris within a French Brazilian family. Early exposure to a variety of cultures ignited her curiosity about the world and instilled in her a passion for celebrating diversity. Her journey has been marked by a profound appreciation for cultural exchange, having also lived in the UK before settling in Canada.

A seasoned media professional with over 10 years of experience in content production and visual storytelling, Reggie is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, aiming to highlight the importance of representation and cultivate inclusive spaces.

In her free time, Reggie finds solace in the simple joys of life, whether she’s hanging out with her beloved dog Milo, indulging her creativity, going on walks, or travelling.

Oscar is a Project Manager with experience in the non-profit and education sectors. Originally from Mexico, he moved to Canada in 2018 to settle permanently after completing his Masters degree in Marketing Management. Oscar is a trilingual professional with an international background in diversity and inclusion. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and embracing different cultures, cuisine, and traditions.

Jasmine has a BA in Honours Psychology from the University of Waterloo, where she spent two years in the Global Business and Digital Arts program as well. She also brings extensive skill sets in areas such as client relationship management and financial services. Her professional and academic experiences have allowed her to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for corporate diversity and inclusion in B2B settings.

As a former volunteer for a non-profit organization, Jasmine has a strong interest in advocating for the rights of minority groups. Jasmine’s pursuit of her passion for helping members of the community has brought her to CGLCC, where she hopes to assist our team in building an inclusive business landscape in Canada.

Jasmine lives in Southern Ontario with her family, where she was born and raised. When she is out of the office, Jasmine enjoys thrifting, travelling, and playing with her dog, Tommy!

Vanessa, originally from a Nigerian-Kenyan background, made Montreal her home just six months ago. Prior to settling in Montreal, she resided in Kenya and the Netherlands. Her professional background is rooted in NGOs dedicated to enhancing the lived experiences of marginalized groups. Her expertise lies in communications, stakeholder engagement, and event planning.

Vanessa’s motivation for joining CGLCC stems from her commitment to amplifying the voices and improving the experiences of historically marginalized communities. With a foundation in Political Science and European Studies, her academic pursuits often centered on researching the experiences of Black/Afro minority groups. She identifies as a Black/African woman with an unseen disability.

In her leisure time, Vanessa finds joy in traveling, spending time with her favorite kitty Mango, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

The travel and tourism industry has been shaping Peter’s professional life for almost a decade. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Peter has become an ambassador for tourism in the Atlantic region through his exceptional knowledge and experience in visitor services.

With growing demands for diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism sector, Peter is enthusiastic to assist organizations that want to create a welcoming environment for their employees and visitors and grow their business.

While in his final year of the Tourism and Hospitality degree program at MSVU, he is also passionate to support the delivery of the Rainbow Registered program, identifying areas for improvement based on client feedback and creating solutions for a better overall customer experience.

Merve, pronunciation Mervé (mervei-lleux; Mervay) was born into a Turkish household, raised in Germany and chose Montreal as her new home in 2019. With a vibrant background, she has actively contributed to the non-profit community. In Germany, she co-founded an organization providing space for 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants and served as a board member and support services volunteer for a local non-profit in Montreal serving 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants and refugees. Now she is active as a volunteer and provides legal aid for queer Turkish refugees coming to Canada.

Her journey has taken her to various parts of the world, including Sao Paulo, Lisbon and Vancouver, reflecting her love for travel and connecting with different cultures.

In her free time, Merve enjoys going for runs, cooking Turkish meals and relishes board game nights at home with her partner and her cat. Her passion for intersectional identities and her zest for life shine through in her various roles and experiences.

Taylor is an experienced nonprofit professional dedicated to advocating for queer liberation and disability justice in Nova Scotia. With a background that combines academia, business engagement, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ and disability communities, Taylor brings a multifaceted perspective to her work as the Project Lead of Tourism & Accreditation Programs (Atlantic Canada) at CGLCC.

With an MA in critical disability studies and a BA in sociology, Taylor’s career has been marked by a commitment to disability and queer inclusion within Atlantic Canadian businesses and organizations. Taylor advocates for prioritizing lived experience perspectives and leadership of the most marginalized among us. In 2023, Taylor co-founded a community peer support network, Neuroinclusive Support Network, and is on the Board of Directors for 211 Nova Scotia.

When she’s not working, you can find her crocheting garments, taking dance classes, or hiking through Nova Scotia.

Eli (ee-lie) is a trans, nonbinary, disabled activist, parent, and mindfulness practitioner committed to supporting and advocating for opportunity, empowerment, and liberation for all beings. They are a former U.S. lawyer with experience in business immigration, human rights, and youth work and are passionate about creating and fostering community and connection.

Eli holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas. They live in Tiohtiá:ke (commonly known as Montréal) in an apartment full of kids, pets, books, endless dirty dishes, and love.

Trish is a proud member of the 2S2SLGBTQI+ Community and proud to be part of the 2SLGBTQI+ team. As Office Administrator, she is the voice that answers the phone and is supporting key directors of the organization. She has worked in private, government, non-profit and media organizations.

As an avid traveller, she has explored over fifty countries and welcomes travel stories and tips. She loves a very good cup of tea, a walk in her favourite trail and time near water. You will find her and her son between Vancouver, BC and Ottawa, ON.

Ruth Wallace is a driven and compassionate individual who is committed to advocating for social justice. With extensive experience in both public and private sector accounting, Ruth is always eager to grow and develop professionally. She is pursuing her CPA certification while completing a degree in project management. Ruth is known for her creative problem-solving skills and is committed to using her knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Sydney is a graduate from the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, and earned her CPA, CA designation while working with Deloitte in Toronto. Sydney has spent 10+ years supporting charities and non-profits both in Canada and abroad. It was Sydney’s humanitarian work in South India and Honduras that sparked her personal mission of utilizing her professional skills to improve the lives of as many people as possible throughout her career.

(External Contractor, from CHARITYacCOUNTS!)