Sandra Richardson
CEO
Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation as CEO in 2001, Sandra enjoyed a successful career in fund development in both Canada and the USA. Most…
Adam van der Zwan
Senior Communications Officer
Adam grew up in Clearwater, B.C., and earned a BA in Communications from SFU in 2017, then a master’s degree in journalism from Carleton University…
Amira Maddison
Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Amira joined the Foundation in 2024 after working in the non-profit sector for over 9 years. Having grown up on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory…
Brin S Morgan
Senior Director, Governance & Executive Operations
Brin was born in Edmonton and raised in Prince George. She has called Victoria home since 1991, when she moved here having never visited the…
Carol Hall
Senior Director, Innovation & Impact
Carol joined the Foundation in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of experience in community development and philanthropy within the non-profit sector. She has worked on projects in…
Chilandu Yamba
Accountant
Chilandu was born and raised in Zambia, and moved to Victoria in 2015 to pursue her studies at Camosun College. She graduated with a Bachelor’s…
David Foley
Scholarship Administrator
David arrives at the Victoria Foundation from Winnipeg, where he worked at the University of Manitoba in scholarship and award administration. David is happy to…
Giselle Tuzlupinar
Accountant
Giselle was born and raised in Turkey. She attended Istanbul Bilgi University and the University of Victoria, studying international finance and then business management. She…
Ian Johnson
Director, Investments
Ian was born in Ottawa and grew up in Ottawa and Belleville, Ontario (with a brief year in Winnipeg). He is a graduate of Queen’s…
Jaime Clifton
Director, Marketing & Communications
Jaime grew up on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish people while spending many summers in her family’s home on the ancestral homelands…
Jenna Falk
Manager, Granting Initiatives
Jenna joined the Foundation in 2023 after working as a consultant with Strategic Initiatives for 2.5 years. Having grown up in Kitchener, Ontario, she came…
Jessica Doll
Associate Director of Impact
Jessica joined the Foundation in 2019 with almost 20 years experience in fundraising and philanthropy within the social profit sector. With an educational background in…
Jonathon Dyck
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Jonathon grew up in Airdrie, Alberta, and after studying broadcasting at Mount Royal College made his way to Prince George, BC to work as a…
Karen M
Philanthropic Services Administrator
Karen was born in Scotland and moved to Canada at 3 ½ years old, living most of her life in Kamloops, BC. She graduated from…
Karen Ng
Director, Financial Compliance & Systems
Karen was born in Hong Kong, raised in Victoria, and has her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Business and Finance from the University of…
Maria Campos
Governance Associate
Maria has over 10 years working for the non-profit organizations. She joined the Victoria Foundation in 2021. Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends….
Matt Monteith
Senior Accountant
Matt was born in Calgary and moved to the Okanagan at the age of 13. He later moved to Victoria to pursue his post-secondary education…
Megan Atkins-Baker
Creative Content & Marketing Specialist
Megan is a communications expert with a background in journalism and marketing. Her professional experience includes philanthropic roles at United Way of Calgary and HeroWork…
Melanie Porter
Information Systems & Data Specialist
Melanie joined the Victoria Foundation in 2010. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, photography, volunteering, and outdoor activities.
Melody Burns
Events & Sponsorship Specialist
Melody was born and raised in Victoria and completed her studies in Business Management and E commerce, graduating with honours. While working in innovative private…
Natasha Benn
Director, Philanthropic Services
Natasha’s background includes over 13 years as a paralegal specializing in the area of Wills and Estates with the law firm of McConnan Bion O’Connor…
Nathan Lapointe
Senior Manager, Financial Operations & Payroll
Nathan was born in Vancouver, raised in Victoria and graduated from Oak Bay High School. He has been with the foundation since May 2008. He…
Noralyn Pangandaman
Senior Technology Project Coordinator
Nor was born and raised in the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and is currently pursuing…
Renee Gonzalez
Philanthropic Services Administrative Assistant
Renee was born in Scarborough, Ontario, and grew up in Toronto. In 2016, she moved from Minnesota to Victoria, B.C. to continue her education at…
Rodrigo Cruz
IT Project Coordinator
Rodrigo was born and raised in the State of Mexico. He joined the Victoria Foundation in January 2024 as a Technology Project Coordinator after being…
Rory Grewar
Director, Special Funds
Rory was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba. He worked for 14 years as a Senior Administrator with the Provincial…
Sara Neely
Senior Director, Philanthropic Services
Sara joined the Victoria Foundation in 2008. She is responsible for working with professional advisors and their clients, building relationships in the community and enhancing…
Sarah Prusinowski
Senior Associate, Granting Initiatives
Sarah grew up on the east coast but has lived in British Columbia since 2003. She completed her degree in history and professional writing at…
Scott Antaya
Administrative Assistant, Special Funds
Scott spent most of his life in British Columbia, where he has called Victoria home for over 30 years. Scott first came to the Victoria…
Sushil Saini
Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Sushil grew up in Cobourg Ontario on the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations. She arrived on Vancouver Island in…
Tanya Chassé
Manager, Leadership Initiatives
Tanya spent her formative years in the Yukon and, after a short stint in Lethbridge, Alberta, arrived in Victoria in 1989 to study at the…
Taryn Malcolm
Manager, Communications Programs
Taryn joined the Foundation in 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in communications strategy and content development to her role on the communications…
Teagan Dawson
Strategic Initiatives Associate
Teagan grew up in North Vancouver, on the territory of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She moved to Victoria to earn a BA in Environmental…
Tracey Pasqualotto
Philanthropic Services Coordinator
Tracey was born and raised in the interior of BC but has called Victoria home since moving here to study at UVic, where she graduated…
Tracy Cullen
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Tracy grew up in New Jersey/Lenne Lenape First Nation territory and moved to Victoria in 2003. She studied Nutrition and Education at Rutgers University and…
Valeriia Shumik
Finance Administrator
Valeriia was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to Victoria in 2022. She holds a master’s degree in economics and has experience working in…
Sandra Richardson
CEO
Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation as CEO in 2001, Sandra enjoyed a successful career in fund development in both Canada and the USA. Most recently, she worked for five years as Director of Development and Planned Giving with the Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation and prior to that as Director of Development for the Cleveland Playhouse/Cleveland Opera. Among her many professional endeavours, Sandra has been a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) for over 10 years and has been an integral part of the success of the CAGP Vancouver Island Roundtable, where she served as Chair for four years. She also served on the Board of Community Foundations of Canada for eight years and for six years was an active participant with the Transatlantic Community Foundation Network. Sandy has been recognized on many occasions for her achievements and for her distinguished service to the community, including being invited to enter the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem (2007) and a recipient of the Royal Roads University Community Leadership Award (2008), Vancouver Island Public Relations Professional of the Year Award (2009), University of Victoria Distinguished Alumni Award (2010), Rotary Community Leadership Award (2011), Order of British Columbia (2016) and University of Victoria Honorary Doctor of Laws (2018). Adam van der Zwan
Senior Communications Officer
Adam grew up in Clearwater, B.C., and earned a BA in Communications from SFU in 2017, then a master’s degree in journalism from Carleton University in 2019. He’s now proud to call Victoria home and is honoured to live on the traditional homelands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples. He spent four years working as a reporter and radio producer at CBC Victoria before joining the Victoria Foundation. He’s also worked for The Globe and Mail and the Ottawa Citizen. A natural storyteller and communicator, he’s thrilled to have a role in sharing the inspiring stories of local changemakers in Greater Victoria’s social profit sector. In his spare time, Adam writes fiction, explores the hiking trails around his home, belly laughs, and enjoys lazy Saturday mornings with his partner and a massive pot of strong coffee. Amira Maddison
Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
Amira joined the Foundation in 2024 after working in the non-profit sector for over 9 years. Having grown up on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory in Vancouver, she began her career in the charitable sector at Galiano Conservancy Association where she developed a passion for youth engagement and environmental education. In 2018 her career brought her to Lekwungen speaking peoples territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt nations in Victoria where she continued youth facilitation roles in environmental education with Sierra Club BC, food security with LifeCycles Project Society, and Indigenous youth sport programs with Ultimate Spirit. As Strategic Initiatives Coordinator she will be supporting the Indigenous Granting Advisory Pilot and assisting with research and collaboration at the Victoria Foundation. When not working, Amira can be found creating art, coaching the UVic Vikes Women’s Ultimate team, and enjoying the outdoors by foot, bike, and kayak. Brin S Morgan
Senior Director, Governance & Executive Operations
Brin was born in Edmonton and raised in Prince George. She has called Victoria home since 1991, when she moved here having never visited the city before. She attended Camosun College and the University of Victoria, studying psychology and then business administration. After 16 years in the tourism industry, she changed career paths and joined a local real estate company. As part of their support staff for over 5 years, she filled many different roles including reception and conveyancing. Outside of work, Brin enjoys an active lifestyle, reading, and creating foods, crafts and memories with her family. Carol Hall
Senior Director, Innovation & Impact
Carol joined the Foundation in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of experience in community development and philanthropy within the non-profit sector. She has worked on projects in Victoria and globally to mobilize knowledge and tools to strengthen communities in an era of rapid change. Prior to moving to Vancouver Island, she was executive director of a foundation in New England that conserved farms and natural areas, and earlier worked on community and economic development projects in southern Africa. She started her career focusing on emerging workplace issues with the Society for Human Resource Management based near Washington, DC. She completed studies at University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University and University College London. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, Nordic skiing and hiking in the great outdoors.
Chilandu Yamba
Accountant
Chilandu was born and raised in Zambia, and moved to Victoria in 2015 to pursue her studies at Camosun College. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting major). Prior to joining the foundation, Chilandu completed co-operative work terms with National Money Mart and Aryze Developments where she worked as a Tax Preparer and Junior Accountant. In her spare time, Chilandu enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, photography, volunteering, and cooking.
David Foley
Scholarship Administrator
David arrives at the Victoria Foundation from Winnipeg, where he worked at the University of Manitoba in scholarship and award administration. David is happy to be continuing this work with the Victoria Foundation. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Victoria, David is a composer and occasional performer of classical and experimental music. Outside of work and music, David is a proud father, an avid cook and baker, and a non-elite runner.
Giselle Tuzlupinar
Accountant
Giselle was born and raised in Turkey. She attended Istanbul Bilgi University and the University of Victoria, studying international finance and then business management. She has worked as Senior Audit Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Turkey and Financial Reporting Specialist at Beymen Group. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. Ian Johnson
Director, Investments
Ian was born in Ottawa and grew up in Ottawa and Belleville, Ontario (with a brief year in Winnipeg). He is a graduate of Queen’s University, and after university, he spent over a decade teaching at a college in Kobe, Japan. Ian is a highly experienced risk manager with extensive theoretical and hands-on experience trading proprietary strategies designed to mitigate the impact of market volatility and generate additional portfolio yield. He came back to Canada in 2007, and helped launch a Vancouver-based hedge fund. The Fund went on to be one of three finalists for Morningstar’s Best Opportunistic Hedge Fund in 2012, and he managed investments for some of Canada’s top institutional investors, including Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Manitoba Teachers’ Society and the Jim Pattison Foundation. Ian and his family moved to Victoria in 2017, where he worked as Chief Risk Officer for a top-ranked investment advisory team. He joined the Victoria Foundation’s Investment Committee in 2020, and came on board as the Foundation’s Director of Investments in 2022. He has been a CFA charterholder since 2015, and has a deep commitment to professional development and education. He currently teaches multiple investment courses for the University of Victoria Continuing Studies program, and has been a guest lecturer for the 4th year Strategic Investing course at the Richard Ivey School of Business. When he’s not working or playing with his two young kids, you’ll usually find Ian on one of the local tennis courts. Jaime Clifton
Director, Marketing & Communications
Jaime grew up on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish people while spending many summers in her family’s home on the ancestral homelands of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk. She studied Art History at the University of Victoria before completing a Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. She previously worked for the Myseum of Toronto, CRC Research at Royal Roads University, and the National Environmental Treasure. She also taught environmental communications in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University. When not working, Jaime enjoys spending time in nature, hanging out with her puppy, and playing D&D with friends. Jenna Falk
Manager, Granting Initiatives
Jenna joined the Foundation in 2023 after working as a consultant with Strategic Initiatives for 2.5 years. Having grown up in Kitchener, Ontario, she came to Victoria in 2011 to pursue a Masters in Environmental Studies at UVic. She began her career in the charitable sector at Galiano Conservancy Association where she developed a passion for non-profit capacity building, land protection and species at risk conservation. Her deep commitment and gratitude to the charitable sector as the beating heart of our community brought her to the Foundation. As Strategic Initiatives Specialist, she will support the sector through granting programs, research and evaluation initiatives. When not working, Jenna can be found gardening, creating crafty things or enjoying the great outdoors on Galiano.
Jenna and Morgan Jessica Doll
Associate Director of Impact
Jessica joined the Foundation in 2019 with almost 20 years experience in fundraising and philanthropy within the social profit sector. With an educational background in marketing and communications, she began her career at Big Brothers and Sisters of Victoria where she discovered a passion for strengthening resources that serve the emotional and physical well-being of children and their families. She has spent most of her professional experience in healthcare fundraising, including an active role in BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s $200 million campaign for a new hospital. She serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals board and is the current Victoria National Philanthropy Day chair. Her commitment to social change and honoring the heartfelt connection between a donor’s intention and the causes they love is what brought Jessica to the Foundation. As the organization’s new strategic partnership manager, she will serve as the resource and bridge between community initiatives and philanthropic services. Jonathon Dyck
Senior Director, Marketing & Communications
Jonathon grew up in Airdrie, Alberta, and after studying broadcasting at Mount Royal College made his way to Prince George, BC to work as a news reporter and anchor at 94x and The Wolf. His path would then take him to Simon Fraser University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in communications, before returning to Prince George to work for Northern Health in communications. After almost five years with Northern Health, Jonathon relocated to Victoria to work for BC Transit prior to joining the Victoria Foundation. Jonathon also holds a Master of Arts in disaster and emergency management from Royal Roads University and received his Accreditation in Public Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society. Outside of work you can find Jonathon spending time with his wife and children. Karen M
Philanthropic Services Administrator
Karen was born in Scotland and moved to Canada at 3 ½ years old, living most of her life in Kamloops, BC. She graduated from Westervelt College in Travel and Tourism and has worked in various business environments including as a business owner and store manager. Karen returned to school and graduated from the Administrative Assistant program at Thompson Rivers University. She held various positions at Royal Inland Hospital during her nine years with Interior Health. Moving to Victoria at the end of 2016, she worked for Berwick Retirement Communities Head Office before joining the team at the Victoria Foundation. In her spare time Karen enjoys photography, watching movies, and spending time with family. Karen Ng
Director, Financial Compliance & Systems
Karen was born in Hong Kong, raised in Victoria, and has her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Business and Finance from the University of Victoria. She came to the Foundation with over a decade of banking experience in both personal and small business advising. Karen wrote and passed the Common Final Exam for Chartered Professional Accountants in 2019 and worked in Public Practice with Grant Thornton for over two years in Victoria. Karen enjoys travelling, singing, trying out new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Maria Campos
Governance Associate
Maria has over 10 years working for the non-profit organizations. She joined the Victoria Foundation in 2021. Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends. On her spare time, Maria walks with her dog, goes swimming and likes painting and writing. Matt Monteith
Senior Accountant
Matt was born in Calgary and moved to the Okanagan at the age of 13. He later moved to Victoria to pursue his post-secondary education and obtained a B.A in Psychology at the University of Victoria. Realizing that his true passion was with numbers, he entered into the Post-Degree Diploma for Accounting at Camosun and obtained his CPA designation in 2024. Before joining the foundation, Matt was as an auditor at Grant Thornton for 4 years where he worked with NPO’s and charities in the Victoria area. In his spare time, Matt enjoys chatting with his friends about new and classic movies, hiking trails on Vancouver Island, and playing board games with his partner. Megan Atkins-Baker
Creative Content & Marketing Specialist
Megan is a communications expert with a background in journalism and marketing. Her professional experience includes philanthropic roles at United Way of Calgary and HeroWork Victoria, as well as positions with Black Press Media and Glenlyon Norfolk School. She combines her passion for humanitarianism with a strong commitment to a healthier environment and animal welfare. With a diverse skill set in writing, photography and video production, her curiosity about the human experience informs her storytelling, allowing her to connect deeply with what shapes our world. Outside of work, she enjoys practicing yoga and has completed her 200-hour training, further enriching her holistic approach to life and wellness. Melanie Porter
Information Systems & Data Specialist
Melanie joined the Victoria Foundation in 2010. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, photography, volunteering, and outdoor activities. Melody Burns
Events & Sponsorship Specialist
Melody was born and raised in Victoria and completed her studies in Business Management and E commerce, graduating with honours. While working in innovative private industry around Victoria, and starting a live-streaming business with her partner, Melody has also been an active member in the community serving special interest groups. She is passionate about raising up the community around her through social innovation. When not working or volunteering, Melody enjoys listening to podcasts, hiking, taking in the cultural aspects of the city, and spending time with her young children. Natasha Benn
Director, Philanthropic Services
Natasha’s background includes over 13 years as a paralegal specializing in the area of Wills and Estates with the law firm of McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson. Wanting a career change, Natasha decided that a natural fit would be in the area of Legacy Giving. Natasha joined the University of Victoria and managed the Planned Giving and Estate Administration Department for over six years. More recently, Natasha joins us after three years with Victoria Hospice where she established a formal planned giving program and later became the Director of Fund Development. Natasha has served on the Board of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners for seven years, as well as the LEAVE A LEGACY™ program. Born and raised in Victoria, Natasha enjoys the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. She spends her weekends gardening, cooking and crafting. Nathan Lapointe
Senior Manager, Financial Operations & Payroll
Nathan was born in Vancouver, raised in Victoria and graduated from Oak Bay High School. He has been with the foundation since May 2008. He graduated from Camosun College in April 2009 with his Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting Option) degree. He completed the Certified General Accountant program in August 2011. Nathan completed co-operative work terms with local accounting firms before joining the Foundation. Nathan enjoys volunteering, reading books and playing board games. Noralyn Pangandaman
Senior Technology Project Coordinator
Nor was born and raised in the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of Victoria. With over ten years of experience in project management, Nor has led medium to complex projects in the tech industry, working with cross-functional teams to manage budgets and timelines, and ensure successful project outcomes. Her interest in IT grew after leading software development projects for ERP systems. She also has a background in business process analysis and quality assurance, developing strategies and processes to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Nor is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and Six Sigma Green Belt, demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of project management. Outside of work and studies, Nor enjoys traveling and exploring new places, as well as spending time with family and friends, and makes time to engage in community service projects that allow her to give back to those in need. Renee Gonzalez
Philanthropic Services Administrative Assistant
Renee was born in Scarborough, Ontario, and grew up in Toronto. In 2016, she moved from Minnesota to Victoria, B.C. to continue her education at the University of Victoria, where she competed in Varsity Rugby. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in linguistics, Renee was selected to represent Canada on the global stage in Women’s Rugby. She has traveled extensively with the Women’s 15’s and 7’s National teams, representing Canada in numerous prestigious events, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. After 14 years of competitive rugby, she decided to pursue her next chapter, focusing on her life beyond the field. She is continuing her education online in the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. Outside of rugby, she enjoys extreme outdoor adventures like hiking and skydiving, as well as painting, music, traveling, and snorkeling. Rodrigo Cruz
IT Project Coordinator
Rodrigo was born and raised in the State of Mexico. He joined the Victoria Foundation in January 2024 as a Technology Project Coordinator after being immersed for several years in the Mexican social-entrepreneurship ecosystem. He holds a master’s in Business Innovation from Centro University, with experience in design thinking, user experience, agile and fintech. He co-founded a reward-based crowdfunding platform for low-income entrepreneurs and, through that, came to admire local and community initiatives. He’s also worked as a project manager for digital products and as an innovation consultant. He volunteers for the Emergency Support Services team in the City of Victoria, and likes to make collages with old magazines, bike ride with his wife on weekends, play videogames, and watch sports.
Rory Grewar
Director, Special Funds
Rory was born and raised in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba. He worked for 14 years as a Senior Administrator with the Provincial Government’s Environment Commission. In 2004 he moved to B.C. to become Director of Administration at the David Suzuki Foundation and in 2010 fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to Vancouver Island when he joined the Victoria Foundation. Rory has served on several charitable boards including the All Charities Campaign of Manitoba, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, and the Performing Arts Lodge (Vancouver). He has also volunteered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, The Immigrant Centre of Winnipeg and, most recently with the Victoria Film Festival. He has a passion for travelling and has visited over 30 countries and loves theatre, classical music, art and architecture. Sara Neely
Senior Director, Philanthropic Services
Sara joined the Victoria Foundation in 2008. She is responsible for working with professional advisors and their clients, building relationships in the community and enhancing services provided to individuals and organizations who invest their funds with the Foundation. A native Victorian, Sara graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in 1982. After practicing for several years Sara joined the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 1993 where she served as the Director of Gift and Estate Planning for over 14 years. Sara maintains membership with the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, the Victoria Estate Planning Council, and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She was also the founding chair of LEAVE A LEGACY™ British Columbia and served on the Board of the Victoria Symphony for six years. Sarah Prusinowski
Senior Associate, Granting Initiatives
Sarah grew up on the east coast but has lived in British Columbia since 2003. She completed her degree in history and professional writing at the University of Victoria and has been living the island life ever since. Prior to joining the Victoria Foundation, Sarah worked with the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island at Jeneece Place, spent a year in New Brunswick working as an English language assistant in Francophone schools, and most recently worked as the document control manager for an archaeological consulting company. Sarah enjoys reading, exploring local parks and beaches, hiking, and spending time with her family on both coasts. Scott Antaya
Administrative Assistant, Special Funds
Scott spent most of his life in British Columbia, where he has called Victoria home for over 30 years. Scott first came to the Victoria Foundation as a member of the Youth Council in 1999-2000. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Business Administration Certificate from the University of Victoria. His work experience includes working at a bank, doing event support and reception work for a university, and doing research work for a professor. One of Scott’s passions is his volunteer work, where he volunteers at Operation Trackshoes every spring. Also, he spent many years volunteering at the Royal Jubilee Hospital and UVic Alumni. Scott’s interests are swimming, reading, traveling, playing computer games, and spending time with family/friends. Sushil Saini
Manager of Strategic Initiatives
Sushil grew up in Cobourg Ontario on the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations. She arrived on Vancouver Island in 1993 while researching education and communication for social change as part of her Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University. Moving to Tofino before the Clayoquot blockades of ’93 she did participatory research during the protests and beyond for the next year. Falling in love with the Island she remained in Tofino to write her thesis and opened an underground curry house to fund her work. After completing her degree, Sushil embraced cooking professionally for several years working in Victoria and Tofino. This work shifted her life long social justice focus to food security, bringing a diversity, equity, and eco-justice lens to her work with regional and national initiatives, including serving as the national program manager for the Red Fife Wheat Slow Food Presidium. During this time, she continued to write professionally for regional and international publications about food, culture, and justice. As Sushil’s commitment to the charitable sector grew, she trained in organizational development, leadership, strategic communications, public engagement, and project and change management. She served as Executive Director for the Good Food Box and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, BC & Yukon, in addition to her charitable sector consulting. Her passion for communication and the empowerment of young people extends to teaching various genres of writing at the University of Victoria. Sushil lives on WSANEC traditional territory in Saanich with her family and can often be found gardening, cooking, and reading. Tanya Chassé
Manager, Leadership Initiatives
Tanya spent her formative years in the Yukon and, after a short stint in Lethbridge, Alberta, arrived in Victoria in 1989 to study at the University of Victoria. She holds a diploma in journalism, a BFA in writing and post-graduate certificate in fiction. Tanya’s work has taken her down many paths including administrative work and grant writing with local non-profits and charities. During her 11 years as an Executive Assistant at a local newspaper, she created a long-running writing contest. In her spare time, Tanya loves reading, writing and exploring local trails with her partner and their newly adopted dog. Tanya joined the Victoria Foundation in 2019. Taryn Malcolm
Manager, Communications Programs
Taryn joined the Foundation in 2022, bringing more than a decade of experience in communications strategy and content development to her role on the communications team. After studying communications at the University of Toronto, she worked in public relations and ecotourism in Latin America before returning to Vancouver Island. Taryn specializes in non-profit communications and has worked for the Downtown Victoria Business Association, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and the South Island Prosperity Partnership. She is passionate about helping community organizations tell their stories and believes strongly in aligning her values with her daily work. When she’s not working, Taryn can be found exploring local forests and beaches. Teagan Dawson
Strategic Initiatives Associate
Teagan grew up in North Vancouver, on the territory of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She moved to Victoria to earn a BA in Environmental Studies and Anthropology at the University of Victoria. Before joining the Victoria Foundation, she worked and volunteered for several not-for-profits in Vancouver and Victoria, including CFUV 101.9 FM, Victoria’s Campus and Community Radio Station, and Lifecycles Project Society. She continues to be passionate about volunteering and serving her local community. In her free time, she enjoys biking around the city, baking bread, and spending time outside. Tracey Pasqualotto
Philanthropic Services Coordinator
Tracey was born and raised in the interior of BC but has called Victoria home since moving here to study at UVic, where she graduated with a degree in linguistics and a certificate in the management of information technology. Previously working as a project manager/business analyst for an IT consulting company and as an assistant to a financial adviser, Tracey was most recently the Community Relations Coordinator at Help Fill A Dream. Tracey has been an active volunteer for a variety of children’s charities, both locally and province-wide, and is a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion. In her time outside of work, Tracey enjoys writing, baking, and adventuring with her three children. Tracy Cullen
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Tracy grew up in New Jersey/Lenne Lenape First Nation territory and moved to Victoria in 2003. She studied Nutrition and Education at Rutgers University and Teachers College, Columbia University, developing a love for food security and working with young people. After settling in Victoria, she worked for Island Health as a Public Health Dietitian designing and implementing asset based community-development programs to support the health of children, youth and families. For the past 10 years, Tracy has been the Executive Director of the Horner Foundation, a family foundation with a focus on youth development. She brings a diversity of experience, strong love of community and passion for learning. In her spare time, Tracy can be found hanging out with her three children and partner at their home in WSÁNE?. Valeriia Shumik
Finance Administrator
Valeriia was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to Victoria in 2022. She holds a master’s degree in economics and has experience working in Canada’s non-profit sector, as well as a background in administration, business, and bookkeeping in Ukraine. Valeriia and her family received great support from the community when they arrived, and she is thrilled now for the opportunity to join the Victoria Foundation and to give back.