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…
Rory Grewar
Director of 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…
Carol Hall
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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…
Sara Neely
Director of 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…
Jonathon Dyck
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
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…
Natasha Benn
Manager of 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…
Jessica Doll
Manager of Giving Initiatives and Partnerships
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…
Brin S Morgan
Director, Governance and 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…
Tracy Cullen
Manager of 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…
Melody Burns
Office, Technology, and Sponsorship Coordinator
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…
Nathan Lapointe
Finance and Payroll Manager
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…
Tanya Chassé
Strategic Initiatives Associate
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…
Melanie Porter
Information Systems and 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.
Chilandu Yamba
Junior 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…
Scott Antaya
Special Funds Administrative Assistant
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…
Karen Ng
Senior Accountant
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
Administrative Assistant, Special Funds
Raised in Mexico, studied and work in Mexico City and Toronto. She holds a law degree from Anahuac University, a Translator Diploma from University of…
Karen McMillan
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…
Jaime Clifton-Ross
Senior Communications and Digital Engagement Advisor
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…
Roxann Corpuz
Graphic Design and Multimedia Specialist
Roxann was born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 2006. Roxann graduated with a diploma in New Media Production and Design…
Hayleigh Chafe
Granting Initiatives Associate
Hayleigh was born and raised in Vancouver on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She moved to Victoria in…
Matthew Williams
Communications and Media Relations Specialist
Matt grew up on the ancestral lands of the WSANEC people. After a career in radio spanning Alberta and British Columbia, he returned to Victoria…
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). Rory Grewar
Director of 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. Carol Hall
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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.
Sara Neely
Director of 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. Jonathon Dyck
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
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. Natasha Benn
Manager of 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. Jessica Doll
Manager of Giving Initiatives and Partnerships
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. Brin S Morgan
Director, Governance and 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. Tracy Cullen
Manager of 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 WSÁNEĆ. Melody Burns
Office, Technology, and Sponsorship Coordinator
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. Nathan Lapointe
Finance and Payroll Manager
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. Tanya Chassé
Strategic Initiatives Associate
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. Melanie Porter
Information Systems and 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. Chilandu Yamba
Junior 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.
Scott Antaya
Special Funds Administrative Assistant
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. Karen Ng
Senior Accountant
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
Administrative Assistant, Special Funds
Raised in Mexico, studied and work in Mexico City and Toronto. She holds a law degree from Anahuac University, a Translator Diploma from University of Toronto, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and Legal Assistant Certificate from Camosun College, and completed creative writing courses from the University of Victoria. She volunteered in the Spanish community and with programs for children and youth. Maria is also a self-published author of books for immigrants and an administrator of her own YouTube channel where she shares what she calls “Immigrants’ Adventures.” Victoria has been her home since 2001. She enjoys swimming and walking her dog with her family. Karen McMillan
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. Jaime Clifton-Ross
Senior Communications and Digital Engagement Advisor
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 worked as an administrator and social media specialist for the Myseum of Toronto, a research curator with CRC Research in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, and, more recently, managed a digital rebranding and biodiversity communications campaign for the National Environmental Treasure. She is currently an associate faculty member at Royal Roads where teaches communications to environmental science students. When not working, Jaime enjoys spending time in nature, identifying wild plant species on iNaturalist, and playing D&D with friends. Roxann Corpuz
Graphic Design and Multimedia Specialist
Roxann was born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 2006. Roxann graduated with a diploma in New Media Production and Design From SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary, AB. She has great passion for working with nonprofit organizations and has over five years experience in the marketing industry. Roxann has an extensive background in graphic design, brand identity, and UX/UI design. When Roxann is away from her desk, she can be often be found in the garage working on various woodworking projects or at home making different kinds of noodles. Hayleigh Chafe
Granting Initiatives Associate
Hayleigh was born and raised in Vancouver on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She moved to Victoria in 2021 and has deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn and connect with the lands of the W?SÁNE? and Lekwungen people of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. She graduated with a degree in Health Sciences and certificate in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University. Hayleigh’s passion for public health and pre-natal development led her to work in research with the Children’s Health Policy Centre. She then joined the Vancouver Foundation where she contributed to the uplifting and centering of community voices and expertise through the Systems Change and Participatory Action Research granting program. Hayleigh is a trained facilitator whose batteries fully charge through authentic and vulnerable connection, creating space for brave conversations and championing joyful liberation. Away from the desk, you can find her running along scenic views, settling down with a good book, or spending time outdoors with her partner and yorkie puppy. Matthew Williams
Communications and Media Relations Specialist
Matt grew up on the ancestral lands of the WSANEC people. After a career in radio spanning Alberta and British Columbia, he returned to Victoria to attend Royal Roads University and obtain his Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communications with distinction. Before joining the Victoria Foundation, he most recently worked in Marketing and Communications with the Victoria Hospice Society. When he’s not working, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, running, and performing in community theatre.