BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Julie West is an industry-leading conference and events producer. She specializes in reinventing and revitalizing experiences, from conception to completion on a wide variety of events including: fundraisers, high profile events, public stunts, conferences and galas. Her innovative strategies help organizations attract more attendees, more sponsors, more media and more vendors.

Marysia combines a deep understanding of how businesses work with strong facilitating, coaching, design, and development skills. Her 32 years of experience, combined with an energetic, empathetic, and insightful approach, resonates with senior-level leaders in performance-driven corporations to revitalize creativity, collaboration, business agility, and leadership insight to impact talent acceleration and innovation dramatically. Her work incorporates Agile, Design Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving methodologies, and Polarity Management. She is the CEO of Ignition Creativity, a global firm that has helped its clients be innovation-ready over the last 20 years with an agile workforce that can seize opportunities, solve complex challenges and embrace and lead change.

Alana Jones is a collaborative Professional, Director and Author with over 22 years of experience in talent acquisition, change management, community outreach, and recruitment. She has a background in risk management, client relations, succession planning, and leadership and is currently an Instructor at the University of Toronto, where she facilitates the Community Engagement and Housing and Homelessness course with excerpts based on her published book, Behind the Frontline. Alana is the founder of Border Place INC., where she leads the transformation of a personal care rooming house to supportive housing for vulnerable populations in Toronto.

Lauryn Bodde finds joy in supporting positive change, storytelling, highlighting women entrepreneurs & changemakers, and travelling the world. She is so honoured to be a member of Aangen's advisory board. She currently works as a Community and Outreach Coordinator for EPICentre, the entrepreneurship hub at the University of Windsor. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op Education from UWindsor and a diploma in Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing from IBAT College in Dublin Ireland. Through her various roles, international travel, and work experience she's developed skills in design, event management, hospitality, logistics, advertising, copywriting, and project management. Entrepreneurship is also one of her many passions and is wondered by those who create something that was only once imagined. She believes that each person has a story to tell and if we keep our minds and hearts open, nothing will fall out.

Amelia Sponza is a current Bylaw Enforcement Officer within the greater Vancouver area. Amelia's passion for community outreach began as a legal assistant and flourished to an immigration facility supervisor and her current role in Bylaw. Amelia now liaises with a secondary community outreach within her community by way of her role as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, providing compassion, care, and resources to housing, meals and shelters. Amelia has over 6 years of legal knowledge and training which has aided her to support those attempting entry to Canada, filing personal injury law suits, and providing aid to those in her community.

Carla Leon is President and CEO of Just Like Family Home Care and spearheaded the first social acquisition by charities in Canada. With her vision, JLF has been transformed into a Social Enterprise, with the majority of profits going to charities. She strives to make a social impact, transforming home care across Canada for franchise owners and the families they support. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of British Columbia. Carla is a natural innovator who believes success comes from collaboration. Her greatest sense of satisfaction comes from using her skills to make a positive impact on those whose lives she touches.

Strategy and execution of the new economy through food, hospitality, arts and travelling. Building regenerative economics. From conceptualisation to realisation From awareness to action Getting to the roots and redesign, implement, and efficiency-testing production, consumption and resources for prosperity, societal and environmental purpose.

Noah Mussay brings a rich tapestry of experience and insight to the Aangen Board of Directors. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Arts, Noah's academic foundation empowers him with the tools necessary to craft compelling narratives that drive social change. As an individual living with Spina Bifida, a spinal cord disorder, Noah's journey is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy. His personal experience with physical disability deepens his commitment to fostering inclusivity and dismantling obstacles faced by minority groups. Joining Aangen was a natural progression of Noah’s lifelong mission to champion causes that ensure equal opportunities for all, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of collective action and compassionate leadership. Through his work, Noah aspires to create spaces where voices from all walks of life are heard and valued, making significant strides towards a more equitable society.

Sarah Boyes is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in client services, team leadership, and market analysis. As the Residential Leasing Manager at Onni Property Management Services Ltd, Sarah adeptly directs and organizes residential lease-up initiatives, collaborating closely with marketing teams to optimize online outreach strategies. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she ensures that every interaction, from conducting tours to negotiating legal documents, is executed with professionalism and enthusiasm, fostering trust and rapport with potential clients.

Omar is an advisor and entrepreneur to assist global and regional organizations in strategizing and achieving their digital, data and tech agenda. His roles include program delivery, business development and digital innovation. Omar leads cross-sector business development and program delivery roles for his public, private, and nonprofit clients and his philanthropic ventures. Omar has built a reputation of managing agile transformations, delivering complex programs, and bringing innovation centred around digital, data and AI. Omar is the founder of Infāque, a startup that enables digital outreach and donor engagement through an integrated platform.

Jess Turner is a visionary entrepreneur, dedicated to maximizing human potential and fostering thriving communities. With a decade of leadership experience, she co-founded ThriveON, where she directs international settlement and retention services, safeguarding employers investments and empowering employees for peak productivity and retention. As CEO of Turner Gregory Management, Jess leads a diverse portfolio of initiatives spanning international retention services, health and wellness programs, leadership consulting, and sales expertise. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Jess is the founder of Jess Turner Intuitive Nutrition, Wellness, and Happiness Coaching, where she passionately advocates for holistic health and wellbeing. Through her infectious energy and deep understanding of the human mind and body, Jess guides individuals towards resilience, positivity, and fulfillment in every aspect of their lives. She is a fierce advocate for self-care, mindset mastery, and personal empowerment, inspiring others to unlock their full potential and thrive in all areas of life.

At the age of 24 Victor Beausoleil Co-Founded Redemption Reintegration Services one of the largest youth-led, youth justice agencies in Canada. In 2013 Victor Beausoleil received his first public service appointment by the Premiere of Ontario Kathleen Wynne as a member of the PCYO (Premiere’s Council on Youth Opportunities). Victor has worked diligently in the broader equity seeking communities across Canada for the past nineteen years. As a lecturer Victor Beausoleil has travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, UK and Africa for speaking engagements for community organizations, institutions and philanthropic foundations. Victor Beausoleil has been a board member of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, a member of the grant review committee's of the Laidlaw Foundation, and the Toronto Community Housing Social Investment Fund. At the age of 24 Victor Beausoleil Co-Founded Redemption Reintegration Services one of the largest youth-led, youth justice agencies in Canada. In 2013 Victor Beausoleil received his first public service appointment by the Premiere of Ontario Kathleen Wynne as a member of the PCYO (Premiere’s Council on Youth Opportunities). Victor has worked diligently in the broader equity seeking communities across Canada for the past nineteen years. As a lecturer Victor Beausoleil has travelled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, UK and Africa for speaking engagements for community organizations, institutions and philanthropic foundations.

Amy has a vast background of experience in the health food and beauty industries. As a 'food biz kid', she has grown up in the industry since the ripe old age of 2, surrounded by the latest trends and being a taste-tester (even when products weren't very good!). The health food industry has certainly come a long way since then and so has Amy! Amy went on to get her BA in Communication Studies and as the years went on she never stopped studying! She received her Diploma in Sports & Exercise Nutrition, became an Aromatherapist, and has received her certifications as a Reiki Practitioner and an Emotion Freedom Technique Practitioner. Since 2002, Amy has immersed herself within the food industry, working for two of the largest health food distributors in Canada. She is knowledgeable in both the health food and HABA channels, current tracking systems, and thrives in creating and sustaining strong business relationships. Before this, Amy assisted in the operation of a gluten-free manufacturing company with responsibilities in purchasing, sales, and brand management. She has also been apart of the fastest growing brokerage in Canada before going out on her own! Knowledgeable, kind and innovative, she understands trends and is well-positioned to grow brands as your business development manager! Her true passion is to help Canadian companies thrive! If you would like a consult with Amy, please fill out the contact us form or simply click on the email button above and let's chat!

I am incredibly inspired by Aangen's mission and their social enterprise model. For over a year, I've been personally assisting their grant fundraising, helping identify opportunities and project ideas. Most importantly, I've helped them begin documenting their staggering 25-year history of social impact. I am so proud of what they’ve achieved and can't wait to see them use GrantOrb to unlock millions in funding to scale their vision Deepa Chaudhary is the CEO of GrantOrb.com, the world's first and largest AI-powered grant system to help changemakers unlock millions in funding. With experience in philanthropy at the Salesforce Foundation and as Co-Founder of United Way Mumbai, Deepa brings a unique blend of expertise in both AI and the nonprofit world. Deepa has studied Social Entrepreneurship from INSEAD, Singapore and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Asia's leading institute for social development

Fahad is an advisor, entrepreneur, and technology strategist dedicated to helping nonprofits harness digital transformation, data-driven insights, and automation to maximize their impact. He was first introduced to Aangen through Infaque, where he serves as Founder and CTO, with Aangen being an early adopter of the platform. Witnessing firsthand how Aangen empowers communities through sustainable initiatives deepened his appreciation for their mission and impact. ​ With a career spanning technology and consulting roles at BMO, RBC, and Manulife, Fahad brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation, operational efficiency, and governance. His passion for enabling organizations to do more with limited resources aligns seamlessly with Aangen's core values of support and empowerment. ​ As a board member, Fahad is committed to advancing Aangen's mission by leveraging his expertise to enhance its technology strategy, operational resilience, and long-term impact. He is dedicated to supporting Aangen's efforts in breaking the cycle of poverty, addressing issues like hunger, homelessness, and unemployment among marginalized individuals, thereby fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Peter is a business development specialist with over three decades running, building and coaching small businesses. As a former business owner, economic development corporation president and rural mayor, Peter has spent his career helping businesses access the markets and funding they need to grow and thrive. He is a skilled consensus builder who believes in the power of collaboration and the development of strategic partnerships empowering individuals and the communities where they live and work to drive meaningful change. Peter holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from Bishops University. He lives in Sutton Quebec with his wife where he raised his two children.