Arrive, connect, and get ready for the day ahead

Community organizations are facing rapid shifts, from demographic changes to rising community needs. This panel explores what it means to “future-proof” organizations in this context. 

Panellists will discuss current sector challenges, emerging trends, and the capabilities and change agents required to build long-term resilience.

Genevieve McCorquodale
Irish Loop Tourism Project Manager, CBDC Celtic

Genevieve McCorquodale

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Irish Loop Tourism Project Manager, CBDC Celtic

Genevieve McCorquodale is a regional changemaker who uses creativity, community, and collaboration to drive economic development in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. As Project Manager for the Irish Loop Regional Tourism Project with CBDC Celtic, she is leading a citizen-led pilot that is redefining how rural tourism and economic development can grow from within communities. Known for pushing boundaries, Genevieve challenges traditional development models by using arts, culture, and local storytelling as drivers of economic growth. Her work shows that creativity is not an add-on to development - it's a foundation for it. Grounded in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), she works alongside municipalities, businesses, and residents to turn existing strengths into shared opportunity. Her approach blends grassroots leadership, relationship-building, and bold, practical action to move communities from conversation to change. Genevieve’s work speaks directly to the future of the community sector: one that is locally led, creatively driven, and built on trust. She believes that when communities are empowered to shape their own story, they don’t just sustain themselves - they thrive.

Colt Politte
Executive Director, Quadrangle NL

Colt Politte

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Executive Director, Quadrangle NL

Colt Politte (he/they) is the Executive Director of Quadrangle NL, the largest charity in Atlantic Canada with the sole mandate of supporting the queer and trans population that call our province home. Colt brings a variety of experience to the role from his previous work in communications and outreach in supporting the launch of 211 NL, and from his background in the housing and homelessness sector from his time at End Homelessness St. John's and Choices for Youth. Colt values the ways that data can be shared, especially when combined with storytelling to show the real impact that local solutions can deliver. In his free time he likes to write, explore the outdoors with his close connections, and experiment with photography.

Amy Henderson
Executive Director, Business & Arts NL

Amy Henderson

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Executive Director, Business & Arts NL

Amy Henderson has served as the Executive Director of Business & Arts NL since 2014. The first chapter of her career was rooted in the arts community, working as a choral conductor and educator in Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland. This background in leading ensembles and managing nonprofit organizations provided the foundation for her current work: designing programs and services that meet the needs of the artistic community while engaging the broader public. Her work is driven by a deep-seated belief in the vital role of creativity to enrich our lives and strengthen our provincial resilience.

Steve Martin
Executive Director, Recreation NL

Steve Martin

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Executive Director, Recreation NL

Steve Martin Executive Director – Recreation NL Steve has been immersed in Recreation his whole life and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and relationships to the recreation sector in this province. Steve graduated from Memorial University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physical Education and again in 2008 with a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. Before his current role at Recreation NL, Steve was a familiar face to the association while serving more than 9 years on the Board of Directors as President, Vice-President, and an Inclusion Rep. During that time, Steve made his mark with national collaborators while sitting on the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s Board of Directors for a total of 4 years. When Steve is not in the office at Recreation NL, he enjoys time on the trail, coaching and playing basketball, and continuing to assist groups, volunteers, or practitioners with recreational opportunities. Steve proudly calls Holyrood home where he lives with his family.

Recharge, reconnect, and get ready for what’s next

The future of the community sector will be shaped by how we connect across regions, sectors, and systems. This keynote explores how stronger provincial and national relationships can unlock new opportunities for innovation, shared resources, and collective impact.

Through real examples and emerging trends, this session will challenge us to think bigger about what is possible when we move beyond silos and activate the full strength of our networks.

Daren Okafo
Consulting Director, Collective Leadership, Tamarack Institute

Daren Okafo

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Consulting Director, Collective Leadership, Tamarack Institute

Daren Okafo brings over 30 years of experience in community development and engagement to his role as Consulting Director of Collective Leadership at the Tamarack Institute. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, he has dedicated his career to learning alongside communities across Canada, Europe, and Africa. Daren spent 16 years leading Technology and Innovations at the Coady International Institute, where he championed inclusive, community-led learning models and digital platforms that amplified community voices. His work has consistently focused on creating accessible, strengths-based approaches that empower people and organizations to lead change from within.

Communities across Newfoundland and Labrador are rich in resilience and local expertise, yet often face barriers that limit collaboration and innovation. This panel brings together speakers from across the province and Canada to explore new ways of working together and designing solutions rooted in place.

Panellists will share how communities can strengthen alignment, break down silos, and leverage provincial and national networks to support local innovation. The session will also explore how geography, culture, and community identity shape programs, relationships, and approaches to change.

Sandra Mugford
Community Employment Coordinator, Sandwich Bay 50+ Club

Sandra Mugford

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Community Employment Coordinator, Sandwich Bay 50+ Club

Sandra Mugford is a proud Inuit woman based in Cartwright, Labrador, where she lives with her husband. She is the Community Employment Coordinator with the NunatuKavut Community Council and is deeply committed to supporting individuals and strengthening her community. A devoted grandmother, Sandra is actively involved in local initiatives, volunteering with organizations such as the Sandwich Bay 50 Plus Club, the Residential School Drummers, and the NunatuKavut Membership Committee. She also provides peer support within her community and was recently elected to the Cartwright Town Council. Sandra is passionate about giving back and contributing to the wellbeing of her community.

Priscilla Clark
Community Hub Coordinator, Sandwich Bay 50+ Club

Priscilla Clark

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Community Hub Coordinator, Sandwich Bay 50+ Club

Priscilla Clark is the Community Hub Coordinator with the NunatuKavut Community Council in Cartwright, Labrador, where she was born and raised. After dedicating 37 years to the Northwest Company, she began a new chapter supporting seniors, youth, and community members through inclusive programs that strengthen connection and wellbeing. An active volunteer, Priscilla serves on local boards including the Sandwich Bay 50+ Club and School Council, and is a Mental Wellness Champion. She also supports cultural initiatives such as youth drumming and serves as a Town Councillor. Priscilla is passionate about building strong, vibrant, and age-friendly communities.

Amparo Montoya
Project Coordinator, Collective Interchange

Amparo Montoya

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Project Coordinator, Collective Interchange

Amparo Montoya Quality & Food Safety Consultant | Social Innovation Leader | Community Builder Amparo Montoya is a Colombian-trained bacteriologist, founder of Dinámica Corporativa SAS, and a social innovation leader based in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. With over 20 years of experience in quality management and food safety systems, she has supported agri-food businesses in strengthening operations, ensuring compliance, and improving competitiveness across the value chain. Since arriving in St. John’s in 2013, Amparo has transformed her professional expertise into a platform for community impact. Her work focuses on bridging systems, people, and opportunities to support newcomer integration and regional development. As Project Coordinator at Collective Interchange, she co-led the creation of Newcomer Navigator NL—a place-based digital platform designed to connect newcomers with trusted information, services, and community networks across the province. What began as an idea has evolved into a growing ecosystem that not only facilitates settlement, but also creates pathways for employment, skills development, and community participation through innovative internship models. Amparo’s approach to place-based innovation is rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and systems thinking. She builds partnerships across sectors and communities to design solutions that respond to local realities while unlocking the potential of diverse populations. Her work reflects a clear vision: stronger communities built through connection, shared knowledge, and the meaningful integration of newcomers as contributors to social and economic development.

Kassandra Drodge
Founder/ CEO, Mixed Coast Collective

Kassandra Drodge

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Founder/ CEO, Mixed Coast Collective

Kassie is a researcher and community strategist with a diverse educational background from Memorial University and the University of Ottawa. With a focus on sustainable community building and social justice, they have contributed to projects that emphasize data-driven decision-making and innovative strategies for resource management. Their work spans the intersection of policy development, economic diversification, and environmental conservation, ensuring that community voices are central to any project. As a founding member of The Mixed Coast collective, they lead efforts in conducting environmental assessments and developing renewable energy solutions across Newfoundland. Their research combines both scientific and social approaches, creating comprehensive strategies that prioritize community safety and sustainable development. In addition to their work in Newfoundland and Labrador, Kassie has had the opportunity to present their research at prestigious international forums, including Oxford University, solidifying their reputation as a leader in the field of community-driven research and policy innovation.

Chantel Giles
Town Councillor, Town of Southern Harbour

Chantel Giles

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Town Councillor, Town of Southern Harbour

Chantel Giles is a community‑focused professional with a background in sociology, human services, and local governance. Raised in Southern Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Memorial University in 2014. After working across social supports, education, and human services, Chantel returned to Southern Harbour in 2021 to establish long‑term roots in her community. In October 2025, she was elected as a Town Councillor, with a focus on regional development, community partnerships, and improving quality of life for residents. Chantel currently works as an Employment Counsellor with Avalon Employment’s satellite office in Clarenville, supporting individuals through employment services, systems navigation, and community collaboration. She also contributes at a regional level as a board member of the Regional Action Committee on Housing (REACH) and as a member of the Community Advisory Committee with NL Health Services in the Eastern Rural region.

Connect, recharge, and spark new ideas. Meet peers from across the province and Canada, share experiences, and build relationships that carry beyond the festival.

Work in teams to design solutions for rural challenges using rapid, place-based innovation methods. Each team explores how geography, culture, and community identity shape effective programs and partnerships. The activity encourages breaking down silos, leveraging local strengths, and identifying where broader networks can support implementation.

Curtis Delaney

Curtis Delaney

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Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

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Wendy Reid Fairhurst
Reclaim Community CDO

Wendy Reid Fairhurst

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Reclaim Community CDO

Wendy is co-founder of Reclaim Community CDO, a social enterprise formed out of the work done to create Killick Ecovillage Co-operative. Reclaim focuses on building capacity, resource-sharing, innovation, and helping groups put into action their place-based, grassroots ideas and initiatives. Killick is a 51-unit mixed income housing co-operative integrated into a 57-acre regenerative farm and focused on community-building, housing equity and distributive economies.

Liane Kennedy
Reclaim CDO

Liane Kennedy

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Reclaim CDO

Liane is the Community Manager for Reclaim CDO, a social enterprise that evolved from the creation of Killick EcoVillage Co-operative, a 51-unity cohousing community integrated into a historic 57-acre regenerative farm in Portugal Cove, NL. Reclaim focuses on building capacity, resource-sharing, innovation, and helping groups put into action their place-based, grass root ideas and initiative. She has also recently joined the board of the Canadian Cohousing Network, allowing them to broaden their reach across Canada.

Map the ecosystem of a rural community to identify silos, gaps, and existing strengths. Through collaborative analysis, groups redesign the map to show a more connected, resilient network. The activity reveals new partnership opportunities and highlights how stronger relationships can support innovation and community resilience.

Curtis Delaney

Curtis Delaney

X

Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

X

Daren Okafo
Tamarack Institute

Daren Okafo

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Tamarack Institute

Daren Okafo brings over 30 years of experience in community development and engagement to his role as Consulting Director of Collective Leadership at the Tamarack Institute. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, he has dedicated his career to learning alongside communities across Canada, Europe, and Africa. Daren spent 16 years leading Technology and Innovations at the Coady International Institute, where he championed inclusive, community-led learning models and digital platforms that amplified community voices. His work has consistently focused on creating accessible, strengths-based approaches that empower people and organizations to lead change from within.

LINK TO JOIN: https://vfairs.zoom.us/w/93926583574

The community sector is being stretched in ways we cannot ignore. Declining volunteerism, rising burnout, and ongoing workforce challenges are not isolated issues. They are signals that the systems supporting our people are under strain.

This keynote confronts a critical question: what will it take to sustain the people who sustain our communities?

Drawing on emerging insights and tools, this session will explore how well-being, leadership, and organizational culture must evolve to meet this moment. It will challenge assumptions, surface hard truths, and open up new ways of thinking about what meaningful support really looks like.

Anouk Bertner
Executive Director, Future of Good

Anouk Bertner

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Executive Director, Future of Good

Anouk Bertner is the Executive Director of Future of Good, an award-winning social purpose media organization that equips changemakers with the insights they need to drive impact. She oversees day-to-day operations, strategy, and key programs. Anouk was the former Board Chair of Common Approach to Impact Measurement, a key infrastructure for the social purpose sector. Previously, she led EcoEquitable, a social enterprise supporting newcomer women through skills training and employment, including the acclaimed Sewing for Jobs program. Under her leadership, the organization pivoted during the pandemic to produce protective masks. Anouk is passionate about systems change and is committed to reshaping the world. She is a mom to two humans and one dog, and believes there is no bad weather, just bad clothes.

People are the driving force behind every strong community, and right now, that foundation is being tested. This panel brings together leaders who are actively responding to the realities of today’s sector, from shifting volunteerism to workforce challenges and burnout.

Grounded in real experience, this conversation moves beyond theory to explore what is actually working. Panelists will share how they are moving from consultation to true community leadership, rethinking how organizations attract and support people, and creating conditions where teams can thrive.

This is a space to learn from what is being tried, what is changing, and what is possible when we invest in people as the core of community impact.

Mary Walsh
End Sexual Violence NL

Mary Walsh

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End Sexual Violence NL

Mary Walsh (she/her) is the Executive Director of End Sexual Violence NL and a leader in trauma‑informed, community‑based research and practice. She brings more than a decade of experience in frontline service delivery and community work, grounding her approach in harm reduction, intersectional feminism, and the meaningful inclusion of marginalized voices. Mary holds a Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) from Memorial University and has dedicated her career to advancing evidence‑informed strategies that support survivors and strengthen systems of care. Her work focuses on centering lived and living expertise, improving access to services, and fostering collaborative approaches to ending sexual violence across Newfoundland and Labrador. Mary is recognized for her commitment to creating safer, more equitable communities and for championing practices that honour the dignity, autonomy, and resilience of those most impacted.

Sean Wiltshire
Avalon Employment Inc.

Sean Wiltshire

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Avalon Employment Inc.

Sean Wiltshire (he/him) Sean Wiltshire is a national and international leader in inclusive employment and community-based workforce development, with more than 35 years of experience supporting people, organizations, and systems to work better together. He is the CEO of Avalon Employment Inc. in Newfoundland and Labrador and the author of the Autism@Work national employment program. Sean is best known for helping design and scale inclusive employment models that centre people, foster strong partnerships, and create lasting system change. Through Autism@Work and related initiatives, he has worked across provinces and internationally to strengthen employment outcomes for people with disabilities while supporting employers, staff, and community organizations to build capacity and resilience. Sean also developed a large Social Enterprise developing a Electronic Payroll Service that he has managed for 28 years. A sought-after speaker and panelist, Sean brings a people-first leadership lens, practical insight, and lived experience to conversations about supporting staff and volunteers and future‑proofing the community sector.

Curtis Delaney

Curtis Delaney

X

Mary Walsh

Mary Walsh

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Anouk Bertner

Anouk Bertner

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Sean Wiltshire

Sean Wiltshire

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Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

Signal Hill Conference Service/ Stephen Lilly

X

Celina Stoyles
Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland & Labrador

Celina Stoyles

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Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland & Labrador

Celina Stoyles, CFRE is the Executive Director of Kids Eat Smart

Foundation Newfoundland & Labrador. Her experience and understanding of health and wellness in children and youth, along with her volunteer knowledge and her extensive experience with non-profit board management assists Celina in the day-to-day management and operations of the 275 Kids Eat Smart Clubs in NL.

Celina spent over 20 years in the hospitality industry and has held senior management positions within the non-profit sector for over 15 years. She currently sits as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, a member of the National AFP Committee for Government Relations; Member at large for NL for CAGP Atlantic and is a Director on the National Board for Breakfast Club of

Canada. Celina holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation.

Born in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland, she is the second youngest of a family of 10. Celina loves yoga, entertaining, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Anouk Bertner
Future of Good

Anouk Bertner

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Future of Good

Anouk Bertner is the Executive Director of Future of Good, an award-winning social purpose media organization that equips changemakers with the insights they need to drive impact. She oversees day-to-day operations, strategy, and key programs. Anouk was the former Board Chair of Common Approach to Impact Measurement, a key infrastructure for the social purpose sector. Previously, she led EcoEquitable, a social enterprise supporting newcomer women through skills training and employment, including the acclaimed Sewing for Jobs program. Under her leadership, the organization pivoted during the pandemic to produce protective masks. Anouk is passionate about systems change and is committed to reshaping the world. She is a mom to two humans and one dog, and believes there is no bad weather, just bad clothes.

Recharge, reconnect, and get ready for what’s next

Work in small groups to diagnose the biggest barriers to attracting and retaining staff in the community sector. Using real scenarios, they redesign job roles, workplace practices, and support systems that reflect today’s labour realities.

Christine Snow
Project Manager, Community Sector Council NL

Christine Snow

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Project Manager, Community Sector Council NL

Christine Snow has dedicated more than 40 years to community and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. During this time, she has honed her expertise in youth and seniors' engagement, education, business and community development, investment attraction, strategic planning, and immigration support. A recognized leader, dedicated to positive change, Christine currently plays a pivotal role in driving the organization's HR planning initiatives for senior leaders within the province's community sector.

How would building a culture of greater inclusion and belonging benefit your nonprofit organization? This session will explore the characteristics of inclusive organizations and why they excel. Participants will come away with tools nonprofits can use to gain insights into their organization's sense of belonging & inclusion and how to turn these insights into practical change.

Liz Dennis
Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada

Liz Dennis

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Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada

For most of Liz’s over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has been dedicated to capacity-building organizations and programs in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Since joining Capacity Canada in 2018, Liz has used the lens of human-centred design to stimulate new thinking and approaches to challenges and opportunities faced by social good organizations. In addition to an Honours BA in English, Liz earned a Certificate of Management and Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector from Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. Liz also runs a healthcare business and is actively involved in the theatre community in her region.

Hugh Munro
Design Consultant, Capacity Canada

Hugh Munro

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Design Consultant, Capacity Canada

Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \ Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a FacHugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Bludevelop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics where he taught Marketing and International Business served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \ Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \

Pause, connect, and refuel. Join fellow participants from across the province and Canada to share ideas, continue conversations, and build relationships that carry beyond the festival.

Sustainability in the community sector goes far beyond finances. It is about the systems, structures, and resources that allow organizations to operate, adapt, and thrive over time.

This keynote explores the journey to building a sustainable organization across financial, operational, and strategic dimensions, through the lens of the national nonprofit, Capacity Canada.

Liz Dennis
Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada

Liz Dennis

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Executive in Residence, Capacity Canada

For most of Liz’s over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has been dedicated to capacity-building organizations and programs in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Since joining Capacity Canada in 2018, Liz has used the lens of human-centred design to stimulate new thinking and approaches to challenges and opportunities faced by social good organizations. In addition to an Honours BA in English, Liz earned a Certificate of Management and Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector from Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. Liz also runs a healthcare business and is actively involved in the theatre community in her region.

Hugh Munro
Design Consultant, Capacity Canada

Hugh Munro

X

Design Consultant, Capacity Canada

Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \ Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a FacHugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Bludevelop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics where he taught Marketing and International Business served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \ Hugh currently is a part-time Design Consultant with Capacity Canada’s Capacity by Design Program as well as a Faculty Member in Capacity Canada’s Board Governance Bootcamp. Through this work he helps social good agencies develop better ways of dealing with complex issues such as food security, social equity, housing shortages, and support for individuals with exceptionalities. In addition to the above roles, Hugh is actively engaged with the business community through his consulting and management development activities. Hugh also currently serves as Marketing Director for the Kitchener Blues Festival. Hugh recently retired from a long career at Wilfrid Laurier’s School of Business & Economics served as MBA Director as well as Professor of Marketing and International Business. \

Building a sustainable organization today requires more than diversifying revenue. It calls for rethinking how we operate, how we make decisions, and how we approach growth and impact.

This panel brings together leaders who are actively navigating these shifts. From social enterprise and new revenue models to operational changes and mindset transformations, speakers will share what they are testing, what is working, and what they are learning along the way.

Terri Byrne
Manager, SABRI Innovation, St.Anthony Basin Resources

Terri Byrne

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Manager, SABRI Innovation, St.Anthony Basin Resources

Terri Byrne - B.A., C. Cr., M.C.W. - Terri leads SABRI Innovation at St. Anthony Basin Resources on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. She brings a wealth of experience grounded in over 2 decades of leadership in both private business and public service. Her expertise in community stakeholder engagement, project development, and strategic planning across business, health, and education sectors provides comprehensive insight into multi-stakeholder environments and diverse rural community dynamics. Terri is passionate about contributing to meaningful social enterprise, and brings strong interpersonal, organizational, and research skills, alongside a commitment to continued learning and collaboration.

Jeffrey Young
President & CEO, Mi'kmaw Cultural Foundation

Jeffrey Young

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President & CEO, Mi'kmaw Cultural Foundation

Jeffrey Young is a Franco-Mi’kmaw professional originally from New Brunswick, now based in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. Raised on the Port au Port Peninsula, he has been actively engaged in both volunteer and professional roles across the province since his youth, with a steadfast commitment to cultural preservation and community development. Jeff’s leadership within the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation (MCF) began with his appointment as a Director, followed by his service as Secretary. In 2021, he made history as the organization’s first Executive Director and now serves as President & CEO. His tenure has been marked by the strengthening of relationships within Indigenous communities across Newfoundland and Labrador and the expansion of MCF’s cultural and educational initiatives. Professionally, Jeff brings extensive experience across multiple sectors. He is the owner of Bayside Consulting Inc., offering strategic consulting services and short- and long-term housing solutions. His previous work with the Federal Government enhanced his expertise in federal governance, compliance, and financial operations. Guided by the principle of Etuaptmumk—the Mi’kmaw concept of "two-eyed seeing"—Jeff integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with Western frameworks to foster culturally grounded yet operationally effective solutions. This balanced approach enables him to support non-profits, businesses, and community organizations in aligning cultural values with strategic planning and organizational sustainability. With a robust academic foundation in business studies, Jeff excels in strategic development, organizational management, and sustainable community planning. His interdisciplinary expertise and deep cultural commitment reflect a vision for transformative, long-term change that empowers Indigenous communities and advances reconciliation through action. With a deep-rooted commitment to cultural integrity, community empowerment, and responsible leadership, Jeff brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the table. His understanding of local needs—shaped by years of service, listening, and collaborative action—positions him to be a strong and effective voice for the region. He is ready to advocate with integrity, lead with compassion, and work tirelessly to ensure communities are heard, respected, and supported at every level.

Gillian Morrissey
Manager, Centre for Social Enterprise

Gillian Morrissey

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Manager, Centre for Social Enterprise

Dr. Morrissey guides the activities of the Centre for Social Enterprise as it strives to cultivate a new generation of socially-minded business leaders, strengthen social enterprise and drive social innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cathie Reed
Innovation Manager, St. John's Farmers' Market

Cathie Reed

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Innovation Manager, St. John's Farmers' Market

Cathie is the Innovation Manager with the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, a non-profit co-operative and vibrant, multicultural community hub. With a background in marketing and events, she leads revenue diversification and focuses on turning big ideas into practical, sustainable revenue models. Passionate about connection and local enterprise, she works closely with entrepreneurs to support growth, test new ideas and create more inclusive and sustainable pathways to participation.

Finding Sustainability in Rural Revenue Diversification (Workshop 1)

Revenue diversification in rural communities need new economic strategies beyond traditional approaches, requiring innovative thinking about partnerships and leveraging community assets. Learn how social enterprise solutions are broadening the economic base and creating resilience in northern rural Newfoundland communities. Work in collaborative teams to find solutions to closing gaps to achieve sustainability and strengthen local capacity.

Breaking Barriers: A Funders guide to eliminating barriers in your granting system

Over the past 6 years, the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation has been navigating philanthropy through a trust based, community led approach. Through the development of new methodologies in granting, program development, and charitable law, they've seen major developments in infrastructure for Labrador non-profits. Come learn about the little known barriers crippling communities while accessing grants, and how we can move forward together in creating better systems.

DeeJay Monika Rumbolt
Research Analyst, Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation

DeeJay Monika Rumbolt

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Research Analyst, Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation

DeeJay Rumbolt is a Research Analyst with the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation. She has helped develop and fund for over 40 separate programs throughout Labrador since June 2021, which has created impactful and sustainable change throughout the region. Her experience during this time has led her to create and implement various frameworks and methodologies that have enhanced the region's infrastructure, encouraging its non-profits to form trust-based relationships with their donors and capacity building partnerships with other funding competitors.

Hands-on. Collective. Action-oriented.

This interactive session brings participants together to synthesize the insights, challenges, and opportunities surfaced throughout the festival. Working collaboratively, attendees will map the current realities of the community sector and identify key levers for change.

Together, we will begin to shape a shared pathway toward a more resilient and future-ready ecosystem, grounded in real experience and collective insight.