Magic Moment: One would be when the small non-profit I currently lead exceeded an annual budget of over $6 million from $450,000. The other was the expansion of our housing portfolio from head leases to ownership and thirdly – the redevelopment of a supportive housing project to 35 self contained units of studios and one bedroom for women and gender diverse people and their families who were formally unhoused – in a highly residential neighbourhood (north Cabbagetown) that required extensive community consultation and the acceptance of the community of the housing development in the community – which I label – “reverse gentrification”.

Key Influence: 
Eva Smith, who unfortunately is no longer with us – however her name lives on – Eva’s Initiative is named in her honour. When your cause is just – never back down and the values of tenacity, perseverance and building and nurturing strategic partnerships. Those values have served me well to continue to persevere when disappointments were many especially in the development of housing.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The next and current challenges are; creating more housing and built form housing for unhoused vulnerable women and gender diverse people – especially those are challenged by historical barriers.

On Championing Others… I champion others in the sector by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth – whilst providing safe space for emotional exposure. As well as knowledge sharing.