VP Research, Advocacy & External Relations at Imagine Canada

Jodene Baker is Vice President, Research, Advocacy & External Relations at Imagine Canada, where her work focuses on strengthening the nonprofit sector’s voice, evidence base, and impact. She has more than 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit and academic sectors, with a focus on research, evaluation, public policy, and social impact. Prior to joining Imagine Canada, Jodene held senior leadership roles at United Way Winnipeg and spent more than a decade at the University of Winnipeg.

Senior Manager of Cyber Clinic Programs at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

Gordon is the Senior Manager of Cyber Clinic Programs at Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, where he advances the growth of the organization's cybersecurity clinic and supports other institutions across Canada in building and launching their own cyber clinics. He also serves as a board director for Open North, a nonprofit organization that works with governments and civic-minded organizations to leverage data for greater innovation and service delivery.  He holds an MBA from UC Berkeley, and previously worked with organizations such as the Raising the Village, Future Skills Centre, Engineers Without Borders, and Deloitte.

Senior Director of Strategy & Growth at Volunteer Toronto

Cara Eaton is a seasoned communications professional and the Senior Director of Strategy & Growth at Volunteer Toronto, Canada’s largest volunteer centre. She has a decade of experience in public relations, communications, fund development, and leading data-driven projects and campaigns that influence and strengthen volunteerism across Ontario.

An advocate for the power of sector-owned data in the volunteerism space, Cara is currently bringing to life an ambitious shared data framework and vision for volunteer centres as aligned with Canada's upcoming National Volunteer Action Strategy.

Cara holds a B.A. with Honours in Media Communications, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations, and a Certificate in Data Storytelling from the University of Chicago.

Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience

Wilfreda is the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience, where she helps nonprofits build the skills and tools they need to thrive in a digital world. With a background in government and years of experience working on data, policy, and technology, she is passionate about making digital access fair and meaningful for all communities.

Founder of Focus Further Solutions

Sigrid Penner is a strategy and analytics consultant who helps nonprofit leaders use data as a practical tool for better governance and decision-making. As Founder of Focus Further Solutions, she partners with executive teams and boards to connect strategic priorities with meaningful measurement, ensuring data informs action rather than simply producing more reports.

Executive Director of Volunteer Manitoba

Ashley Seymour is a dedicated nonprofit leader and advocate with a deep commitment to community engagement, volunteerism, and inclusive leadership. She serves as Executive Director of Volunteer Manitoba, where she works to strengthen the nonprofit and voluntary sector by supporting organizations, empowering volunteers, and fostering collaboration across communities.

Ashley’s commitment to community engagement and volunteerism extends beyond her professional role as she serves on the board of Inclusion Winnipeg and is the past Chair of her community’s Recreation Commission. She is also the former Vice President of Abilities Manitoba and held several volunteer roles including coaching with Special Olympics Manitoba, the 2025 Grey Cup Festival, and with her community’s Age Friendly Initiative. Ashley was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 in recognition of her commitment to advancing the voluntary sector and for creating positive change in the community.

Ashley also plays a key role in the development of a Manitoba Non-profit Network and represents Manitoba at the national level as a member of the Canadian Federation of Non-profits.

With her unwavering dedication to making a difference, Ashley is passionate about strengthening the nonprofit sector by supporting organizations, fostering collaboration, and creating inclusive spaces where individuals and communities thrive.

Founder of Joanne Zuk Strategy

Joanne Zuk is a strategist and facilitator who loves working with organizations that help our community thrive – especially those that address complex challenges while navigating complex relationships with government. Through her firm, Joanne Zuk Strategy, she works with a circle of deeply experienced practitioners in the spaces of strategic planning, engagement, facilitation, and training to meet the specific needs of clients.