Natalie Pilla [she/her]

Rise on Boards+ | Cohort 3

Natalie Pilla is a strategic research and project management professional dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations transform insights into impact. Currently Research Manager at Viewpoints Research, she leads end-to-end research projects from design through delivery, working with clients focused on making life better for people.

This commitment began early and has remained constant throughout her career. In her teens, she volunteered in the Toronto Public Library's Leading to Reading program, where she led weekly sessions to improve ESL elementary students' reading skills. She then served as a Distress Centre helpline responder, joined her local MPP's youth council, and currently volunteers on the awards committee of the Women's Nonprofit Network.

Professionally, Natalie has contributed to research that informed public policies, advocacy campaigns, and service improvements. She has worked on projects across education, healthcare, and housing. She's known for her collaborative approach and her ability to make complex information accessible. She combines technical research expertise with a talent for coordinating people, processes, and priorities.

Natalie is a 2025 Venture for Canada Fellow with degrees from York University and Humber College. Her love for learning continues today -- outside of work, you'll find her hiking, reading, playing games, and yes, still at Toronto's public libraries.