OUR TEAM
Bringing Fora’s mission to life
Delivering programs, strengthening operations, and building partnerships that support young leaders to govern and create change.
The Fora Team
The staff team at Fora is responsible for implementing the strategic plan, including providing excellent programming, improving organizational operations, and creating healthy revenue streams. The team works with a variety of stakeholders in Fora’s community to effectively deliver our mission of equipping young leaders with the network, training, resources, and experiences they need to create a future without gender-based barriers.
Emma Asiedu-Akrofi (she/her)
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Emma Asiedu-Akrofi (she/her) is a nonprofit executive, leadership speaker, and strategist, Emma brings over 10 years of experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, and complexity across the social impact sector.
As CEO of Fora: Network for Change, Emma leads high-impact leadership, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that equip young women and gender-marginalized youth with the skills, networks, and opportunities to build influence, navigate systems, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
A Black Canadian woman of Ghanaian descent, Emma’s leadership is grounded in an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and inclusive approach, with a focus on dismantling systemic barriers and expanding access to opportunity, resources, and power. She is a trusted voice on gender equity, leadership, and social change, regularly engaging with organizations and audiences seeking practical, informed perspectives on building more equitable futures.
Miriam Buttu (she/her)
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Miriam is a proud Palestinian leader who has spent her career building spaces where people don't have to contort themselves to belong.
Miriam brings over 20 years of nonprofit and social impact leadership to her work. From building teams, to leading organizations, Miriam is passionate about bringing a human-first approach to her work in the non-profit sector.
Outside of Fora, you can find Miriam running her own business as a coach and keynote speaker for equity-driven leaders ready to build something of their own. She also hosts Liberated & Rooted Dinners and retreats: intimate spaces for women and non-binary people of colour to reconnect beyond the demands of survival.
Jen Vachon (she/her)
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A lifelong passion for local and international social justice has been the driving force behind Jen’s work and schooling, which includes international development, community development, and economics. In the decade before joining Fora, Jen put her heart and soul into developing creative and collaborative responses to food insecurity in her hometown of Timmins.
Jen has extensive experience with equity-focused program development and coordination in a variety of roles. As the five-year executive director of a grassroots charity, she drove effective and sustainable organizational growth. She has previously sat on boards and committees pertaining to food security, healthcare, and the arts.
Jen loves exploring – whether that’s a new neighbourhood, hiking trail, or dish. As a Toronto newcomer, she’s excited about the endless opportunities to try new things.
Jenny Jay (she/her)
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Driven by her passion for inclusive and ethical storytelling paired with her background in film & creative writing, Jenny Jay is a leader in unpacking how we tell stories to create spaces where people truly belong. With an educational background in non-fiction multimedia and her lived experiences holding multiple identities, Jenny advocates that spaces of power understand the impact of a story when it’s finally told right.
Jenny actively uses her voice in every space that she enters to challenge intuitional structures, advocate for disability, racial, and queer justice, and to ask that private organizations & companies put their resources where their values claim — including brands like Lululemon, Abercombie & Fitch & Humber College.
In her spare time, Jenny can be found practicing asanas (the physical form of yoga) with her Mom, laughing at memes on the internet, or road-tripping in the Mountains in her camper-converted Jeep.
Sania Dogra (she/her)
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Sania's journey began with a passion for architecture, driven by a desire to create inclusive and gender equitable communities. Upon graduating as an architect, this aspiration led her to pursue a master’s in International Peace Studies at Soka University of Japan.
Transitioning into the development space, Sania brings with her experience and expertise in youth-centric development, cross-sectoral collaboration, and partnership building. Her interdisciplinary background allows her to approach challenges with a systemic perspective and intentionally design inclusive solutions. Prior to joining Fora Sania worked in the non-profit sector in India, implementing educational programs with youth and adolescent girls. She advocates for the interconnectedness of design and social issues, firmly believing in the power of thoughtful design to alleviate structural violence and foster positive change.
She finds solace in nature and long walks, and enjoys exploring local cafes and cuisines. As a newcomer to Toronto, Sania is excited to immerse herself in her new community, forging connections and growing into an empathetic global citizen.
Esther Germain (she/her/elle)
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Esther is dedicated to fostering social change and community empowerment through strategic relationship-building. With a BA in Political Science and ongoing graduate studies in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice through her Master of Professional Education (MPEd) program, Esther blends her academic knowledge and hands-on experience to create national inclusive engagement strategies in both French and English.
Her expertise covers stakeholder engagement, communications, and volunteer management, as well as experience in electoral campaigns, including prominent initiatives with the UN and national elections. Esther also co-leads community initiatives as a founding member of Somos Coop and serves as Communications Director for a startup in the beauty industry, promoting inclusivity and representation.
To recharge, Esther enjoys yoga, spending time with her sister, and exploring Tiohtià:ke (Montreal).
Ariba Dara (she/her)
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Ariba is a leadership and community development professional with over 12 years of experience in program design, strategic partnerships, organizational development, and inclusive governance. With an academic background in Social Sciences, Psychology, Gender Studies, and a Master’s in Training & Development, she is a driven change maker committed to advancing equitable leadership and community impact.
As the Regional Programs Manager at Fora: Network for Change, she leads community building initiatives across Northern and Western Canada, strengthening partnerships that support nonprofit board engagement, youth leadership, and equitable governance practices.
Ariba’s expertise spans strategic planning, partnership building, training and development, project management, EDI initiatives, and designing leadership programs that foster meaningful participation and systemic change. Her passion for creating inclusive spaces and amplifying the voices of equity deserving communities strongly aligns with Fora’s mission to build a more equitable society.
Outside of work, Ariba enjoys picnics, movies, and traveling. She is a cheerful and solution-focused person who loves meeting new people, exploring new experiences, and building meaningful connections.
Tanaka Chitanda (she/her)
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Tanaka is passionate about creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers and communities. With over seven years of experience in the social impact sector, she brings expertise in fundraising, partnership development, revenue generation, and nonprofit strategy.
Throughout her career, Tanaka has worked to secure funding, cultivate strategic partnerships, and support initiatives that foster leadership, professional development, and community engagement. She is particularly interested in building sustainable funding models and helping organizations grow their impact through thoughtful collaboration and relationship-building.
With a background in Earth and Environmental Systems, Tanaka brings a systems-thinking approach to her work and believes meaningful change is achieved through innovation, partnership, and investment in people.
Outside of work, Tanaka enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, and travelling.
Maria Pia Maiti (she/her)
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Maria Pia Maiti is an operations-focused professional with a background in international education, nonprofit, and higher education work. She has also worked in teaching and training roles, and has lived and worked in Argentina, Australia, the United States, and Canada, bringing a global perspective shaped by working across diverse cultural and institutional contexts. She holds an MA in International Educational Development from Columbia University.
At Fora, Maria Pia supports operations, helping keep things organized and running smoothly. She works across teams to improve processes, support coordination, and contribute to systems that are clear, accessible, and grounded in equity.
Outside of work, Maria Pia enjoys learning languages, reading fiction and non-fiction in both English and Spanish, and going for walks along the Toronto waterfront.
Chalaine Chang (she/her)
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Chalaine has a background in international development and experience working in the humanitarian aid sector, working primarily in communications and project coordination.
She has worked in several global programs, including Angola, Libya, Tunisia, and northern Iraq. She's always on the look out for a good park and is a casual, but enthusiastic cyclist!
Rachel Buchanan (she/her)
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Driven by a passion for social justice advocacy, feminist penal policy reform, and community-building, Rachel is committed to fostering meaningful connections and creating inclusive spaces where anyone experiencing gender-based discrimination can thrive.
Having recently graduated with an HBA in Criminology and Sociology, Rachel has contributed to numerous research projects that examine topics ranging from media/political narratives in scandal creation to community responses to crime and justice in rural South Africa. This work strengthened her ability to analyze complex social issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and translate research findings into meaningful insights for community-focused work. In addition to her research background, Rachel has held numerous leadership, mentorship, and outreach roles that have allowed her to engage with diverse groups, build relationships, and support meaningful community initiatives.
She brings this experience to her role as Community Engagement Coordinator, where she is excited to connect with community members, foster collaboration, and help advance positive social change.
To unwind outside of work, Rachel enjoys camping, kayaking, and getting lost in a really good book.
Jenna Aquino (she/her/elle)
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Jenna is a former private-sector growth marketer turned non-profit communications and events specialist, a deliberate shift rooted in a desire to live and work in line with her values.
Her background in marketing across tech, education, and agency settings, paired with a passion for social justice and artistic storytelling, brings a distinct perspective to Fora’s communications. She holds a BA in Rhetoric & Media from The University of Waterloo and is driven by the craft of communicating in ways that actually land and make people feel truly seen. She cares deeply about creating resources and content that reflect the true impact of Fora's work, and building tools that Fora's young leaders can readily put to use as they step into spaces where they can shape the world around them.
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario gave her an early and concrete sense of what economic inequality actually looks like. That awareness shaped her beliefs around who gets heard, who gets resources, and whose stories get told. The through-line of her work is simple: she aims to amplify voices that often get spoken over, whether through a compelling story or an event that brings like-minded people together over meaningful shared experiences.
Now based in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke) and working toward bilingualism in English and French, Jenna also makes music as an independent singer/songwriter, loves to travel, and stays involved in activism and advocacy through grassroots organizations.
Theeshika Chandralingam (she/her)
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Theeshika is currently pursuing an Honours Arts and Business degree in Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo where she is developing her interest in law, leadership and community impact. She is passionate about creating opportunities that help young people build confidence and make a difference in their communities.
Theeshika brings experience in program coordination, communications, outreach and event planning and is excited to support Fora's mission through programs that empower women and gender-marginalized youth to lead.
Outside of work, Theeshika enjoys travelling, trying new restaurants and cafés, and spending time with family and friends. She loves meeting new people, learning about different cultures and finding new places to explore.
Fora’s Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and governance to support the organization’s mission and values.
Composed of gender equity champions and past and current program participants, the board helps guide Fora toward a sustainable future through sound strategy and policy.
Rachel Stephenson Sheff (she/her)
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Rachel Stephenson Sheff (she/her) is a strategist, executive, and proud generalist who helps ambitious teams lead with clarity, creativity, and purpose.
She is the Managing Director of B Corp I.G. Advisors, an award-winning global consultancy working at the intersection of impact, business, and philanthropy, where she has led strategy and organizational transformation for clients including the Gates Foundation, UN Women, World Food Programme, Adobe, Kurt Geiger, the Equality Fund, and fast-growing startups. She also heads the Scaling Strategy & Leadership stream at the London School of Economics' 100x Impact Accelerator and co-leads I.G.'s Leadership Lab, built to grow the confidence and capabilities of mission-driven professionals.
Rachel hosts two podcasts: What Donors Want, which pulls back the curtain on the social change sector, and Young-ish, co-founded with Tanvi Girotra, which explores the comings of age we don't see coming. She is a frequent speaker on leadership, strategy, and the future of impact, with writing and features in The Guardian, Fortune, and the BBC. She serves as Chair of the Board at Fora: Network for Change.
In another life, Rachel was a performer and holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch. Originally from Canada, she splits her time between Toronto and London.
Elana Chan (she/her)
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Elana Chan is the Director of Americas SMB Marketing at Google. With nearly 20 years of marketing experience, her goal is to help small & medium businesses get online, thrive, and grow through the transformative power of AI and digital marketing.
Her responsibilities include building and executing the Marketing strategy for Google’s Americas Ads Acquisitions business, including programs through both direct & partner channels. She has deep expertise in e-commerce, paid media, growth & lifecycle marketing, and go-to-market strategies that help millions of businesses make the most of the web.
Prior to Google, Elana built iconic brands at Unilever, launched new products at Apple, and helped scale the startup, Jetsetter, and successfully sold it to TripAdvisor. Wherever she goes, Elana is passionate about leading teams, innovating on new ideas, and transforming businesses, particularly in the areas of digital commerce, customer journeys & insights.
Jenn Bieri (she/her)
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Jenn Bieri (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of The Practice Space, a Canadian leadership development company focused on building more human, sustainable approaches to leadership. She began her career in public accounting before moving into senior finance and operations roles, helping scale a global tech start-up from 40 to 400 people. Alongside her corporate career, she built an online wellness community teaching yoga, and when the tech company was sold for $50M, she left to start her own business supporting leaders and organizations navigating growth in healthier, more effective ways.
Jenn is an ICF Certified Professional Coach (ACC), a CPCC through the Co-Active Training Institute, and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). She also holds a BBA (Honours) from Wilfrid Laurier University.She is excited to join Fora Network for Change to help advance its mission of supporting women in leadership—especially those navigating spaces not always designed with them in mind. Jenn believes women make exceptional leaders and is committed to making the path more inclusive, sustainable, and supportive for the next generation.She lives in Nanticoke, Ontario, near Lake Erie, with her long-time partner, Dave.
Berfu Ege Söbe (she/her)
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Berfu Ege Söbe (she/her) is an international development professional dedicated to advancing funding, partnerships, and social impact for sustainable development. At SNV, she leads high-level fundraising and partnership development to drive inclusive, community-centred development across Africa and Asia. Berfu specializes in building multi-stakeholder collaborations, navigating complex donor landscapes, and unlocking diverse funding streams to catalyze measurable, localized impact. Committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the global development and impact ecosystem, she advises both local and international organisations on strategic growth and systems change. Berfu holds an LL.M. in International Arbitration, Commercial Law, an LL.B. in Global Law, and a B.Sc. in Management of International Social Challenges.
Previous affiliation with Fora: Delegate to the Global Summit in 2020
Originally from Turkiye & Cyprus, currently based in the Netherlands.
Carolyn Lawrence (she/her)
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Carolyn Lawrence (she/her) is an award-winning expert with 25 years of experience breaking barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion for all. As a passionate and purpose-driven leader, she has built an equity-focused social enterprise (Women of Influence), established Deloitte Canada’s DEI practice, and transformed culture as Deloitte's first Global DEI Leader.
In 2023, she launched her own company, CLEAR PATH, to focus on what works: integrating equity right into how companies do business with in-person and AI-driven solutions. She is an active member of the community as a Board Director of Alpine Ontario funding Ontario's ski team, an avid cyclist riding for Les Domestiques who raise millions for charities each year and is a mom and step mom to 3 boys.
Lucie Jeffers (she/her)
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Lucie Jeffers is an experienced executive and purpose-driven leader with a lifelong commitment to removing barriers to access and creating inclusive, human-centered workplaces. She currently serves as Vice President, People & Culture at YMCA Canada, where she leads national strategy across human resources, leadership development, youth initiatives and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.Lucie holds an MBA from Cornell University and Queen’s University and brings a strong foundation in business strategy, governance, and systems thinking.
A lifelong advocate for equity and social impact, Lucie is driven by a belief in the power of inclusive leadership to drive real change.
Nathalie E. Vilgrain (she/her)
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Nathalie E. Vilgrain (she/her/elle/Li) is a Haitian-Canadian feminist activist working at the intersection of governance, community development, and feminist philanthropy. She is the co-founder and first General Coordinator of MARIJÀN, a feminist organization based in Haiti, and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Harambec, a feminist organization supporting the empowerment of Black communities in Canada.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences with a Major in Political Science and a Major in Women’s Studies from the University of Ottawa, as well as a diploma in Social Work from Collège La Cité. Her work focuses on capacity-building, collective care, and advancing gender and racial justice across local and transnational spaces. Her leadership has been recognized with several awards, including the 2018 Bernard Grandmaître Young Leader of the Year Award and the international Women Have Wings award (2022).
As a Caribbean intersectional feminist, Nathalie has collaborated with various networks advocating for women’s political participation, the rights of sex workers, LGBTQI2A+ communities, and the inclusion of women in municipal governance. Her journey is grounded in a deep commitment to intergenerational and cross-border solidarity, and to building movements that center equity, shared responsibility, and social transformation.
She views governance as a strategic and political practice, and brings both care and clarity to collective processes aimed at building futures rooted in justice, dignity, and joy.
Tanvi has served as an International Fellow for the Global Fund for Children and was awarded the William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service in India through which she helped build programs targeted at women and children in high-risk communities. She currently serves as National Advisor for GirlTrek - America’s largest non-profit focused on black women’s health.
Robina Bosibori Omosa (she/her)
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Robina Bosibori Omosa is a finance and administration professional with extensive experience in governance, leadership, and advocacy. She currently serves as a Finance & Administration Manager and has played a key role in project management and organizational development at East Scarborough Storefront and Durham Rape Crisis Centre. Her expertise spans financial management, governance, and strategy, equipping her with the skills to support diverse organizations effectively.
Robina is an active board member of the Women's Multicultural Resource and Counseling Center, Durham, and Kakenya’s Dream, a former board member- vice chairman of the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK), where she champions mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership development for women from marginalized backgrounds. She has also served on the Kenya Airports Authority board, leading governance initiatives and policy development.
Passionate about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), Robina has spearheaded mentorship programs and advocacy efforts that empower young professionals and underrepresented groups. As a moderator for GirlUp Quebec and Kenya, she works to create spaces for young women to thrive in leadership.
Her leadership is driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive governance, supporting emerging leaders, and ensuring equitable representation in decision-making spaces. She continues to leverage her networks and experience to inspire and mentor future leaders.
Vandinika Shukla (she/her)
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Vandinika (she/her) has over a decade of experience in gender policy, movement building, and civic technology. As an Intergovernmental Policy Advisor and Youth Focal Point at UN Women, Vandinika has designed national gender policies and advised heads of state on implementing the SDGs and human rights frameworks. She was the delegate from India in Fora’s 2014 Summit and later served as the Vice-Chair of Fora’s first Steering Committee.
Most recently, Vandinika launched the Practicing Democracy Project at Harvard Kennedy School – advising global campaigns and organizations on leadership, storytelling, and movement building– with world renowned community organizer Marshall Ganz. Previously, Vandinika built civic engagement products and partnerships at MIT Media Lab to pilot AI/ML technology to amplify marginalized voices in policymaking and developed cross-stakeholder relationships for responsible tech for Jigsaw and the Government of France.
Vandinika has been recognized and invited to speak as a young leader by the G20, the European Commission, UN SDG Action, and All Tech Is Human. Her writing and work have been featured in the Boston Globe, Tech Policy Press, Slate, and Indian national dailies like The Hindu. She is also a member of the Board for Represent Women and Partners In Democracy.
Vandinika holds a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics. She currently teaches movement building and democratic leadership at Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership.