WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
Meet the national team that works passionately behind the scenes to make The Forum the force it is
Compassionate, encouraging, and endlessly invested in the success of every self-identified woman entrepreneur who accesses our community — these are amazing supporters to have by your side. They don’t just champion you, they open doors and advocate for you to make sure you, and every other woman entrepreneur in Canada, have the resources and community you need to thrive in business.
Anne McLean (she/her)
VP, Strategic Operations & Marketing
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Packing my camper and setting off on the open road with my family, my camera, my snorkel fins and a new beautiful BC destination in sight.
About Anne:
Working at The Forum means that I’m working to support women as they break barriers to achieve their economic well-being.
Anne leads:
Marketing, Communications, Brand, Content & Digital
Connect with Anne:
Brittany Voorberg (she/her)
Development Manager
Most Used Emoji:
🤣
Favourite Sanity Saver:
I love dreaming up home projects, enjoying cozy evenings by the fire with family and friends, and exploring the outdoors with my husband and little ones. Lazy summer days on the dock and unwinding with a good book or show after the kids are in bed are my perfect balance.
About Brittany:
I’m truly passionate about uniting our dedicated supporters and advocates of The Forum to create meaningful change for women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada, helping them unlock their full potential. My focus is on growing the resources available to our community through strategic funds development, ensuring that we can continue to empower and uplift women-identifying entrepreneurs with the support they need to thrive. By expanding our network of champions, I strive to build lasting relationships that drive real, impactful change for the women who are shaping the future of business in Canada.
WHAT Brittany LEADS:
Strategy, engagement, and growth of our supporters
Connect with Brittany:
Carsen Cassell (they/them)
Director, Finance
Most Used Emoji:
👀
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Moving my body and letting myself complain as I do it.
About Carsen:
I’m a former athlete turned accountant who loves finding patterns in numbers and in everyday life. When I’m not working through a spreadsheet, you’ll probably find me at Pilates or yoga or cooking something for friends and family. A quote I live by is: “When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
WHAT Carsen LEADS:
All things Finance. If there is a dollar sign, I am a part of it.
Connect with Carsen:
Cherie Kai (she/her)
Donor Relations & Development Manager
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Outdoor sweaty pursuits on the mountain, by the beach and everywhere in between, experimenting in the kitchen, enjoying full belly laughs with friends and family, and chasing sunsets.
About Cherie:
I am deeply passionate about bringing together our dedicated supporters and champions of The Forum to drive real change for women entrepreneurs across Canada, empowering them to reach their full potential.
WHAT Cherie LEADS:
Engagement & Stewardship of Our Generous Supporters
Connect with Cherie:
Emily Thompson (she/her)
Senior Events Manager
Most Used Emoji:
💕
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Being in nature with my dog Ziggy or moving my body in different ways (a sweaty dance party is one of the best ways for me to release)!
About Emily:
I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences and connecting with inspiring people who are making waves. Alignment between what I believe in and how I work matters deeply to me, which is why I’m so grateful to be part of The Forum. I also believe in making the journey memorable and joyful, by sharing laughs, building relationships, and creating good stories with my team along the way.
WHAT Emily LEADS:
Events
Connect with Emily:
Erika Thomas (she/her)
Senior Manager, Partnerships & Community Development
Most Used Emoji:
💃🏻
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Starting the day with black tea, heart filled connection time with friends and family, dance parties, moving the body in any way.
About Erika:
I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships and connecting entrepreneurs with the champions and resources that can help propel them forward. I love hearing about the entrepreneurs and their unique business journey, understanding what’s real for them, and connecting them with support that truly fits. At The Forum, I’m proud to be part of sparking real change for women entrepreneurs across Canada as they unlock their full potential.
WHAT ERIKA LEADS:
Ecosystem Partnerships, Entrepreneur & Community Building, Program Development
Connect with Erika:
Hilary Hutchins (she/her)
Sponsorship Manager
Most Used Emoji:
😊
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Spending time with friends, a cozy cup of coffee on a rainy day, gaming with friends, and baking - enough to share!
About Hilary:
I am most inspired when I get to support others and support a community of incredible people. It's a huge privilege to be part of a team that facilitates that community for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
WHAT Hilary LEADS:
Securing Support and Building Lasting Sponsor Relationships for The Forum
Connect with Hilary:
Jacqueline Gilchrist (she/her)
Director, Program Operations
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Camping and spending time outdoors, spontaneous dance parties, reading a good book, and sharing snacks with friends.
About Jacqueline:
I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their version of success if they are supported and empowered by those around them. I am so excited that my role at The Forum helps women-identifying entrepreneurs build a community of support that will provide a safe space for them to learn more about their businesses, and grow both personally and professionally!
WHAT Jacqueline LEADS:
Program Operations, Strategy & Delivery
Connect with Jacqueline:
Katarina Franzen (she/her)
Events Manager
Most Used Emoji:
🤠 + 🍀
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Diet Coke with a True Lime and a good book!
About Katarina:
My goal has always been to make my work as meaningful as possible. Getting to work at The Forum means combining my passion for creating great events and supporting and championing women entrepreneurs - that is as meaningful as it can possibly get for me!
WHAT Katarina LEADS:
Events
Connect with Katarina:
Kirsten Koppang Telford (she/her)
CEO
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Yoga! I’m a newbie yoga teacher, and a regular practitioner. I find solace in the quiet of yoga, strength in the movement, and energy in sharing the practice with friends.
About Kirsten:
I’ve spent the majority of my career as an entrepreneur, and recognize how much support it takes to
have the courage to start and grow a business. I love that The Forum supports entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, while working to build a world where all women have an equal opportunity to achieve their goals.
WHAT Kirsten LEADS:
Our vision & strategy
Connect with Kirsten:
Libin Mohamed (she/her)
Program Delivery & Communications Lead
Most Used Emoji:
🤝
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Going on long drives, playing with kitties, dancing along to Beyoncé and BTS, hot chai and iced coffees, and going on adventurous hikes.
About Libin:
I was able to become the “me” I am today because of the inspiring women who not only provided me with a seat at the table, but empowered me to empower myself. To be able to pay it forward with The Forum, in supporting and championing women entrepreneurs, is a privilege I will always be honoured to have.
Libin leads:
Program Delivery Execution & Post-Program Support
Connect with Libin:
Lisa Niemetscheck (she/her)
VP, Development
Most Used Emoji:
😄
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Reading before bed, making a london fog tea to get my day started & getting outside to be with my son at the playground before dinner -- which gets my body moving and keeps my heart full.
About Lisa:
I'm passionate about activating our community of supports - sponsors and donors - to help The Forum impact women entrepreneurs across the country so that they may thrive.
Lisa leads:
Our fundraising initiatives
Connect with Lisa:
Luísa Raymundo (she/her)
Mentorship & Community Lead
Most Used Emoji:
💫
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Anything that gets me moving! Long bike rides, tennis matches, dance classes, embroidery (for when I can’t go outside) or a swim.
About Luísa:
Being part of The Forum is truly inspiring! Every day, I get to connect with incredible women, hear their stories, and learn from their journeys. I’m passionate about creating spaces where women can thrive, grow, and feel supported, and I love that my work allows me to do just that.
Luísa Leads:
Mentorship Program
Connect with Luísa:
Makenna Campbell (she/her)
Senior Manager, Content Marketing
Most Used Emoji:
🥰
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Evening walks, listening to podcasts, and seeing my favourite artists in concert.
About Makenna:
I believe that when women come together, they thrive together. It's inspiring to be a part of an organization that cultivates a safe space for women entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow.
Makenna Leads:
Content Strategy & Execution across Editorial, Social Media, and Website
Connect with Makenna:

Miranda Ta (she/her)
Operations Manager
Most Used Emoji:
🙈
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Getting outside with my family, especially bike rides around the seawall that end with an ice cream or bubble tea, listening to my kids’ laugh, cooking, date nights, moms’ nights out tasting our way through the city, and organizing my home (or anyone else who will let me organize theirs!).
About Miranda:
My greatest source of fulfillment is being of service to others and watching them thrive doing what they love most. To be part of The Forum which supports women entrepreneurs in doing just that is a privilege I am honoured to have.
Miranda leads:
Operations
Connect with Miranda:

Naomi Menezes (she/her)
Senior Manager, Research & Impact
Most Used Emoji:
🌻 😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Cooking up a nice meal, playing scrabble, taking a quite walk, digging into a bowl of nachos and salsa, getting lost in a good book, slow painting.
About Naomi:
I deeply champion entrepreneurship as it takes great grit and determination to move from vision to reality. At The Forum, I love the community - strong women entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and introducing new innovations. Each day, it's a privilege to be able to support them in their journeys and be surrounded by the passion and perspective they bring to the table.
Naomi leads:
Impact Measurement, Research, Strategic Insights
Connect with Naomi:

Nicole Thompson (she/her)
Executive Assistant
Most Used Emoji:
🥰
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Spending time outside, going for walks with my family or our dog, cooking, adventures at the family cabin, quality time with friends and family, and enjoying the quiet after a busy day.
About Nicole:
I am deeply passionate about supporting The Forum team and the community we serve. I am honored to be part of an organization that fosters positive change and growth, inspiring women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Nicole leads:
Executive Administration
Connect with Nicole:
Nolizwe Mhlaba (she/her)
Senior Manager, Programs & Curriculum Development
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Any combination of a laugh with girlfriends, a cup of tea, a glass of red wine, the New York Times crossword puzzle, or a Kdrama will always delight me.
About Nolizwe:
I love seeing women thrive and win in life. It is my dream to engage with diverse groups of women entrepreneurs and connect them to the educational and financial resources they need, as well as networks that champion them, their growth, and their work.
WHAT Nolizwe LEADS:
Program Design & Curriculum Development
Connect with Nolizwe:

Tiah Dunstan (she/her)
Program Delivery & Impact Coordinator
Most Used Emoji:
❤️
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Starting a new arts and craft, reading a good book, watching reality television, and trying out a new restaurant with friends.
About Tiah:
I am passionate about using my work to create a positive impact on people's daily lives. I am grateful that through my work at the Forum I am able to support a community of women to change their lives through entrepreneurship.
Tiah leads:
Delivery & Participant Tracking for The Forum’s Programs
Connect with Tiah: