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 Kinnear (she/her)
Event Manager
Most Used Emoji:
😂
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Spending time with my family and friends, getting out in nature, swimming, getting lost in a book, walks in the rain, watching a sunset or travelling!
About Anne:
I’m inspired by being able to make a difference, however small it may seem, to someone’s day or journey, and to be a part of a network supporting women and championing others in everything we do. I am passionate about being able to contribute to safe spaces where people feel they belong, that they are empowered and supported, and where we call all lift each other up.
Anne leads:
The Forum Events.
Connect with Anne:
Anne McLean (she/her)
Director, Marketing & Communications
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:
Ariel Letterick (she/her)
Mentor Program Manager
Most Used Emoji:
❤️
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Salsa dancing, motiviational quotes, green tea, my dog Beau
About Ariel:
If I did not have mentors who believed in me, I would not be where I am today. I am thrilled that The Forum offers opportunities for women to connect with mentors who will help their businesses in tangible ways and it is a privilege to contribute to this transformational work.
Ariel leads:
Mentor Program.
Connect with Ariel:
Ariel Stern (she/her)
Program Coordinator, E-Series & Community
Most Used Emoji:
🥳
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Cooking a nutritious meal, travelling somewhere new (usually in a campervan), laughing with friends & family, and going for a run that ends at a new bagel shop!
About Ariel:
I am a community enthusiast focused on impactful results and relationship building. I know the incredible impact of a supportive network, and I am so proud to support such passionate and creative women.
WHAT Ariel LEADS:
Program Coordination for educational and engagement opportunities, including E-Series and Weekly Connect.
Connect with Ariel:
Cherie Kai (she/her)
Development Operations 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:
Our donor development work.
Connect with Cherie:
Erika Thomas (she/her)
Program & Community Manager
Most Used Emoji:
💃🏻
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Dance parties to Whitney Houston, crafts and puzzles with two kids, enjoying some chips, fresh air in some nature.
About Erika:
I show up everyday knowing our organization makes a difference for everyone and those relationships are important to me. I love learning about each and every business and what they need right now/what's real for them and try to help them get those resources.
WHAT ERIKA LEADS:
Program strategy, management & execution. Curriculum & people.
Connect with Erika:
Gretchen Ferguson (she/her)
Director, Strategic Projects
Most Used Emoji:
❤️
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Walking with my dog, laughing with my women friends, dancing in my kitchen, funny dog videos, and exploring / re-exploring new and favourite places.
About Gretchen:
I’m passionate about women’s economic inclusion and access to the resources they need to succeed as entrepreneurs. I am motivated by the incredible strength and resilience of women to overcome personal and systemic obstacles, and their power to build a better present and future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
WHAT Gretchen LEADS:
Development of AFIA DEI Certification to reduce barriers to funding for women entrepreneurs.
Connect with Gretchen:
Hannah Debson (she/her)
Senior Programs Marketing Manager
Most Used Emoji:
😝
Favourite Sanity Saver:
Reading a good book, walking around art galleries, walking through the beautiful BC mountains, cuddling up with my dog and watching a comedy with a hot chocolate.
About Hannah:
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs in London I have seen how tough, rewarding and exciting that journey can be. I am so excited to support a wonderful group of powerful women and help them reach their full potential.
WHAT Hannah LEADS:
Senior Programs Marketing Manager.
Connect with Hannah:
Hilary Hutchins (she/her)
Digital Communications Coordinator, Sponsorship
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:
Digital communications for Sponsorship, including outreach, sponsor relations and more.
Connect with Hilary:
Jacqueline Gilchrist (she/her)
Mentor Program Manager
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:
Mentee/mentor pairing and facilitation, and mentor recruitment.
Connect with Jacqueline:
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 Coordinator, The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch & Founder's Circle
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 Coordination for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch and Founder's Circle
Connect with Libin:
Lisa Niemetscheck (she/her)
Director of Corporate Sponsorship
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:
Mairo Ahmadu (she/her)
Program Coordinator, Mentor Program
Most Used Emoji:
🙌🏾
Favourite Sanity Saver:
London fog, adventuring/exploring somewhere new, couch snuggles, creatively writing, and curling up with a good book.
About Mairo:
I love connecting and bringing people together as I believe it is an avenue to creating inclusive and healthier communities toward progressive change. I am so thankful to be part of an incredible team that brings together and empowers womxn from diverse backgrounds on their growth journey.
Mairo leads:
Program Coordination for the Mentor Program.
Connect with Mairo:
Makenna Campbell (she/her)
Digital & Social Media Manager
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:
Social Media Strategy, including Content & Engagement.
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)
Community & Impact Manager
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:
Community Management and Impact Tracking
Connect with Naomi:
Nolizwe Mhlaba (she/her)
Program & Community Manager
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:
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, strategy development, curriculum creation, and community building.
Connect with Nolizwe: