MWEC relies on the experience and expertise of our Board of Directors to continue to provide valuable support and governing oversight to our organization in service of our clients and community.
We are thrilled to share that Bonnie Chwartacki has been appointed as the new Chair of the Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre Inc. (MWEC) Board of Directors!
Bonnie Chwartacki has served as the Vice-Chair on our Board since 2022 and has been on the board since 2020. She has held Senior Executive positions with some of the largest financial services and investment firms in Canada and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance from the University of Manitoba, the Accredited Canadian Director Designation from the Dalhousie University, and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors.
In 2022, she was the honoured with the Canadian Women on Boards distinction.
We are also pleased to welcome four new members to our Board: Richard Avila, Jane Helbrecht, Desiree Katz, and Elisabeth Saftiuk!
Richard Avila, CPA, is the founder of Avcor Financial Group, a small and medium-sized enterprise investment firm, where he leads a team that oversees five Manitoba-based companies. Richard is a trusted advisor in corporate turnaround, having rescued three companies from financial collapse in the past decade.
Richard is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) with a major in Accounting from the University of Manitoba.
Jane Helbrecht is a leadership development and people and culture expert with over 15 years of experience in training and human resources roles. She is the founder of Uplift Engagement, where she focuses on building people and leadership development programs that shift team dynamics so they can focus, get stuff done, and have fun while doing it.
Jane has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the I.H. Asper School of Business with a double major in Human Resources Management and International Business and is a designated CPHR and a Certified Leadership Coach.
Desiree Katz is a tax lawyer at MLT Aikins LLP and a strong advocate for women in law. She strives to promote networking and mentorship opportunities for women lawyers through her executive position on the Manitoba Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, and her work as a volunteer with the Robson Hall Law School at the University of Manitoba.
Desiree holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) (2014) and Juris Doctor (2017) from the University of Manitoba.
Elisabeth Saftiuk is Vice President of Policy and Government Relations at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. Working closely with the CEO, she ensures the organization continues to address the needs of Manitoba’s business community while focusing primarily on policy issues related to economic competitiveness.
Elisabeth is a Registered Professional Planner with a background in urban planning and downtown revitalization. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of City Planning.
And please welcome back our returning Board Members, Tamara Pound (Vice-Chair), Jacqueline Keena (Past-Chair), Leanne Jones, Taz Lakhani, and Thao Lam!
Tamara Pound is a Business Development professional who works with Interactive Digital Media companies to help them grow their business. She works closely with founders and their teams to help identify business development challenges and works with them to overcome obstacles and find impact-driven solutions.
Tamara has worked with various startups and member companies of North Forge Technology Exchange, NewMedia Manitoba, and other non-profits. She is a certified Innovation Engineering Blue Belt and ISO Certified International Mentor.
Jacqueline Keena is Managing Director of the Enterprise Machine Intelligence Learning Initiative (EMILI) and is a strong advocate for women entrepreneurs and the important role they play in society.
Jacqueline is a professional agrologist (P.Ag.) and holds degrees in agribusiness and public policy. She has a passion for female empowerment, women’s leadership, and good governance.
Leanne Jones is a Digital Product and Innovation professional with 15+ years of experience in Fintech, working primarily in leadership roles spanning both business and technology-focused organizations.
Leanne is a certified Innovation Engineering Black Belt, holds the Certified Financial Planner designation, and has a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced Economics) from the University of Manitoba.
Taz Lakhani is a Serial Entrepreneur in Manitoba with over 17 years of experience in Health Care, Quality Assurance, Process Development, and Risk Management.
With an education in nursing and a background in both the public and private sectors, Taz understands the many challenges women entrepreneurs face, and believes in giving back to the community.
Thao Lam is an experienced marketing professional currently working at MLT Aikins LLP as a Content Marketing Specialist. She has also run a private piano lessons business for 13 years, and is the co-owner of Toasti Bean, a coffee company that she runs with her best friend.
Toasti Bean specializes in gourmet flavour-infused coffee and aims to support women in agriculture in traditionally gender-imbalanced communities.