Who We Are

Our staff and Board of Directors are committed to supporting all self-identifying women+ (cis, trans, 2S, and gender-diverse) to become successful entrepreneurs by offering a supportive, women-led community and services aimed at making their success our priority.

We work together, #ToGetHerStronger.

We Work for All Women+

WeMB works in the service of all self-identifying women+ (cis, trans, 2S, gender-diverse) to foster economic and social wellbeing. We believe women+ are the experts in their own lives and we are here to assist.

We are working to improve our accessibility, for all who wish to access our services, who want to work in our organization, or serve on our Board. In doing so, we acknowledge we must learn from past mistakes, build on successes, work to become better allies to racialized and underserved populations, partner with new organizations, and adopt wise practices.

We respect and welcome cultural diversity; each woman’s strengths and experiences are valued and respected. We believe every woman+ is entitled to self-determination, self-respect, self-esteem, and a safe environment as we work together.

Meet our Team

Our dedicated team draws on their varied knowledge and experience every day, working toward the common goal of helping our clients achieve their business goals. 

Lisa Boyson - Loans & HR Administrator

Lisa Boyson

Loans & HR Administrator

Joyce Burneau - Stakeholder & Workplace Experience Manager

Joyce Burneau

Stakeholder & Workplace Experience Manager

Kateryna Haponova - Client & Data Administrator (Ops/Programs/Staff)

Kateryna Haponova

Client & Data Administrator (Ops/Programs/Staff)

Alanna Keefe - Managing Director & Privacy Officer

Alanna Keefe

Managing Director & Privacy Officer

Miranda Koshman - Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Miranda Koshman

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Colleen Krebs - Director of Business Solutions

Colleen Krebs

Director of Business Solutions

Shaily Nag - Partner & Client Administrator (Comms/Events/Sponsors)

Shaily Nag

Partner & Client Administrator (Comms/Events/Sponsors)

Heather Stephens - Loans Manager

Heather Stephens

Loans Manager

Christine Vorrath - Business Advisory Manager

Christine Vorrath

Business Advisory Manager

Meet Our Board of Directors

We rely on the knowledge, skills, and experience of many people to provide insight into the initiatives that WeMB develops to support our clients including our talented Board of Directors.

Leanne Jones - Chair of the Board

Leanne Jones

Chair of the Board

Elisabeth Saftiuk - Vice-Chair

Elisabeth Saftiuk

Vice-Chair

Kimberly Dufaj - Treasurer

Kimberly Dufaj

Treasurer

Bonnie Chwartacki - Past Chair

Bonnie Chwartacki

Past Chair

Richard Avila - Board Member

Richard Avila

Board Member

Jenna Hnatishin - Board Member

Jenna Hnatishin

Board Member

Edvanny Silva-Burns - Board Member

Edvanny Silva-Burns

Board Member

Shelly Wiseman - Board Member

Shelly Wiseman

Board Member

Jackie Hunt - WeMB CEO

Jackie Hunt

WeMB CEO

Our Community Partners

We are proud to partner with so many incredible community organizations with whom WeMB shares its core vlaues. These organizations help make so many of our programs possible.

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) supports a diverse membership of organizations that directly impact the growth and success of women entrepreneurs. Representing an array of populations and regions, WEOC members support women entrepreneurs through a variety of initiatives, including business training, advising, financing, and mentorship.

Learn more about WEOC

Advising

Access free business advising from our team of experienced Business Advisors who will draw on their education, knowledge, and entrepreneurial expertise to guide and support you along your business journey.

Learn more about Advising

Financing

Looking to get your business off the ground? Need funding for the purchase of new equipment or upsizing your space? We have financing for that. Loans are available in any amount between $5,000 - $150,000.

Learn more about Financing

Training

We offer hands-on, highly interactive training and workshops on a variety of subjects to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to make your business a success.

Learn more about Training

Networking

Our networking and professional development events provide all self-identifying women+ entrepreneurs with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and connect with the community.

Learn more about Networking