Meet Our Board Members
Paul Warder
Director
Paul Warder is a retired tax accountant who has dedicated his life to both his profession and his community. Residing in Kitchener with his husband and their son, Paul is an active member of Westminster United Church in Waterloo.
In his free time, he enjoys baking delicious treats, playing the piano, and exploring the great outdoors. Additionally, Paul has made a significant impact by serving on the board at St. Luke's Place in Cambridge for the past seven years, showcasing his commitment to helping others.
Anita Woodard
Chair of Fundraising & Outreach Committee
Anita is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience supporting companies with their administrative tasks, working virtually for the past 8 years. Her insatiable curiosity has led her to explore various fields, including IT, business services and the non-profit sector, where she has worn many hats to help others focus on their passions.
A lover of cooking and a person with a multitude of hobbies, Anita enjoys connecting with animals and learning from new people. With a rich heritage as the child of a Japanese and Basque immigrant mother and a British Isles father, she believes in the fundamental principle that everyone deserves respect as the foundation for meaningful exchanges and self-knowledge.
Tim Blundon
Chair of Governance & Succession Committee
Tim Blundon has dedicated 35 years of his career to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, with a significant focus on his last 22 years in a treatment facility. His commitment to community service extends beyond his professional role, as he has volunteered with several organizations, including The Children's Rotary, John Howard Society, StrongStart, and the Kitchener Public Library Board of Directors.
Tim's extensive experience and passion for helping others have made a positive impact on the lives of many in his community. His dedication to both his work and volunteer efforts exemplifies his commitment to fostering a supportive environment for those in need.
Stephanie Harold Soulis
Board Chair
Stephanie Soulis is the founder & CEO of Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge in Cambridge. LMC has won numerous Business Excellence Awards and in 2015, she was inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
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Stephanie spends volunteer time speaking to students through the Business Education Partnership. She is a mentor with TIAO, Futurepreneurs, and takes on Co-op Students from a variety of Ontario colleges. She is a certified Living Wage Champion, a member of the Better Way Alliance of Ethical Employers, and is passionate about being a values-based business owner.
She is often called on as an industry expert and disruptor in the hospitality sector and was a speaker at the 2020 Restaurants Canada show. Stephanie also develops and runs regional food tours through Stroll Walking Tours.
Womiye Ojo
Director
Womiye Ojo is a dedicated community development and research professional with nearly two decades of experience in partnerships, research, and peace-building. Her work has spanned roles with the United Nations, the Nigerian Government, NGOs, civil societies, and private enterprises, where she has honed expertise in quantitative and qualitative research to implement, monitor and evaluate impactful partnerships and projects.
A United Nations Friendship Ambassador, Womiye has significant experience across Africa in policy development for community and educational initiatives, Gender Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and humanitarian services for underserved populations, particularly women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
Doug Hewlett
Board Member
Doug’s involvement with the community in Ontario
started in the mid 80’s when he was on the board of the Parkdale Community Legal Clinic in Toronto. At that same time he was part of the team that established the first Green Party of Ontario constitution. Doug is a retired lawyer having practised in both Alberta and BC. He has worked as a land developer, secretary treasure of a public company and has litigated many family law
issues. His legal practise has informed him of the urgent need to support women leaving violent relationships.
In the past decade plus years, Doug has spent much of his time thinking about and planning for the future. He attended the Singularity University in Ames California which teaches about the future of technology and its impact on humanity. It is frustrating to see how quickly our technology can evolve but how slowly our culture does. Being involved with the rewarding work done by DVVA provides him with meaning and purpose.
Brenda Halloran
Board Member
Brenda Halloran was the Mayor of Waterloo from 2006-2014, is the Past District Governor of Rotary International, a Board Member of Startup Canada, the Vice Chair of the Board of the Accelerator Centre, and has her own consulting business. Brenda is highly engaged in the community and is a member of the Rotary Club of Waterloo, and a past Board Member of Women Crisis Services and the Sexual Assault Support Centre.
She believes in coaching and mentoring others and helping them achieve their highest potential. Brenda continues to be involved in the local technology sector and works with new start-up companies as well as supporting numerous community boards and organizations. Her greatest joy is seeing others succeed and how she can help support them in any way she can. She is a strong advocate for seniors, women and children, homeless citizens, victims of human trafficking and new Canadians.
Michelle Dow
Chair of Finance
Michelle is a CPA who began her professional journey in large public practice accounting and now owns a small accounting firm that focuses on small businesses in the Region. She has experience in both charity and not-for-profit accounting and focuses on approachable accounting and reducing financial stress.
In the past, Michelle has served on the Kitchener Public Library Board of Directors and also teaches accounting at Conestoga College.