Meet Our Board Members
Stephanie 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.
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.
Doug Hewlett
Vice Chair
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.
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.
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.
Alishau Diebold
Director
Over the past decade, Ali has worked with a variety of public sector and not-for-profit organizations to develop and launch community-based justice programs interventions. She has witnessed the positive impacts of these approaches in her career as a counsellor, social worker, project manager, and researcher. She is honoured to be part of this organization that inspires people to lead lives of purpose and meaning.
Through her experiences, Ali has found my purpose working in the fields of community justice and wellness. Her passion for these sectors led her to complete a BA in Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo and a MSW specializing in community development from Wilfrid Laurier University. After working in the field for several years, in 2019 Ali returned to Wilfrid Laurier University to begin work on a PhD in Social Work where she focuses on sharing stories and building systems to support youth and survivors of trauma.
Beyond work, her partner and dog bring her so much joy. They love gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors together. Day to day, Ali enjoys cooking, attempting to play her violin, and going to the gym for group classes.
Brenda Halloran
Director
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.
Stephanie Carruth
Director
Stephanie Carruth is a specialized Human Resources Consultant and entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience crafting award-winning HR programs, driving regulatory compliance, and championing inclusive workplace initiatives. She is dedicated to modernizing workplace culture through strategic policy and programming, and advancing equitable access to opportunities for underrepresented groups in her community and within traditionally underserved industries.
Stephanie serves as Vice Chair of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada's Young Leaders Group, and has been both a member and co-chair with the Milton Chamber of Commerce HR Roundtable since its inception.
She is passionate about mentorship and is also registered as a speaker for the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region. A graduate of McMaster University, Stephanie resides in Kitchener with her husband, Andrew, and pup, Levi. She is a proud auntie, avid reader, and loves reality TV.
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.
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.