Canada Chapter

Catalyst Now Canada chapter is focused on accelerating success in addressing complex social, environmental, and economic issues represented by the SDGs by supporting social and system innovators with opportunities and resources.

Year of the lanuch

2021

Collaborations chair(s)

Brenda Herchmer

Tam Nguyen

Contact person

Corina Wallis

Number of members

Jessica van Thiel, Edward Edilbi, Ashley Martis, Samuel Shapiro, Kyle Zimmer, Vilupti Corlis, Heather Marshall, Tim Draimin, Dolores Dickson, Dr. Marleny Bonnycastle, Suzi Mikaelian, Hala Scandar, Fawzia Ahmad, Samar Alzeer, Nicole Rycroft, Grant Thomas, Nicole Brunelle, Fadi AlQassar, Ilyana Leon, Shivani Singh, Salma Kasonta, Arlene Groh, Chad Thiessen, Arthur Gans, Eva Marszewski, Tanya Woods, Daniella Mastracci, Janet Longmore, Michael Smits, Jagadish Reddy, Tam Nguyen, Brenda Herchmer, James Stauch, Janeen Brown, michelle clement, Surabhi Jain, Tammy Lewis, Kendra Garagan, Prasad Jaladi, Diana Soifer, Marc-André Bélisle, Hermine Mbondo, Colin Jacob, Anne Gloger, Emily Grant, Victoria Grainger, Mindy Tindall, Maher Najari, Justine Dol, Gordon Goldschleger, Jose Carrillo

Chapter Updates

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FcNxfS5c6ag_8MnM3NVRoTvgxpBpxyHA/view?usp=share_link

Engagement with Government

Yes

Engagement with Private sector

No

Chairs

Brenda Herchmer

 Canada

 Welland, Ontario

While I can't take credit for it, I am an innate systems thinker. As such, I typically see things from a perspective that is more organic than linear. I'm now much more comfortable sharing that perspective, in addition to more creative solutions and approaches.

Tam Nguyen

 Canada

 Montreal

Bew ways to collaborate and sustain the connections with people sharing the same value, vision and mission. I'm seeking innovative ways to learn and implement systems thinking and systems change.

Coordinators

Corina Wallis

Catalyst Now

Collaborators

Anne Gloger

Catalysts’ Circle

 Canada

 Victoria, British Columbia

I wanted to be part of a global movement for change on the SDGs; I wanted to be with people who understood our work; I wanted to learn about how large scale networks are facilitated

Arlene Groh

Arthur Gans

Ashley Martis

Brenda Herchmer

 Canada

 Welland, Ontario

While I can't take credit for it, I am an innate systems thinker. As such, I typically see things from a perspective that is more organic than linear. I'm now much more comfortable sharing that perspective, in addition to more creative solutions and approaches.

Chad Thiessen

Tammy Lewis

 Canada

 London

I welcomed the opportunity to meet and support likeminded people.

michelle clement

 Victoria

Colin Jacob

 Malaysia

 Kuching

Networking, Ideas, Education, tools, forum for best practices

Daniella Mastracci

Dolores Dickson

Densu Associates

 Ghana

 Accra

Learning, collaborations for funding and access to resources and expertise

Diana Soifer

 Canada

 Stouffville

I would like to develop a collaborative focusing on linking public health and social innovation, starting in Canada. I believe that all educational institution with public health programs must incorporate mandatory social entrepreneurship courses.

Edward Edilbi

Emily Grant

 Canada

 Oxford Mills

I will offer my expertise in team development (i.e., team cohesion, communication, and collaboration, etc.) to empower social entrepreneurs and civil society organizations within Catalyst 2030. By equipping teams with the skills and tools to thrive I believe we can amplify their impact on achieving the SDGs. I seek connecting with like-minded individuals committed to social change. This is an opportunity to collaborate, generate innovative ideas, and gain new insights to enrich my work.

Eva Marszewski

Peacebuilders International (Canada)

Fadi AlQassar

Venture 2 Impact

Fawzia Ahmad

Gordon Goldschleger

 Canada

 Toronto

Learn from others; have impact

Grant Thomas

Digital Opportunity Trust

Hala Scandar

Hermine Mbondo

 Canada

 Toronto

Join a global community of like-minded individuals. Collaborate with and learn from people and organizations that help advance social impact.

Heather Marshall

Digital Opportunity Trust

Ilyana Leon

Synertium Inc.

 Santo Domingo

Jagadish Reddy

 Canada

 Ottawa

For me and HLEP EdTech, participating in a program like Catalyst could align well with my mission to impact student learning and support our current goals of collaboration, investment, and strategic partnerships.

James Stauch

 Canada

 Bridgewater

I am passionate about achieving the UN SDGs in a timely fashion, but the most important ingredient to that is a strong network of relationships and mutual learning opportunities.

Janeen Brown

 Toronto

My motivation to join the Catalyst 2030 community on behalf of EmpowHERto is driven by our commitme

Jessica van Thiel

Pathfinder

 Cognac

Janet Longmore

Digital Opportunity Trust

Justine Dol

 Halifax

I was recommended to join this program by another member, as my work is aligned with using social innovation to improve health and the SDGs.

Kendra Garagan

 Vancouver

As a member of Catalyst 2030, I hope to collaborate with like-minded orgs & individuals to transform industries. By exchanging knowledge & best practices, we aim to create a global network that drives change. Through my network, I can provide intros & funding support in addition to advisement on strategic planning, innovation development & sustainable growth. In return, I seek guidance, resources & partnerships. Together, we can build a better future prioritizing safety, inclusion & long-term development in a sustainable & equitable world.

Kyle Zimmer

Marc-André Bélisle

Synertium Inc.

 Montreal

Helping to foster the collaboration that lead to a real transition towards a sustainable social economical future.

Dr. Marleny Bonnycastle

 Canada

 Winnipeg, Manitoba

I want to learn about achieving the SDGs and how to engage my students in learning and working towards their achievement. In the end, I want to find my way to contribute to social and environmental justice.

Michael Smits

Metamorphany Changemakers

 s-Hertogenbosch (NLD) and Malaga (ESP)

With Metamorphany Changemakers our purpose is to catalyse and cultivate holistic well-being for people and planet. I believe that this is only possible when we ensure the realisation of the SDGs, all of them holistically. It is not only my professional calling, but a highly personal one. I have worked in different fields, from human rights and humanitarian work in the field in post-conflict countries and disaster response areas, to innovation and coaching related work in the boardrooms of corporations, I have lived and worked in more than ten countries across all continents and have seen the unfortunate ripples of the systems we have created as humans, from immense poverty and inequity to tortured human rights activists and the death and despair after natural disasters. I not only believe we can do better, i know we can. And I know that I have to take the responsibility to share and activate my skills and whole self to help myself and others create a better world, one we all want to live in. Our family is one with a mix of cultures and backgrounds, from the Netherlands where I was born and raised to the Philippines where my wife was born and raised, to the commonwealth influences of Australia and Canada where our three children spent their primary years. Our children and the image of their children and all youth and future generations are my personal driver that makes me get up every morning, at all cost, even though it is sometimes hard knowing that I'd be able to earn ten times more if I'd go back to the corporate world. I genuinely believe that humans as a species are good, and that, together, we will find our way. Like Mark Twain said "Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.". As an innovation coach trained in mindfulness, happiness and well-being, I feel priviliged to be part of the large community of Catalyst working with all of you to co-create a better world. Thank you all for being YOU, and for standing tall for what you believe in. With gratitude and grace, Michael

Mindy Tindall

 Edmonton

I am hoping to network with other changemakers to address global challenges and contribute innovative solutions to social and environmental issues. We are looking for support, collaboration, and resources to scale impact.

Maher Najari

 Canada

 Montreal

Pushing forward the logic of connection and breaking down silos, we hope that our modest contribution to the network would be around the example sharing and tangible examples of projects and challenges that we could share with the community. Our desire and hope is also to learn from other inspiring organisations working in the same fields and gather some advice or support.

Tam Nguyen

 Canada

 Montreal

Bew ways to collaborate and sustain the connections with people sharing the same value, vision and mission. I'm seeking innovative ways to learn and implement systems thinking and systems change.

Nicole Brunelle

Nicole Rycroft

Jose Carrillo

Catalyst Now

 Miami

I am deeply honored to serve as the North America Coordinator for Catalyst 2030, a global movement committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration, innovation, and systemic change. Joining Catalyst 2030 aligns perfectly with my lifelong dedication to creating meaningful social impact across diverse sectors and geographies. Throughout my career, I have championed initiatives that empower communities, advance education, foster sustainable development, and uphold human rights. Whether leading NGOs in Latin America, developing community-driven programs, or forging alliances between corporations and social enterprises, my focus has always been on generating transformative change. Catalyst 2030's mission resonates with my belief that cross-sector collaboration and innovative partnerships are key to addressing the world's most pressing challenges. As North America Coordinator, I am eager to build bridges between changemakers, amplify impactful solutions, and foster a community of action that accelerates progress toward the SDGs. I am particularly inspired by Catalyst 2030’s emphasis on co-creation, inclusivity, and grassroots solutions. My goal is to bring diverse stakeholders together—from social entrepreneurs to corporations, foundations, and policymakers—to collectively reimagine and implement solutions that benefit both people and the planet. In this role, I am committed to supporting Catalyst 2030 members across North America, creating spaces for collaboration, and elevating their voices on both regional and global platforms. Together, we can unleash the full potential of this movement and create a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future.

Prasad Jaladi

 United States

 Austin, Texas

Collaboration

Salma Kasonta

Digital Opportunity Trust

Samar Alzeer

Samuel Shapiro

Shivani Singh

Pathfinder

 Netherlands

 Amsterdam

Surabhi Jain

 Toronto

To be part of a group specifically focused on systems change within a global context. Ability to collaboration with a wide range of organizations and individuals all focused on the same thing.

Suzi Mikaelian

 Canada

 Vancouver, British Columbia

Many, but key motivation is to be part of a network of like minded peers collectively advocating for the wellbeing of our community.

Tanya Woods

Tim Draimin

Victoria Grainger

Vilupti Corlis

 Canada

 Galiano Island