We are excited to introduce some new faces on the Pillar team.
We would like to welcome former board member, Maria Luisa Contursi, returning to Pillar in the role of Director of Storytelling and Impact.
Finally, we are fortunate to have some new volunteers and student placements starting with us this month. Jessica Cooper and Zeba Hashmi will be supporting our professional development and diversity programs, and Hilton Shimabukuro will be volunteering his time to assist with maintenance at Innovation Works
Meet Maria Luisa:
Co-founder and former Program Director of mindyourmind, an award winning internationally renowned youth mental health program. Maria Luisa has over twenty five years experience working in the nonprofit sector, in various settings with a primary interest in stakeholder engagement, storytelling for impact and cross-sectoral collaboration. Maria Luisa is also interested in artistic exchange, cultivating the connection between the arts, community health and the belief that the creative arts can generate a sense of belonging, inclusion and community wellness. She believes in the value of meaningful engagement and that communities become more vital through the process of co-creation and sharing of personal narratives.
Meet Jessica:
I’m a fourth year student at Western University studying Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. I’ve recently realized my love for the nonprofit sector and hope to pursue a career in this field in order to make a difference in lives around the world. I’m especially passionate about student leadership, diversity and mental health. I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with Pillar and learn from all of the amazing individuals who work there!
Meet Zeba:
Zeba Hashmi is a student at Brescia completing her BA. She is a mother of three who was heavily involved in the community in Regina, SK for almost a decade. She has been part of the London, ON community for 9 years and is involved actively in the Muslim community, outreach efforts and efforts related to diversity.
Meet Hilton:
Seasoned Mechanical engineer with over 25 years of experience in the auto industry, I elected Canada as a new home country and arrived in London about 4 months ago. Starting over and reinventing myself, while still looking for a position as an engineer I am studying Carpentry and renovation techniques to eventually convert a hobby into a new career path. Passions and interest: Cooking, DIY, gardening, sports, motorsports, music (listen in an old fashioned stereo), movies and winter sports