Andrea Pavia
Co-chair
Cognos, an IBM Company

For Andrea, the best part of volunteering with United Way/Centraide is the chance to understand the needs and opportunities in her community. She says that her eyes are opened by the people she meets and the stories they tell her. “I can’t imagine a life where I’m not engaged in my community. [United Way/Centraide] allows me to support my community in a way that ensures the front line services are engaged where they need to be – where they should be – and not on cumbersome paperwork."

Chris Neil

Co-Chair
Prospectics

With a family that’s growing, Chris has more time to give back to the community. He says that it’s too easy to get wrapped up in your own life and therefore wants to “be involved and contribute to the evolution of the social network and how people are enabled to participate and not be left isolated in a wired crowd.”

Mike Justinich
Past Chair
City of Ottawa

“You never feel alone in your efforts.That’s the best part of volunteering at United Way/Centraide." Mike was raised with a strong sense of charitable giving and awareness of those less fortunate, which is why he now gives his time, energy and experience to helping those in his community.

Janaki Mody
Volunteer Engagement
Manager of the Parliament Pub

As part of my duties managing a local pub, I work with other organizations while they host special events. Through these events, I have had a chance to meet many volunteers who have inspired me to get involved in my community. I am looking forward to my role on the Next Gen Cabinet and working with others who want to make our community better.

Joel Marchildon
Schmoozefest
Partner, Accenture Canada Inc

I really feel that United Way Ottawa helps community organizations be successful by providing not only financial resources, but also a connection to like-minded organizations and a link to people who want to volunteer. United Way is a gateway for many smaller community agencies who require support to remain viable. I'm not sure this is always well understood in the community, and I look forward to the opportunity to help get this message out.

Eric Girard
Board Advisor
Deloite

Hugues Boisvert
Partnership Development
Andrews Robichaud

Hugues is a business lawyer who practises corporate and commercial law, focusing on transactional work. He is also the founder and president of the YBN-NC, allowing him to make sure that community involvement is one of their main pillars by doing several events to raise money and awareness for charitable work.

Graham Gaylord
TimerRaiser Project Manager
Ottawa Hospital

“Much of United Way/Centraide’s work aims to improve overall health and well-being in society by addressing the social determinants of health. For me, it represents a meaningful way to give back to the community — and work with positive, dynamic people.”

Scott Smith
Leadership
RBC Dominion Securities

About five years ago, Scott was invited to attend a Philanthropy Under 40 event. He realized at this event what a great group of people United Way/Centraide’s employees were and wanted to see what he could do to help his community. He loves to see hard work and planning come together to make a successful event.

Ahmer Gulzar
Campaigns

Tijen Karatas
Community Services

Lindsey McIntosh
GCWCC

Sharon Peiris
GCWCC