Foundation Team

President and CEO of Central City Foundation since 2006, Jennifer’s 30-year career has focused on non-profit leadership and community resource development. She began as the founding program coordinator with the Whistler Centre for Business and the Arts and since then has held key leadership positions with a variety of organizations that include Vancity Community Foundation, Battered Women’s Support Services, Vancouver Status of Women and Ballet BC. A passionate and committed supporter of social justice and community investment, Jennifer is a past president of the Vancouver chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and currently serves as Board Chair for AFP Canada and as a director for Yaletown House Foundation, A Better Life Foundation and Battered Women’s Support Services. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys baking cakes and hanging out with her awesome nephew the inventor.

With a passion for addressing gender-based violence in our community, Caithlin has been working in the non-profit sector for over 22 years. A graduate of BCIT’s Fundraising Management Certificate Program, in 2014 Caithlin was one of fifteen women from across Canada accepted into the Coady Institute’s Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership program at St. Francis Xavier University. In 2015, Caithlin also participated in the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs – International Visitor Leadership Program on Preventing Violence Against Women. In her role as Executive Director of Communications and Fund Development at Atira Women’s Resource Society, Caithlin was responsible for Atira Women’s Arts Society and various social enterprises, such as East Van Roasters. Recently, Caithlin established her own consultancy and is thrilled to bring her broad experience to Central City Foundation. In her spare time, Caithlin loves to bake and go for walks with her best four-legged friend, Jack.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the Downtown Eastside, Johanna is deeply committed to supporting community economic development initiatives. She is passionate about creating meaningful employment opportunities, recognizing the profound value of work that extends far beyond income. Johanna began her career in the DTES at the Potluck Café Society and further contributed to social enterprise development at the Vancity Community Foundation. Most recently, she served as the Director of EMBERS Eastside Works, a program she founded to champion equitable and inclusive employment services for individuals facing barriers to employment. In her role as Program Director at Central City Foundation, Johanna is excited to continue supporting numerous impactful initiatives within the community. Outside of work, Johanna spends many hours walking throughout our beautiful city and then looks forward to relaxing with a comforting, home-cooked meal.

A dedicated facilities management professional, David has spent nearly a decade ensuring safe, well-maintained environments for non-profit organizations, including the YMCA and BCGEU. Originally from Colombia, he moved to Canada in 1994 and has built a career focused on creating spaces that support both the people who work in them and the communities they serve. With a strong belief in collaboration, David enjoys working closely with team members to find effective solutions and improve operational efficiency. His passion for community extends beyond work—he is an active volunteer and believes that empathy is key to building strong, supportive spaces. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and travelling to experience new cultures. He believes that family, community, charity and compassion are the foundations of a thriving society and strives to reflect these values in everything he does.

A recent addition to our team managing internal operations, Lanessa has worked in the non-profit sector for the past four years serving Indigenous mothers, children and community members in East Vancouver. Born and raised in Calgary, Lanessa’s family came to Canada as refugees from the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Lanessa believes that growing up in a refugee family that faced multiple barriers has given her a unique empathy and desire to work with those within marginalized communities. With a background in business administration, human resources and entrepreneurship, she moved to Vancouver six years ago, intending to seek work that aligns with her values. Outside of work, Lanessa enjoys connecting with nature and reading.

Marjorie moved to Vancouver from the Philippines five years ago as an international student. She has since pursued an education in accounting and is currently fulfilling her CPA. With over four years of experience supporting non-profit organizations through her expertise in administration and accounting, Marjorie has gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of non-profit organizations. Marjorie enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds, where she can learn about different cultures and improve her communication skills.