Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors volunteer to support our organization’s important work in Haiti.

We’re committed to upholding LFBS’s values, accountability and transparency with nonprofit good governance. Our work includes: managing financials, developing policies, applying for grants, fundraising and connecting with our donors and supporters.

VIEW 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Nicole Deyell

Board Chair

Nicole has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry as a senior leader and an engineer. She has worked at companies ranging from start-ups to large multinationals and has experience in Canada and overseas. Her volunteer work has so far focused on children through work supporting school and literacy organizations. Nicole earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Calgary and is a member of APEGA.

nicole@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Sina Faraji

Director

Sina is a lawyer from Montreal practicing in the areas of corporate and commercial law. His practice focuses primarily on commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships. Sina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from McGill University as well as a Bachelor of Laws and a Juris Doctor from the University of Montreal. Prior to being a lawyer, Sina worked in consulting, specializing in operations performance.

Sina is committed to giving back to his community which has led him to join the board of LFBS. As a board member, he brings a wealth of expertise, strategic thinking and strong communication skills to the table. Sina is passionate about making a real impact and is committed to working collaboratively with other board members to achieve this objective.

sina@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Sarah Forrest

Director

Sarah has worked in the non-profit and NGO sector for over 12 years, both in Canada and internationally, on a variety of human rights issues including child protection, gender equality, and refugee resettlement and education. She has extensive experience in program management, resource mobilization, communications, and strategic planning. Sarah holds a Master’s in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University, a Bachelor of Arts in Community, Economic and Social Development from Algoma University, and a Certificate in Business, International Relations and the Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is dedicated to creating transformative social change and is excited to be supporting LFBS’ vision.

sarahforrest@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Laura McNeice

Director

Laura has over a decade of experience in the not-for-profit association sector primarily working with Ontario's airport industry. During her tenure she has completed her Not-For-Profit Management certificate from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to this she has also received a Bachelor of Arts focused in Women's Studies and Sociology from the University of Windsor. Her volunteer work has included a 3 year term on the Board of Directors of a local food bank and an 11 month mission trip to several different countries which included work in construction, children’s and food programs, and earthquake relief. She is excited to bring a unique perspective and experience to support LFBS and see its mission come to fruition.

laura@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Ibtida Tasnim

Director

Ibtida is dedicated to community service and is passionate about addressing social inequality and injustice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and recently completed coursework towards a Masters of Public Health. She brings with her work experience in the public health and housing sectors.

Ibtida@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Merrianne Couture

Director

Merrianne has been an educator, activist, and researcher for 30 years. She has advocated for transformative justice, literacy and gender equality throughout her teaching career. Alongside efforts to decolonize the curriculum, Merrianne holds a Master’s degree in Humanitarian Action from the SOAS Institute of the University of London. Merrianne is committed to social change and looks forward to contributing to the mission of LFBS.

merrianne@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Martin Snead

Director

Martin is an accomplished fundraising professional with over 30 years of experience, including extensive work as a grant writer. Throughout his career, Martin has directly supported a wide array of community-based organizations in achieving their revenue and organizational objectives. His most recent volunteer role was as Board Chair of the Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre in Cambridge, Ontario. Martin holds a Master of Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and looks forward to working with board members and staff to advance LFBS’s mission.

martin@littlefootprintsbigsteps.com