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Canada’s conference with a heart!
Wednesday May 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Fundraising isn’t failing—relevance is.

Too often, organizations try to generate urgency, confidence, and results with stories that feel outdated, over-polished, or disconnected from what donors actually want to understand.

This full-day, highly interactive LeaderLab is designed for fundraising and nonprofit leaders who want to move beyond “better messaging” and into strategic clarity.

The day blends teaching, reflection, and real-world application to help participants:
  • Build a clear, repeatable core story rooted in impact and meaning
  • Adapt one story across multiple fundraising functions without losing clarity
  • Stress-test messaging against real donor expectations and real-world constraints
  • Leave with language they can actually use— not just inspiration

This is not a lecture.
This is not a copywriting workshop.
This is leadership work.


We’ll close the day with a dynamite panel featuring:
  • Owen Charters, President & CEO of Pathways Canada, and former Chair of Imagine Canada and Storyteller-in-Chief.
  • Celeste Blackmore, National Director, Corporate Partnerships at StorageVault Canada
  • Emma Lewzey, CFRE, Founder & President of Blue Sky Philanthropy, strategic advisor and campaign specialist
Designed for fundraising and non-profit leaders who know that clarity drives confidence — and confidence drives giving.
Speakers
avatar for Angel Benedict, CFRE

Angel Benedict, CFRE

Executive Director, 880 CHED Santas Anonymous
With more than 20 years in the non-profit sector, Angel Benedict, CFRE, has made a career out of fundraising, storytelling, and gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) reminding people why this work matters. A nationally syndicated writer, media spokesperson and conference speaker, Angel... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Collins

Jennifer Collins

Director, Philanthropic Operations, Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation
After graduating from Queen’s University (BA in English Literature and an Honours BA in Classical Studies), Jennifer began her career at the Anglican Diocese of Toronto before moving to the Canadian Film Centre as the Managing Director of the Worldwide Short Film Festival.

For the next ten years, Jennifer worked for the Rouge Valley Health System Foundation, raising money for two hospital sites. Projects that kept her busy included managing donor recognition, the direct response program and staff lottery. Jennifer is also proud to have helped raise... Read More →
avatar for Janine Foote

Janine Foote

Fund Development & Engagement Manager, 880 CHED Santas Anonymous
Janine Foote brings over a decade of fundraising experience—and a lifelong instinct for storytelling—to her work as the Manager of Fund Development & Engagement with 880 CHED Santas Anonymous.

Janine believes great storytelling isn’t just about inspiration; it’s about action. Known for her ability to connect quickly and authentically with donors, she has a track record of turning conversations into meaningful support—including securing a $100,000 gift through the... Read More →
avatar for Celeste Blackmore

Celeste Blackmore

National Director, Corporate Partnerships, StorageVault Canada
Celeste Blackmore is the National Director of Partnerships and Media at StorageVault, Canada’s leading storage provider with 251 locations across Canada and a recipient of the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Women Lead Here award. StorageVault operates under multiple brands... Read More →
avatar for Emma Lewzey

Emma Lewzey

Founder and Lead Consultant, Blue Sky Philanthropy
Emma Lewzey, CFRE, is a strategic advisor and campaign specialist with 25+ years of nonprofit fundraising and leadership experience. She launched her major gift career in 2002, managing her first capital campaign for Canada's largest 2SLGBTQ+ Community Centre.

Since then, Emma has... Read More →
avatar for Owen Charters

Owen Charters

President & CEO, Pathways to Education
Owen Charters is CEO of Pathways to Education Canada, which helps youth overcome barriers and graduate from high school. An accomplished nonprofit executive, he has previously led national organizations, including BGC Canada and CanadaHelps. He serves on several boards and advisory... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Mandarin Ballroom A

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