Toronto, ON, July 3rd, 2019 – Crossroads International is pleased to announce Heather Shapter as its new Executive Director. Ms. Shapter is an accomplished leader in the field of international development and brings more than 20 years of experience in the NGO and private sectors to this position. Her professional life has been dedicated to ending poverty through the empowerment of women and children.
“I am excited to be joining an organization with a long track record of driving change,” said Ms. Shapter. “While the Government of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance policy has invigorated the sector, the challenges facing women are daunting. The potential for Crossroads to leverage the engagement of skilled Canadians volunteers in new partnerships and programs to empower women and girls is enormous. I look forward to getting down to work with my team.”
Crossroads International works with local partners in some of the poorest countries in the world to advance rights, reduce poverty, and increase access to justice for thousands of girls and women. In many countries where Crossroads works, societal attitudes towards women and an absence of economic opportunity and legal protections threaten the safety and well-being of women and girls.
“Heather brings a passion for women’s empowerment and a track record of innovative collaborations to Crossroads,” said Ms. Susan Watts, Board Chair. “We are confident that with her dynamic leadership we can continue to grow our program and our impact.”
Ms. Shapter’s long career in the development sector includes progressively challenging roles with CARE Canada, BRAC in Bangladesh, Save the Children USA in Haiti, Prosper Canada, and Global Impact. In the private sector, Ms. Shapter previously led the NGO division for Bluedrop Learning Networks where she helped partner organizations scale their employment and entrepreneurship programs for marginalized young people and women. Bluedrop’s work has been recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative.
Ms. Shapter has also run an international consulting practice for many years that focused on leadership development and leveraging organizational culture for breakthrough results. She has an MBA from Queen’s University and a BA from Memorial University.
About Crossroads International
Crossroads International is a leader in international cooperation and has been fighting inequality for 60 years. Crossroads works in some of the world’s poorest nations in Southern Africa, West Africa, and South America, with local partner organizations to create decent jobs and to empower women to become leaders and live free from violence. Every year, we engage experienced volunteers and staff North and South who apply their expertise locally to address global issues. Together we are leveraging knowledge, expertise, and dollars to create a more just and equitable world.
For more information please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting
Ms416-996-0767
christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca
