Board of Directors
Executive
Vanita Varma, Board Chair & Chair Executive & Governance Committees
Vanita is a senior non-profit executive with over 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, strategic and operational planning, change management and board governance. Having lived and worked in over 3 countries in Asia and the Middle East, Vanita is passionate about engaging diverse community members and leading multi-sectoral partnerships. Currently, she is the Director of the Centre for Innovation in Health and Wellness (CIHW) at Humber Polytechnic. In addition to her role with Crossroads, she currently serves on the Board of the Alzheimer Society of Ontario (ASO). Previously, she was Board Chair and Director at the William Osler Health System. Her community leadership includes being a member of the Community Impact Committee, United Way Greater Toronto, member of the EDI & Community Committee at TMU School of Medicine, Social Entrepreneur Coach at TMU, and a Mentor at the Quadrangle Society, Massey College, University of Toronto. Vanita is passionate about contributing to organizations that are human-centric, impact-oriented, and are continuously learning to make this world inclusive for all.
Tara Scanlan, Vice Char & Chair of Nominating Committee
Tara, a seasoned Solution Engineer at Salesforce with 15 years of client-facing expertise, specializes in information management, digital transformation, and strategic business execution. She has served as a strategic advisor to major North American nonprofits, offering invaluable insights into leveraging technology to maximize stakeholder impact. Her global commitment is evident through her success as a former Crossroader, completing mandates in Bolivia and Senegal, as well as in Nepal with the Center for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI). Tara’s diverse experiences provide a global perspective at the intersection of technology, social impact, and international collaboration.
Janet Riehm, Treasurer & Chair of Finance Committee
Janet is Owner and Principal Consultant of Janet Riehm Consulting, advising charities and non-profit organizations internationally. A CPA and CGA, she has provided strategic and financial services to a variety of clients in communities extending from First Nations in Canada to rural development in communities in Africa. She is also a former Crossroader having volunteered in Botswana in addition to having served as a member of the Finance Committee at Crossroads. She joins Crossroads, providing over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector.
ROLAND HUNG, Chair of Risk Committee
Roland Hung is a partner at the law firm, Torkin Manes LLP. His practice encompasses all aspects of business law, with emphasis on technology, privacy compliance, cybersecurity and data management. His diverse career path includes roles as former Senior Legal Counsel and Global Privacy Officer at a large multinational, as well as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Privacy Officer of a technology company. Roland has extensive board experience having served on various boards.
Directors
Fabien Lanteri-Massa
Fabien is an attorney specialized in Bank Financing and Project Financing at the law firm Blake, Cassels and Graydon, LLP. He has been involved in numerous financings in Canada, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Other areas of expertise include renewable energy and infrastructure projects, as well as public-private partnerships (P3). Fabien has extensive international development experience with points of focus on Africa, gender equality and sustainable development.
Jean Olemou
Jean is Co-Founder and Principal of GreenDev Inc., an impact investing firm dedicated to advancing the circular economy in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. He has extensive experience working on financing mandates in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors globally. Jean is a community-minded leader with a track record of serving on boards and advisory committees to advance sustainable development goals in Canada and globally.
LAURA DA RE
Laura Da Re is Vice President, Finance at Numeris, an audience measurement company. She is an experienced executive with over twenty-five years in the field of Finance. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of industries, providing her with a vast range of knowledge and expertise. Laura is a board member of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and mentors accounting students obtaining their CPA designation.
Chelsey Smith
Chelsey Smith (M.A.) is a communications and culture consultant committed to creating positive social change. She works as an independent contractor and specializes in social and digital strategy, campaign creation, and community building. As a former Crossroader, Chelsey volunteered to combat gender-based violence in Eswatini (2013), and to rebrand a movement toward a transformative feminist society in Tanzania (2016).
Tatenda Mhaka, DirectOR
Tatenda brings a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, with a dynamic blend of experience in international development, community engagement, and philanthropy. She specializes in program management, storytelling, donor stewardship, and cross-cultural communication, all grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Tatenda holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural and International Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and Sociology. Guided by the African philosophy of Ubuntu— “I am because you are”—she is deeply passionate about service and committed to making a meaningful impact in both her local and global communities.
Humeyra A. Karsli, DIRECTOR
Humeyra is a senior professional in international business and philanthropic development, with 15 years of experience building global networks, developing strategic partnerships, and managing stakeholder relations. She currently serves as Senior Advisor, Philanthropy and International Alumni Relations at HEC Montréal, working at the intersection of education, major funding, and program management. Passionate about creating lasting social and economic impact, she brings a strong commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, with a focus on initiatives that empower women and girls around the world, and Indigenous communities in Canada.
Heather Shapter, Secretary
Heather brings more than 20 years of non-profit leadership experience to Crossroads with extensive program and business development experience. Heather started her career in the development sector as a Project Manager for CARE Canada, and later served as the Women’s Economic Empowerment Advisor for BRAC in Bangladesh. She also spent two years in Haiti as Save the Children USA’s Women’s Economic Opportunity Specialist. Since then, Heather has worked in senior-level roles for Prosper Canada, Global Impact and has managed large scale volunteer team initiatives.
Leadership
Administration
Heather Shapter
Executive Director
heather@cintl.org
Philanthropy and Public engagement
Wanjiro Ndungu
Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Public Engagement
wanjiro@cintl.org
Program
Christine Messier
Program Director
christinem@cintl.org
Finance
Alex Perdue
Director, Finance and Administration
alex@cintl.org
