Pamela Valentine
President and CEO
@DrPamV
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, I am a proud mother of three. I enjoy cooking up a storm for a full table of family and friends and when the weather allows, I can often be found outside tending to my garden.
I am a trained research scientist who is passionate about the power of collaboration and believe that through building strong relationships, we can build stronger communities. My most recent role was with Alberta Innovates where I spent over 15 years leading innovation and change.
I am honoured and excited to go to work for Canadians impacted by MS. Together with our board, I hope to grow the impact of our efforts and ensure that we remain a strong national, bilingual organization that delivers exceptional community-based programs and drives a results-oriented research portfolio.
A more detailed biography can be found here.
Jennifer Conley
Vice-President, Philanthropy
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I started my fundraising career while completing two undergraduate degrees at Nipissing University (BA & BEd) - working as a student caller in the Advancement Office. For over 25 years since then, my career has continued exclusively in the non-profit sector. Leading fundraising campaigns is my favourite activity -- and creating and successfully delivering the largest fundraising campaigns in the history of two organizations (Carleton University & St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa Foundation) has been an honour and privilege. The most rewarding year of my career to date occurred while completing my Masters of Philanthropy & Non-Profit Leadership (MPNL) degree, while successfully closing out Carleton’s $300 million campaign. At the same time, I also created the curriculum and delivered my fundraising course for the MPNL Program that year – a course I still teach today.
Born in Montreal, and having lived in Toronto and North Bay, I now call Ottawa home. I am passionate about mentoring and coaching the next generation of fundraising leaders. I also enjoy volunteering with Irish-Canadian charities and organizations with my husband, Brent, whom I met through the Irish Society of Ottawa. Community-building and giving back are core values we share. As an all-season runner, I love to start every day with an invigorating 5k run – regardless of the weather.
Two very close friends live with MS and it is in their honour that I am passionately committed to building pathways and partnerships to realize MS Canada’s vision of a world free of MS. I feel very blessed to apply my knowledge, skills and experience to further MS Canada’s mission, and am profoundly grateful for my role with such a dedicated and talented team!
Benjamin Davis
Senior Vice-President, Mission
@BJDSEA
I’m proud to have held senior positions in the charitable Sector for the past 15 years. I’m deeply motivated to help others, and I’m passionate about leadership that encourages staff and volunteers to change lives for people living with disabilities. I’ve met a number of people living with MS over the years, and I’m motivated every day by their courage and resiliency. It’s with them in mind that I choose to work to make a difference.
A proud Maritimer who grew up on one of the many beautiful coasts of Nova Scotia, I have Bachelor in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor. When I’m not chasing my two little boys around the wonderful beaches of NS, I’m cheering hard for Canada’s Toronto Raptors.
Danielle Mandell
Vice-President, People Innovation & Volunteers
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I am passionate about people – the power of staff and volunteers – and the role they and all community members play in bringing about change. I learned early on in my career that I’m a mission-driven person with a large desire to contribute my best in an organization focused on creating lasting positive social impact.
After earning a masters degree in International Human Resource Management from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England, I spent over 15 years gaining diverse, cross-sector executive leadership experience in organizations that ranged from providing financing and mentoring to entrepreneurs, to affordable homeownership programs, to international development. I have focused my efforts on developing people-centred programs, policies and practices that maximize the stakeholder experience.
After joining MS Canada, I quickly recognized there are many in my expanded community who are living with or affected by MS. I am both energized and humbled by both the work the organization carries out and the people who, every day, in small and large ways, advance the mission on a local, national and international stage.
I was born and raised in Toronto, and today I still really enjoy the city I call my home -- exploring different neighbourhoods within it, and spending time outside with my dog in the green spaces.
Diego Mena Martínez
Executive Director, Quebec Division
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. I want to contribute to making a significant impact on the quality of life of all Canadians, including Quebecers who are affected by MS. Committed to working directly with people living with and affected by MS, I know that one day, we’ll be able to say that we do not fear this disease because we will have achieved our vision of a world free of MS.
For the past 17 years, I have been working in non-profits – something that I have always wanted to do and something I am very proud of. I began my career with the Swiss government in international work and collaboration. I continued my work in Canada at the David Suzuki Foundation, the Fondation de Dr Julien, and the Canadian Cancer Society, where I headed up the Quebec team. I also spent a period of time at CREDO Consulting, which specializes in social impact. Since 2013, I have been working in health and social services in La belle province.
Originally from Ecuador and now residing in Quebec, I am proud to say that my mother wanted her children to study in French. Growing up and going to school entirely in the French-language system, I also lived in France for five years for my university studies. Additionally, I have just completed my Executive MBA at McGill-HEC.
Being true to Canada’s famous winter climate, I love seeing my 16-year-old dog enjoy a nice walk in the snow; snowshoeing with my partner; and watching the Bye Bye show with my family on New Year’s Eve!
Matt Nomura
Vice-President, Programs
After starting my career in banking and spending 12 years with CIBC through a meaningful leadership journey, I was drawn to making an impact in our community in a different way. I spent three and a half years working in the cognitive disability sector for a leading organization specializing in employment support and research, and for six years, I served as Vice President of Strategic Investments and Community Impact at the Calgary Homeless Foundation. There, I led the development of our data and analytics transformation, as well as evaluation and learning initiatives. Together with our team and community partners, we envisioned a way to understand our shared impact and learn together, benefiting the lives of those we serve.
Having attained a Master’s in Business (MBA) and a certificate in Executive Leadership and Project Management, my proudest moment was completing my thesis, which examined how leadership ideology influences the psychological effects of emotional labor within an organization. I grew up farming and playing hockey in a small town in Saskatchewan and today I call Calgary, Alberta home. I’m a huge hockey fan and I spend immense amounts of time watching it, with my favourite team being the Pittsburgh Penguins. I also love gaming!
With a close friend living with multiple sclerosis, I am happy to have landed at MS Canada where I can contribute to creating a world free of MS!
Pam Seto
Vice-President, Digital Strategy, Marketing and Communications
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I'm a passionate and inspired communicator committed to the improvement of relatable, relevant and meaningful communication between human beings.
Originally from Alberta, and starting my journey with MS Canada in that province, this University of Alberta alumni relocated to Ontario to continue my work for a cause near and dear to my heart. An evangelist of innovative technologies that make social impact, I'm honoured to serve as a digital, marketing, and communications strategist in our mission to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change.
Both a nerd and geek at heart, curiosity is a main staple in my way of living. I do a lot of listening, and I ask a lot of questions!