National Mission.
Local Impact.

Sartaj Sarkaria is a dynamic and progressive leader with more than 10 years of experience in strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and human resources at the national level. Known for her collaborative approach, she develops innovative programs aligned with organizational goals. Passionate about professional development and governance, she is committed to promoting inclusive practices that reflect Canada’s diversity.

Ira Goldstein is a Canadian entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert. As CEO of Kernel Advisory, he advises public- and private-sector organizations on business growth, risk management and cybersecurity. A former volunteer tutor in correctional facilities and member of the Queen’s Students for Literacy leadership team, he also previously served as COO of Herjavec Group.

A highly accomplished CEO, senior executive, and board member, John has recently retired from the position of President – CEO for the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). In this role, John provided the overall strategy and execution of the CMA mandate and champions the fundraising and product development of a new Chartered Marketer designation. Prior to this role, John spent over 20 years as a senior executive in the financial industry. His core strengths include product design, branding, promotions and communication.

Natalie has more than 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational development across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and counselling and is completing a doctorate in leadership studies. Committed to social change, she supports social impact businesses. A former United for Literacy volunteer, she now serves on its Board of Directors.

Julia is a Board member and volunteer reading tutor who believes literacy is essential to Canada’s future. She has extensive nonprofit leadership experience, having practised law and led several national organizations, including Futurpreneur Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada. She currently serves on several boards. She holds the ICD.D designation and has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership.

Ed practises in commercial law, securities and municipal law. He has extensive experience in business and real estate transactions and litigation, having represented businesses and individuals before courts in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He also advises several municipalities on governance matters. Active in his community, he serves on various boards in Yellowknife.

Cam is Red River Métis and the founder of Niipaawi Strategies, an Indigenous-owned public affairs and government relations firm. After nine years on Parliament Hill, working with three Members of Parliament, he now advises clients across various sectors. A sought-after political analyst, he also has extensive experience in parliamentary processes and legislative development.

Goshka Folda is President and CEO of Investor Economics and Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads research initiatives covering financial markets, asset management and investment funds. Recognized as an industry expert, she regularly speaks at conferences and is frequently quoted in the media.

Kristen Miller taught kindergarten for eight years before joining the Government of Alberta, where she worked in child protection and with Indigenous communities. A member of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, she has spent the past eight years with Edmonton Public Schools as an Indigenous Cultural Advisor and Indigenous Graduation Coach. Her work is guided by the teachings of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Lindsay Sauder is a senior banking executive with more than 20 years of experience in financing, liquidity management, risk management and capital markets. As Senior Vice-President, Funding and Liquidity at CIBC, she leads the bank’s funding strategy and liquidity management. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Western University and is a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM).

Linda Tchombé is Director of the Fondation de La rue des Femmes, where she mobilizes philanthropic support to help women experiencing homelessness. Previously, she spent nine years at the Foundation of Greater Montreal, supporting donors and organizations in their philanthropic initiatives. She holds a PhD in Applied Health Sciences, a graduate diploma in bioinformatics and an MBA from HEC Montréal.

Meron is a strategy and investment professional with more than 10 years of experience in finance, consulting and technology. As a Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, he contributes to the fund’s strategic asset allocation decisions. A former advisor at Deloitte Canada, he holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and has served on United for Literacy’s Board of Directors since 2022.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, James Morrison is a historian and recognized expert in oral and African history. He holds a PhD from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and has taught in several countries. He has published more than 15 books and 50 articles. Appointed Frontier College Historian in 2000, he has also helped preserve Nova Scotia’s multicultural heritage, notably through his work with Pier 21. A Member of the Order of Canada since 2009, he has received numerous honours for his contributions to history and heritage.

Peter Levitt led CIBC’s Treasury division from 2012 to 2022, following senior leadership roles at Manulife and TD. He brings extensive experience in financial management, risk management and regulatory relations. Actively involved in his community, he serves on several boards, including United for Literacy’s Board of Directors, which he joined in 2016. He also supports initiatives focused on inclusion, diversity and the arts.

Elizabeth leads private market investments for the CIBC Pension Plan. With 30 years of experience in investment management and mergers and acquisitions, she has worked with organizations including HOOPP, TD Securities and Lancaster Financial. She oversees investment strategies in infrastructure, real estate, private equity and private credit. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from the University of Toronto.

Goshka Folda is President and CEO of Investor Economics and Global Head of Research at ISS Market Intelligence. With more than 20 years of experience, she leads research initiatives covering financial markets, asset management and investment funds. Recognized as an industry expert, she regularly speaks at conferences and is frequently quoted in the media.

Matthew Latimer is Executive Director of the Federation of Independent Dealers and has 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. He leads strategic initiatives, coordinates industry events and advocates for member firms, particularly on regulatory matters and business growth. A graduate of OCAD University with a degree in illustration, he also supports animal rescue organizations and dog shelters.

Meron is a strategy and investment professional with more than 10 years of experience in finance, consulting and technology. As a Director at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, he contributes to the fund’s strategic asset allocation decisions. A former advisor at Deloitte Canada, he holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and has served on United for Literacy’s Board of Directors since 2022.

A highly accomplished CEO, senior executive, and board member, John has recently retired from the position of President – CEO for the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). In this role, John provided the overall strategy and execution of the CMA mandate and champions the fundraising and product development of a new Chartered Marketer designation. Prior to this role, John spent over 20 years as a senior executive in the financial industry. His core strengths include product design, branding, promotions and communication.