Grace V. Betts, Chair and President

 

Grace V. Betts has a remarkable track record as an accomplished senior government employee and community leader. Over an eclectic career of increasing responsibility, she has become the consummate health promotion professional and community volunteer. Grace is a qualified health promoter, adult educator, mental health and addictions cessation specialist and group facilitator who has worked in English, French and German throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. As a young health professional working in clinical hospital settings, Grace was convinced that many, if not most, of her patients were suffering from debilitating health and a reduced quality of life due to a lack of knowledge and unhealthy life style choices. As a result, she made a conscious decision to go out into the community to promote health and prevent disease in the hope of keeping more people healthy and out of hospitals.

Grace is a registered nurse having graduated from the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital School of Nursing. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she focused her academic attention on how the individual is to be understood within a greater economic, political and social framework. Grace has completed advanced studies in counseling, adult education, group dynamics and group therapy at the University of Victoria, is a graduate of the Department of National Defence Management and Leadership Development Program, Queen’s University Business School’s Operations Management Program and the internationally renowned Cooper Institute’s Health Promotion Director’s Program. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.

In 2004 Grace opted for early retirement from the federal government to focus more of her time and energy in the not-for-profit sector at the national level. As Chair and President of the DIVA Foundation, Grace operationalizes her steadfast and passionate commitment to making a positive difference in the health and quality of life of women.

Grace comes to the DIVA Foundation via the Department of National Defence (DND) and The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) where she was a senior manager in the area of health promotion, personnel and family support and change management. Grace was a member of a number of key DND committees including: the Family Violence Advisory Committee, the Employee Assistance Program (CFMAP) Working Group and the Rx 2000 Mental Health Reform Working Group.

Grace has always been a diversified athlete and fitness enthusiast. She has two international marathons to her credit and, depending on the season, she runs, hikes, mountain bikes, skis, weight trains, golfs or rock climbs. She enjoys a variety of hobbies which include reading, music, fine arts and gardening. Above all else, Grace enjoys and values people and relationships – her family, friends, co-workers and associates.

In summary, while Grace Betts has an outstanding track record of commitment to the health and quality of life of all Canadians, much of her energy has been focused on the health and well being of women and the prevention of domestic violence.

 

Allyne Thomson, Vice President

 

Allyne Thomson is a lawyer and partner in the Advocacy Department of one of Canada's leading law firms, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. She has practiced law for more than 36 years in Toronto and Ottawa. Since joining Gowlings, she has practiced in the areas of real estate, estate administration and litigation, criminal law, administrative law, general civil litigation, and family law.

Since 1980, Allyne has specialized in family law, and served for nine years as senior instructor in family law for the Ontario Bar admission course at Ottawa. She was the first woman to serve in this role.

Allyne received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a Law degree from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1968. She practices primarily in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Court, as well as the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Allyne has also taken advanced mediation training.

Allyne has been an active participant in numerous programs offered by the Law Society of Upper Canada, the County of Carleton Law Association, and a variety of other organizations. She has served as chairperson, panelist and speaker in the general area of family law at presentations for lawyers and the public. She was a former member of the Judicial Appointments Committee for the Canadian Bar Association, and has been involved with the Gender Equality Committee of Gowlings, and served as a principal for articling students. Allyne also held the role of instructor for the European legal interns program in Canada—a program instituted by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Allyne was chair of the lawyers’ division for the Red Shield Appeal, a long-standing board member of the Ottawa Distress Centre, area captain for the Cancer Society, a board member and auction committee member for the Resource, Education and Advocacy Centre for the Handicapped, a committee member and Thousand Dollar Rider for Le Tour de Quickie Bike-a-thon, a board member of Le Groupe de la Place Royale, a Red Feather and CNIB worker, and a speaker for the United Way.

For many years, Allyne was a board member of Ronald McDonald House and she is now one of the "Friends" of Ronald McDonald House who do fundraising for the House. She is also a Board member of the DIVA Foundation Inc. Allyne was Chair of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation Board for 3 years, and before becoming a board member of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation Board, she served on a fundraising committee for the Health Centre.

Ms. Thomson was awarded the YM-YWCA Women of Distinction Ottawa Citizen Community Volunteer award in 2001, and a certificate of recognition for her mentorship of Ottawa University law students.

 

Darlene Wilson, Treasurer and Executive Secretary

 

“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.”
Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, leader of Burma's democracy movement

Darlene Wilson, one of DIVA’s longest serving members, joined the Foundation in 2001 following a 25 year career as a civilian member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a member of The Kiwanis Club of Bytown, Ottawa. Darlene was drawn to the DIVA Foundation by its inclusive and holistic approach to the health and quality of life of women. In particular, she wanted to advance DIVA’s educational Speakers’ Series because she believes health education is the key to creating a better world for women and their families. Darlene has drawn extensively on her distinguished career in the not-for-profit sector especially that of Chair of the Kiwanis Guest Speakers’ Program to develop the DIVA Speakers’ Series. Darlene advanced quickly through the ranks of the Speakers’ Series Committee to ultimately assume the role of Chair. Darlene’s ability to reach the Speakers’ Series objectives to a standard of excellence and to draw highly committed volunteers to the Foundation garnered the admiration and respect of the Board of Directors of the Foundation. As a result Darlene was elected to the Board in 2004. At that time she assumed the position of Officer, Executive Secretary. Since then she has added Treasurer of the Board to her list of roles and responsibilities. Darlene believes that service to community offers one a unique opportunity for personal and professional development and that the synergistic effect of like-minded people working together is the secret to advancing a common cause.

Darlene, manager of the Hunt Club Back on Track physiotherapy clinic, believes in the importance of work-life balance. Her personal strategy includes staying fit through sporting activities while enjoying the company of family, friends, and colleagues.

Darlene is married to Doug Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of the Métis Nation of Ontario.

 

Catherine Bastedo, Director

 

Catherine Bastedo specialises in adult learning, holistic retreats, and facilitating transitions and emotional healing. She is the President/Owner of Vision Reiki. Catherine teaches online and mentors students, through Wise Woman University, from across the U.S.A. and Canada. She also teaches Reiki in Ottawa, gives individual sessions, and holds summertime nature retreats for women. She is an active supporter of the James Street Wellness Centre in Ottawa. Catherine is the author of Bird Vibes, a deck of 50 cards with spiritual messages, and of the book, Les oiseaux, nos guides spirituels.

Catherine has held executive positions in a number of organisations in the Canadian federal public sector, primarily in the fields of official languages, privacy, and employment equity. She specialised in leadership, managing transitions, planning, performance and evaluation frameworks, and conference and project management. From 2001 to 2005, Catherine was Executive Director of the International Council for Canadian Studies, where she dealt with member associations in 39 countries. In the course of her leadership roles, Catherine has written and presented papers in Canada and internationally, and has planned and organised Canadian and international conferences.

Catherine Bastedo holds a M.A. in Canadian Studies from Carleton University. She resides in Gatineau, Québec.

 

Anna Blauveldt, Director

 

Anna Blauveldt was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours from the University of New Brunswick in 1974.

Anna started a 35-year career with the federal government of Canada in June 1974, serving with various departments before joining the Department of External Affairs and International Trade in 1985. There, she became an International Trade Officer, and later was Deputy Director in both the Special Trade Relations Bureau and the Free Trade Policy Bureau.

In 1989, she moved to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages and, in 1991, to the Department of Industry.

While on leave from the government in the 1990s, she worked in Europe as a private consultant with a petroleum association. She returned in 2000 with the Department of Canadian Heritage, where she held the position of Director, UN World Conference Against Racism, and then Director, Aboriginal Peoples and Human Rights. In 2003, she became Director General with the Treasury Board Secretariat. From 2006 to 2009, she served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland.

 

Ella Forbes-Chilibeck, Director

 

Ella Forbes-Chilibeck is a member of the Employment and Labour Law groups at Nelligan O’Brien Payne.  She works primarily out of the Ottawa office but also spends a couple of days each month at the Kingston office serving her clients in all employment-related matters.

Ella joined Nelligan O’Brien Payne in 2007, after articling in employment and labour law with a boutique firm in the Ottawa area and working with the Federal Government on the implementation of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (PSDPA) under the Federal Accountability Act.  Ella’s work on the PSDPA focused on the development of the Federal Public Sector Code of Conduct and the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Tribunal, an independent body intended to address allegations of reprisal against whistleblowers.

Before pursuing a career in law, Ella enjoyed a successful career as a behavioural consultant; mediating conflict and developing successful coping strategies with young offenders and individuals with cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.

 

Anne Marie Giannetti, Director

 

Anne Marie Giannetti comes to The DIVA Foundation following a successful career as a senior Director in the Federal Government of Canada where she was a highly regarded specialist in the Human Resources field of several government departments. She managed programs at both the operational and corporate levels. Her strongest talent rests in the innovative and creative development and delivery of national and international programs promoting learning. She works now as a Human Resources Consultant offering a wide variety of services.

The mother of three, Anne Marie has demonstrated mentorship, coaching, and teamwork not only in her professional life but also in her family life and in her continuous support of friends and colleagues. She believes that if one leads and promotes continuous and lifelong learning programs, one must model their underlying values. She is active in various physical fitness classes and programs and is well known for her energetic and dynamic development both professionally and privately. She has entered several races in support of many causes. Anne Marie knows only too well that the finish line is just the beginning and setting and establishing new creative goals is vital to growing and learning.

Nominated by her colleagues, Anne Marie is the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She has also been recognised for her work in promoting employment equity, employee assistance programs, and awards and recognition. Fluently bilingual, she holds a degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. She brings her strong sense of vision, a wealth of academic and practical experience, and a knack for seeing things through in a cooperative, supportive, creative, and team-focused manner.

 

Lucie Laliberté, Director

 

Lucie C. Laliberté has extensive experience in international settings and in leadership/management functions, which she assumed over a 30-year career at the International Monetary Fund and Statistics Canada, organisations of worldwide reputation. In addition to being a recognised leader in the field of financial statistics, Lucie has a strong track record in strategic thinking, in fostering team work, in organisational awareness and in being results oriented. Lucie attracts commitment through building and nurturing relationships and trust and privileging open communication. This is greatly facilitated by a genuine interest in other people, respect of cultural differences and values, and being a team player.

She obtained a B.A. and a B.A. Honours in Economics from the Université de Sherbrooke, an M.A. in Economics from the University of Alberta and an M.B.A. in Finance and Managerial Economics from the University of Ottawa. She also completed the Canadian Security Course of the Canadian Investment Dealers Association with honours. Throughout her career, Lucie’s achievements are numerous. At the international level, she chaired seven committees and task forces related to statistics and accounting, which had a significant impact worldwide, and whose memberships include the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Eurostat, UN regional statistical offices, UN Conference on Trade and Development, the World Bank, the International Public Sector Accounting Board, and Afristat, as well as a wide range of developing and developed countries. She also made presentations on a broad range of statistical and accounting topics at over 100 international conferences, meetings, and workshops. She wrote a large number of papers on statistical related topics, which were published in various publications, and authored a book.

As a consultant, she provides support, advice, or recommendations to organisations in the statistical and financial sector. Her consulting services cover financial statistics, strategic planning, and organisational operations and developments.

In addition to being a Director of the DIVA Foundation, Lucie is very active in the community having worked at setting up two daycares in Ottawa, and is a volunteer for non-profit and charitable organisations (e.g., the Ottawa Mission). She enjoys and practices individual sports (kayaking, weightlifting, bicycling) and team sports (tennis, soccer, aerobics, and dragon boat with Breast Cancer Action). She is married and has two sons. She truly believes that women can be committed to maintain a balanced life that encompasses family, career, and other interests.

 

Judie McKenney, Director

 

Judie McKenney is a professional accountant who has worked in the not-for-profit sector for close to 15 years. Judie currently holds the position of Director, Finance with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). The MNO is a Métis-specific governance structure that delivers programs and services to its citizens through its various branches. The MNO maintains over 30 service delivery access points across the province, administers over $25 million annually, and has over 150 employees across the province. Judie is the senior executive responsible for maintaining MNO’s financial infrastructure and corporate services.

Prior to joining the MNO, Judie spent 10 years as a member of the senior management team of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, responsible for the complete financial and information technology functions of the Health Centre and its Foundation. Preceding this position Judie was a Senior Consultant for several years with Deloitte Touche Management Consultants focusing primarily on the health industry and information technology.

Judie comes to the DIVA Foundation with experience serving as a management advisor to Boards for over 15 years. Judie also served on the Finance Committee of Providence Centre, Toronto and is currently the President of her condominium corporation.

Judie has specialised training for the sectors in which she has worked. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University and a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa. Judie also obtained her Certified General Accountants designation while completing her university studies.

While Judie’s career is important to her, she believes strongly in a work-life balance. Judie enjoys swimming laps, golfing, and partakes in a personal fitness training schedule. However, the apple of Judie’s eye is her cross-breed Jack Russell Terrier and Chihauhua, Sammy.

 

Jennifer Spallin, Director

 

Jennifer Spallin has nurtured and continues to contribute to an innovative and values-driven business model, in which she has integrated and aligned a disciplined practice of community involvement and active citizenship with best-in-class financial and wealth management services. She established a practice of active citizenship and community involvement and enforced a strict discipline around it, which has not only driven her business growth but also raised the civic bar for financial services.

Widely known as a champion in women’s issues and services for women at risk, the focus of the dozens of charities Jennifer has supported over the years has been to “break the cycle” in beneficiaries’ lives. The DIVA Foundation does this for women and the people in their lives.

Jennifer is a fully licensed Investment Advisor, Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Insurance Agent at Richardson GMP Ltd. She is the trusted advisor to many business owners, professionals, and their families, bringing an institutional style of core investment management to retail investors that is historically and statistically proven by pensions and endowment funds to meet future obligations. 

A member of the financial services industry since 2000, Jennifer started her career with a large bank-owned brokerage firm, successfully managing her business through two major peaks and drastic drops in the financial markets. Opportunities with a new firm allowed her to strategically re-align her practice to be more innovative and better equipped to enable sustainable growth, which shows evidence of her long-term vision and commitment to her clients and her community. Jennifer continually raises the bar of service, ensuring the best interest of her clients, as they deserve.

 

Emma J. Stodel, Ph.D., Director

 

Dr. Emma J. Stodel is an educator, coach, and eLearning consultant with a background in educational and sport psychology. Her formal education includes a BA(Hons) in Psychology (Reading University, England), an M.Sc. in Sport Psychology (Springfield College, USA), and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (University of Ottawa, Canada), followed by research in and practical implementations of eLearning as a Post-Doctoral Fellow.

Emma founded Learning 4 Excellence in 2006 to provide professional, personalised learning experiences designed to achieve success in business, life, and sport. Emma uses winning sport and educational psychology principles to provide individualised online and in-person training services, as well as dynamic, interactive group workshops for business professionals, customer service employees, athletes, coaches, and other individuals looking to achieve performance excellence.

Emma has developed online training programs for the federal government, universities, and not-for-profit organisations. Much of her recent work has been in the healthcare field where she has developed online education to promote collaborative practice among healthcare providers in the areas of long-term care, palliative care, and pain management. As a sport psychology consultant, Emma has over a decade’s experience working with National teams and individual athletes, as well as recreational and developing athletes from diverse sports, including table tennis, athletics, golf, ski racing (alpine and nordic), snowboarding, trampoline, figure skating, volleyball, distance running, and shooting.

Emma has extensive experience working as a facilitator with diverse groups of learners face-to-face and online as a university professor, school teacher, sport psychology consultant, and volunteer coach. She has been invited as a guest speaker by Breast Cancer Action and the Canadian Home Economics Association. Emma has presented at National and International conferences and is widely published in academic journals and professional publications. She is a member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

Emma has won several prestigious awards for her research and online courses, including the Governor General’s Gold Medal, the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology Dissertation Award, the Springfield College Academic Honours Award for Sport Psychology, and the WebCT Exemplary Course Award. She received a certificate of appreciation from the Ottawa-Carleton Ultimate Association for her volunteer contributions and has been involved in fundraising for the Cartagena Children’s Home in Spain.