PARTNER, CIEL CAPITAL

Brendan is a Partner with Ciel Capital. His strategic insight, his willingness to “get his hands dirty”, his youthful energy, and his passion to make a difference make him an invaluable asset to the Start2Finish team.

In his role with Ciel, Brendan oversees strategy and growth for portfolio companies and is an active part of new company evaluation and onboarding. Brendan built his career as a strategy professional, first with Secor Consulting, then with KPMG Management Consulting, and then Aimia-Aeroplan. Brendan holds an M.Sc. in Public Policy and Administration from the London School of Economics (First Class Honours) and an HBA from the Ivey School of Business (with Distinction). He is a competitive Triathlete and an active alumnus of the Ivey Business School.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBAL NEXT GENERATION STRATEGIC CLIENTS, ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

With his background and proficiency in financial management, Ben provides oversight to Start2Finish’s financial processes and reporting. Ben is a member of RBC’s Enterprise Strategic Client Group and engages with the next generation of RBC’s most strategic families to provide guidance as they prepare to take on leadership roles within their family enterprises, or start their own ventures. Through the delivery of bespoke solutions, in his role as Managing Director, Global Next Generation Strategic Clients, he works closely with family members to support them as they prepare for the responsibilities that come with wealth, including through social impact.

Ben also serves as the Co-Chair of Major Gifts for the RBC Employee Giving Campaign, as a Board Member of Sunnybrook Next Generation, and as an Olympic Supporter with the Canadian Olympic Committee. Outside of his other commitments, he enjoys being active, travelling, reading, and spending time with his family including his wife and two young children.

SENIOR PUBLICIST, SMITTEN CREATIVE BOUTIQUE; MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION TEACHER

With her background in PR for over 20 years, Kelly has been working to build the profile of Start2Finish nationally. Her career began in the Canadian Book Publishing industry and then shifted into supporting Canadian magazines. Currently she works for smitten creative boutique, a Marketing, Events and Public Relations firm.

In addition to being a board member, Kelly wanted to experience the work S2F does firsthand. She joined our Brainworx! program as a virtual “coach” and looks forward to the experience every week. From engaging kids in physical activity to developing their social-emotional learning skills through the ‘Word of the Day’, Kelly is always impressed with the program and the positive impact it has on the children who participate.

Global Executive Vice President, CarltonOne Engagement

Chris is a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering teams and building transformative cultures. Currently serving as Global Executive Vice President at CarltonOne Engagement, Chris oversees strategic initiatives that enhance employee and customer engagement.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Chris is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He spent many years coaching children in skating and running YMCA sports camps in Hamilton, fostering teamwork and confidence in young athletes. His commitment to education and public service is also reflected in his past role as Chair of the Oakville Public Library Board, where he led efforts to enhance community engagement through accessible resources and innovative programs.

A valued mentor and advocate for equity, Chris is proud to support Start2Finish’s mission to create opportunities for children and youth in underserved communities.

VICE PRESIDENT, SOCIAL IMPACT, THE DANIELS CORPORATION

Heela brings lived experience as an immigrant to Canada at a young age, growing up in a vibrant social housing community in Toronto’s inner suburbs. She is passionate about improving access to education and opportunity for children through programs like Start2Finish’s. She lives and works in the Regent Park community which is home to one of S2F’s programs.

Heela is Vice President of Social Impact at The Daniels Corporation, member of the Management Committee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto Chapter, and Co-Chair of the ULI Program Committee. She has a professional background in real estate development as a platform to drive positive social change and city building. In her spare time, Heela loves to spend time with her huge extended family, discover new local restaurants and, every year, visit at least two new destinations from her ever-growing travel list.

DIRECTOR - BUSINESS UNIT, AMGEN CANADA

Brent serves as the Director of the Inflammation Business Unit at Amgen Canada. Having worked in multiple facets of the biotech landscape, he is deeply committed to advancing healthcare solutions for patients suffering from grievous illness. His professional journey is driven by a passion for innovative treatments and a dedication to improving patient outcomes.

Brent also has a passion for coaching, mentoring and helping youth overcome obstacles to reach their potential and exceed their expectations. He also has a passion for using his experience to help boards make the best strategic decisions to advance their mission. As a member of the Start2Finish Board of Directors, Brent brings valuable insights and leadership to the organization's mission of promoting children's health and education.

INVESTMENT ADVISOR, BMO NESBITT BURNS INC.

Peter has been a board member of Start2Finish almost since its inception and is currently Chair of the Scholarship Committee.

For the past 40 years, Peter has been active in the field of wealth management serving the needs of individual and institutional investors. Prior to Start2Finish, Peter was a founding member of Oakville Little League Baseball where he was president for 3 years. Peter holds a Master’s of Science degree in Motor Learning from Pennsylvania State University.

VICE-PRINCIPAL, PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

MANAGER, INVESTMENT TECHNOLOGY, CANADA LIFE

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, MANULIFE

CPA AND SENIOR FINANCE PROFESSIONAL, RETIRED (TD BANK)

INVESTMENT ADVISOR, INNOVATION FACTORY