A passionate champion for health equity, Andrea has held leadership roles in provincial, national, and international organizations with a direct impact on over 100,000 women and children worldwide. As CEO of Variety the Children's Charity of British Columbia, Andrea leads the organization in service of its vision —to see every child who has special and more complex medical needs empowered and able to fulfill their unique potential. Andrea is a passionate voice for the world's most vulnerable and has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and communities in Canada and around the world. She previously served as the Vice President, Philanthropy at the Terry Fox Foundation. During the five and a half years she spent there, Andrea was instrumental in overseeing the establishment of a $150 million fundraising campaign in collaboration with hospital foundations and universities across the country, driving the foundation's strategy to grow and diversify revenue, and personally securing over $8 million in new major gifts. Andrea was responsible for strategically guiding the growth of a significant revenue portfolio including major gifts, principal gifts, gifts and estate planning, and annual giving programs. As the Director, Programs at Speroway, Andrea led teams globally, including in African, Central American, and Caribbean countries with a focus on empowering underserved communities and the development of high-impact programs to support women and children. Andrea oversaw the development of the foundation's international programs and teams and managed key relationships in the private and public sectors, including government, corporate partners and philanthropists. Prior to her time at Speroway, Andrea served in various global health organizations providing strategic leadership in fundraising strategy and the development of philanthropic relationships with donors. She has extensive experience building and managing diverse workforces to mobilize resources for a broad range of health initiatives. An authentic and dynamic leader, Andrea is guided by deeply rooted values, a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and supporting the next generation of trailblazers. Andrea infuses innovation and strategic thinking driving teams and organizations forward to reach ambitious growth mandates and, more importantly, improved health outcomes for children and communities globally.
In my last year of university, I volunteered at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. A few months later, I moved back to work in vulnerable communities supporting children’s health and education programs. Some of the extreme poverty I witnessed was profound. This led me toward a path in healthcare philanthropy working with organizations, government, hospitals, and healthcare facilities in Canada and around the world to strengthen health outcomes through program development, health financing, and philanthropy.
Whether it’s child health, cutting-edge research, access to healthcare, or strong health systems, healthcare matters and impacts every one of us. I have seen the transformational impact of philanthropy not only through the people working to advance healthcare and the families whose lives are forever changed but also through those who see a vision come to life because of their investments. I know the incredible power of generosity and the magic that happens when donor’s passions and values align with meaningful work that creates lasting change.
After years working in global health focused on maternal and child health programs, strengthening health financing, and fundraising in support of improved access and quality of care, I took a role at a national organization leading healthcare philanthropy to unite Canada’s top cancer hospital and research centers in an unprecedented national collaboration to unlock the power of precision medicine. I currently lead an organization that provides critical support to children and youth with complex healthcare needs in British Columbia with a global network in over ten countries. Follow your passion and trust the process. The dots will connect, and it will lead you to your purpose.
My family is my greatest passion. I believe there is no greater calling than supporting the health and well-being of children and families. I am passionate about helping good people do great things. Being a mother has only fueled my purpose and determination to drive change towards a healthier, more inclusive, and just world.
Surround yourself with extraordinary people—great coaches, mentors, colleagues, friends, and people who will inspire and lift you where it matters. Be that person for others.
I have travelled to over 50 countries and have led teams in Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean opening the door to new cultures, people, perspectives, and some of the most unforgettable experiences.