Our Team

Janeen Webb is the Vice-President, Donor Engagement at Calgary Foundation. Prior to her role at the Foundation, Janeen worked for over 10 years at Inn from the Cold, where she managed all facets of Resource Development for the organization including Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Volunteer Resources, Marketing and Communications and Community Education and Advocacy.

Janeen holds a BA/BED from University of Calgary and was a dedicated Elementary Teacher prior to joining the charitable sector. In 2013, Janeen was named the Outstanding New Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of fundraising Professionals and has played a major role in advancing Donor Stewardship and Donor Relations in the Calgary not for profit community.

Grace is the Gifts and Estates Associate at Calgary Foundation and has been with the organization since 2010.

As part of the Gifts & Donor Relations team she is the first point of contact for many donors and professional advisors seeking information and guidance in the creation of legacy funds. Grace appreciates the opportunity to support multi-generational family giving and the positive impact it has on the community.

Prior to the Foundation, Grace held various positions within TD Bank Financial Group including estate administration for individuals and their families.

With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Darlene Chrapko works with donors to develop student award funds and oversees the stewardship, management and granting of a variety of post-secondary and community-based awards. During her tenure, student award funds have grown considerably, many of which support multiple awards. Prior to her work in donor engagement, she gained knowledge of the charitable sector through supporting the Community Grants program.

With colleagues from Edmonton, Victoria and Winnipeg, Darlene initiated a panel presentation on the unique niche of foundation-based awards at the Community Foundations of Canada bi-annual conference in 2013.

Darlene achieved her Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours English) at the University of Alberta in 1985. She has also acquired a Public Relations Certificate through Mount Royal University’s Faculty of Continuing Education, participated in the Writing with Style program in Creative Nonfiction at the Banff Centre and taken numerous writing and editing workshops. She has been a member of the Writers Guild of Alberta since 2006 and is currently a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada.

An avid writer, Darlene’s most recent volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Creative Nonfiction Collective Society and filling the role of communications and media for Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary. She has also volunteered on the Calgary Stampede’s Agriculture Media Committee. Since 2010, she has covered Calgary and area Aboriginal stories as a monthly contributor to Alberta Sweetgrass newspaper.

A second generation Canadian, Darlene was born and raised in rural east-central Alberta. She has made Calgary her home since coming to the University of Calgary to pursue graduate studies in English in 1986.

Bessie joined the Donor Relations team at Calgary Foundation in 2020. Her professional background includes extensive operations management experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors in the UK as well as volunteering with charitable organizations that focused on conservation and community development.

Since moving to Calgary, she has worked with Closer To Home Community Services and United Way of Calgary and Area.

Bessie holds a master's degree in Environmental Management from Imperial College London and a certificate in Business Administration. She enjoys writing and volunteers as a writer for Closer To Home Community Services.

Riz Nathoo is the Donor Stewardship Advisor on the Gifts and Donor Relations team at Calgary Foundation. A firm believer that diversity is a strength, Riz came to the Calgary Foundation with a desire to build participation and strengthen community philanthropy.

In his role he provides knowledgeable guidance and support around community needs, grant making and Fund activity to donors (and often their multi-generational Fund successors), and creates and implements stewardship strategies that increase engagement between donors and the Foundation. Riz is a strategic and versatile professional with nearly a decade of experience in the charitable sector, having previously held roles with Calgary Health Trust as a Planned Giving Officer and the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary as a Development Officer.

He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is the Co-Chair of the Education Committee on the Board of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) Southern Alberta Chapter. Riz has also previously served as a member of the Program Committee with the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) Calgary Chapter.

Riz is a native of Calgary, where he resides with his family, and enjoys his passions for hiking, biking and almost anything that gives him a reason to be outdoors.

Tina Overwater joined Calgary Foundation as a Donor Stewardship Advisor to continue to build her career in donor stewardship, and to contribute meaningfully to the building of our great city. As a member of the Gifts and Donor Relations team, Tina shares knowledge on the impactful work of charitable organizations to inform and inspire donors and their families. Like her Stewardship Team counterparts, Tina aims to continue to provide donors with thoughtful support and guidance in their grant-making and Fund activity, with a responsiveness and attention to detail that enriches the donor experience.

With a 15 year background working in post-secondary education, Tina identified that her work in stewardship and donor relations was by far the most fulfilling. She brings a passion for connecting with people and bringing stories of others’ good work to the forefront, and is delighted to be part of an organization whose broad community support strengthens all facets of the charitable sector. She particularly enjoys working alongside the true change makers—donors and charities.

In fall 2017, Tina was named the Outstanding New Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in recognition of her work in donor relations and stewardship in support of advancing Bow Valley College.

“Acts of philanthropy are vital to having a healthy and caring society,” says Tina. “Coming into donor relations mid-career, I’ve never been more satisfied than by contributing to a greater good and playing a role in helping others. Philanthropy fills my cup and my heart.”

Tina is proud to call Calgary home as it offers her family a life that is rich with experiences both urban and rural, equal distance to family farms and the Rockies right outside our door.

Marie Stevens is responsible for stewarding the vitally important relationships that Calgary Foundation has established with many of its Donor Advised and Designated Fund donors and advisors. Marie develops and implements stewardship strategies that align the mission of the Foundation with the philanthropic goals of donors and the needs of the community, while providing knowledgeable guidance and support to donors around charitable needs, grantmaking and Fund activity. Marie also provides counsel and support to families engaging in multi-generational family philanthropy.

Marie has extensive background working in charitable foundations, community investment, corporate communications and public relations. She worked for several years in advertising and public relations agencies, followed by communications and community investment roles in the corporate sector.

Her passion for charitable foundation work began when she was appointed manager of a new foundation by a major energy company in the late ‘90s. While she went on to enjoy roles managing internal communications, consulting in community investment, and coordinating a charity’s capital campaign, Marie’s heart remained in foundation work. She has been with Calgary Foundation since 2010.

As Donor Relations Advisor Alison informs, inspires and educates potential and current Calgary Foundation donors. Her previous professional experience includes over a decade working in charities and nonprofits in donor relations, operations management and fundraising.

Alison holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta.

Jessica is the Awards Program Coordinator at Calgary Foundation, supporting the education of tomorrow's community leaders through scholarships, bursaries and awards.

Jessica's professional experience includes working with non-profit and for-profit organizations. Graduating from the University of Calgary, Jessica has a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Canadian Studies. She also holds a University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations from Athabasca University.

An active community supporter, Jessica volunteers her time with various groups throughout the city, including the Calgary Stampede and Historic Calgary Week.

Jason Bates is the Vice-President, Grants & Community Initiatives, starting his career at Calgary Foundation in 2012. Prior to working for the Foundation he managed granting programs with the federal government in two different departments: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Canadian Heritage.

Jason previously worked on community initiatives in both North Africa and China. Born and raised on a farm south of Calgary, Jason received his BA from McGill University in Montreal majoring in Anthropology and International Development.

Outside of his work at the Foundation, Jason is an avid hiker and LEGO enthusiast.

Djaka Blais-Amare is the Director, Grants and Racial Equity Strategy with Calgary Foundation. In her role, Djaka supports community partners through the process of developing project concepts and proposals for the Community Grants Program. She also fosters partnerships with community stakeholders and other funders and assists organizations through capacity building advice.

Before joining Calgary Foundation, Djaka worked for several years with the federal government where she administered a variety of funding programs, including the Official Languages Program, Multiculturalism Program and Settlement Programs.

Djaka holds a BA in Communication Studies from the University of Calgary and has completed the Project Management Certificate and Leadership Development Certificate from Mount Royal University.

Djaka was born on unceded Indigenous lands on the Island of Tiohtiá:ke or Montréal and now lives, works and plays in Moh’kinsstis or Calgary with her husband and two boys and enjoys travelling with them whenever possible.

Julie Black has a career that spans the charitable, corporate and freelance writing sectors. In her role at Calgary Foundation, Julie supports the two grassroots granting programs that aim to engage people in the well being of their neighbourhoods and communities – Neighbour Grants and Stepping Stones. She also leads the team that organizes Calgary’s Jane’s Walk each May; Jane’s Walk is an international weekend of free neighbourhood walking tours to celebrate the legacy of urban writer and activist Jane Jacobs by getting people out walking, talking, and experiencing their communities.

Julie has a Masters of Arts in Community Studies at Athabasca University and is a perpetual beginner kayaker, pool player, and needle-felt crafter.

Matthew Blough, BA, is the Grants Impact Associate with Calgary Foundation. In this position, Matthew enjoys building relationships with charities, sharing their successes and digging into the difference that Calgary Foundation support is making in the Calgary area. Matthew also works closely with other organizations in the charitable sector to identify current trends in impact and evaluation methods.

Before his time with Calgary Foundation, Matthew spent over a decade working in the charitable sector as a program director, grant manager and executive director for a variety of agencies in the conservation, social service and recreation sectors.

Matthew enjoys volunteering with social agencies, past and present, such as: Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area, Bragg Creek Community Association, Footsteps Preschool and Seraph Theatre Company.

Matthew lives in Cochrane with his wife, Abby, and two small children. They enjoy frequent trips to the nearby Rocky Mountains to camp, hike and even sail on some of Alberta’s glacier fed lakes.

Brigitte von Rothemburg, BA, CERTESL is the Grants and Volunteer Program Associate at Calgary Foundation, supporting the Grants Team, Community Initiatives team and the Foundation’s volunteer Committee members.

Brigitte also helps charities in making applications to the Foundation’s granting programs. A long-time Calgarian, Brigitte is proud to have worked in our local Immigrant Serving Sector in administration and as a certified English as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Instructor.

Calgary’s ever-growing, vibrant arts scene is a long-time passion of Brigitte’s and she gets involved in any chance she gets. As an avid gardener, Brigitte continually increases her environmental awareness and knowledge of ways to make a positive impact in her community provides inspired opportunities for lifelong learning.

Ingrid is a Grants Associate with Calgary Foundation. In her role, she manages the Major & Signature Grants program, supports the other granting programs and oversees the Calgary Foundation Youth Council.

Ingrid joined Calgary Foundation with fifteen years’ experience working alongside staff and volunteers in a variety of community development, event planning and operational roles. She holds a degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Calgary and a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Mount Royal University.

She’s working hard to be a good Treaty 7 member and an ally to the indigenous community through her work and personal life. She volunteers at her karate club and travels as much as her budget allows!

As vice-president of communications at the Calgary Foundation, Taylor leads the strategy behind amplifying the Calgary Foundation’s brand and the role of a community foundation in building a city where everyone belongs. Her team focuses on public engagement, partnerships between the charitable sector and community organizations, and strategic communications – which includes digital marketing, publications, media relations and events.

Taylor’s professional history includes experience with the Western Hockey League and in corporate search. She is active in the community, including volunteer experience with 02 The Dance Company, PechaKucha Calgary, and the Children’s Cottage Society (Brenda’s House). Taylor holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Calgary and a graduate certificate in Professional Communications Management from Royal Roads University.

Her lifelong passion for dance fuelled a decade-long career as a dance instructor and choreographer, and she continues to work within the dance community as a volunteer and committee member. Taylor is an avid reader, traveller and a tired mother to two busy little people.

Since 2003, Janice Francey has worked as a communications professional at the Calgary Foundation. Her responsibilities include the promotion of the Foundation’s role in serving the charitable sector and supporting a healthy and vibrant community.

A passionate supporter of music, Janice was a 6-year member of the CKUA Radio Foundation Board, Chair of the CKUA Development Committee and a member of the CKUA Capital Campaign Committee.

Janice was also a member of the 2016 JUNO Communications Committee and part of the team that launched the inaugural ‘Wide Cut Weekend’ music festival which annually celebrates roots music at local music venues in Calgary.

Since graduating with Honours from Bow Valley College’s Events Management Certificate Program, Linda has pursued her passion of working in the charitable sector. Prior to joining Calgary Foundation in 2007, Linda held several fundraising roles in Calgary and worked as a Program Coordinator with Leave A Legacy Calgary.

In her role as Events & Partnerships Specialist, Linda works with the Communications Team in developing effective events and Foundation major initiatives outreach strategies. Her responsibilities also include the coordination of Calgary Foundation events including celebrations, workshops, and a variety of program/initiative launches as well as partnership and sponsorship development.

Linda’s additional responsibilities with the Gifts & Donor Relations Team also include the administration of third party fundraising events and donor stewardship. Linda’s past volunteer work includes: Alberta Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, United Way of Calgary and Area and The DI (Calgary Drop-in Centre).

Emily Nachtigall joined Calgary Foundation’s communications team in 2015 after graduating from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Communication in Public Relations. Prior to joining the team full-time, Emily interned with the Foundation in the summer of 2014 where she found her passion for the charitable sector. Emily helps support and implement community initiatives, events and publications such as Calgary’s Vital Signs Report, the annual Vital City event and the Community Knowledge Centre (CKC) website.

Furthering her interest in non-profit work, Emily spent the 2014-15 hockey season interning for the Calgary Flames charitable arm, The Flames Foundation, where she executed major events and provided donor relations support.

A born and raised Calgarian, Emily enjoys her free time exploring the city with friends, travelling as much as she can and spending her summers with her family on the lake.

Darbie joined the Communications team at Calgary Foundation in 2016. With a specific focus on digital communications, Darbie is responsible for the strategic implementation and management of Calgary Foundation’s digital initiatives. Building engaging creatives to grow the profile of the Foundation.

Her experience in marketing and communications encompasses a carousel of digital media marketing, project management, vendor collaboration, strategy writing, media pitching, large-scale event production, brand management, creative campaigning and content writing. Darbie holds a B.A. in Communications from Mount Royal University.

With a passion for travel, culture and language, Darbie has been on adventures around the world. These experiences have inspired her personally and professionally to better understand the unique facets of communication and her role as a communicator. In her own backyard, Darbie acknowledges and celebrates the contribution Indigenous communities have gifted to this country. She treasures the Treaty 7 territory of the Niitsitapi, the Ĩyãħé Nakoda, the Tsuut'ina and Métis nations on which she lives, works and plays.

Craig March, B. Comm, CPA, CGA, is the Vice-President of Finance at Calgary Foundation. Craig has 25 years of experience in accounting, finance and administration in varied roles in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors. Craig has led the finance team at the Foundation since 2001.

Craig focuses on financial reporting, regulatory compliance, treasury, information systems and risk management. Craig has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University, is a Certified General Accountant and has completed the Canadian Securities Institute’s Securities Course of study.

Craig currently volunteers on the Audit and Risk Committee of the Immigrant Access Fund.

Renée Fan, B. Eng., has been the Controller at Calgary Foundation since 2013. Renée has thirteen years of experience in accounting, finance, computer technology and administration in varied roles in the not-for-profit sector.

In her current role she focuses on cash management, valuing and monetizing gifts of securities, financial accounting and reporting. Prior to that, she worked at major utility companies in China, the United States and Canada focusing on project management, budgeting and variance analysis.

Renée has a Bachelor of Engineering Degree, an accounting diploma and is pursuing an MBA at the Sauder School of Business through distance learning. She has also completed the Canadian Securities Institute’s Securities Course and Wealth Management Essential.

In her spare time, Renée enjoys music, hiking and badminton and is an active volunteer in the community.

Tamara Loria is the Insights Officer at Calgary Foundation. As the Insights officer, Tamara’s primary role is to identify strategic opportunities and insights through the Foundation's data and information.

Tamara’s professional experience includes working in the public, for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She obtained her Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Distinction in Operations Management, from the Haskayne School of Business at The University of Calgary. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management.

Tamara enjoys all types of outdoor activities. Including camping, hiking and mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Ireti has been with Calgary Foundation for 8 years on the Finance team managing gifts and accounts payable. Prior to that she worked in several other positions in the non-profit sector with the Kidney Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society.

After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University, Ireti moved to Canada from Lagos, Nigeria in 2005 through the skilled workers program. She has since acquired her Certification in Accounting from SAIT.

Ireti is a mother to three children and enjoys reading historical fiction in her free time.

Rosemarie (Rose) Quinit is Calgary Foundation’s Financial Coordinator and has been with the Foundation since 2014.

As part of the Finance team, her primary responsibilities are: executing on financial projects, recording accounting transactions and complying with regulatory requirements. Her work includes accounting for various associated entities, preparing budget reports, maintaining general ledger records and development of internal financial processes and procedures. She also manages the Foundation’s Information Security Awareness Program and initiatives.

Rose came to Calgary in 2004 from Winnipeg. She has an educational background in Biological Science and Business Administration - Marketing Management and has continued to study Accounting and Finance.

Outside of work, Rose enjoys spending time with family and friends, yoga, cooking, exploring festive events in Calgary and all of beautiful Alberta.

Dan Langlois is the Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer at Calgary Foundation. His previous professional experience includes a senior position with an Institutional Investment Counselling firm where he offered ongoing portfolio management and client service to institutional clients across Canada.

Dan also worked as a senior investment consultant where he delivered investment consulting services to pension, endowment and insurance clients throughout Western Canada and served Calgary Foundation in this capacity.

Dan Langlois holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree in International Financial Management and is a CFA charter holder.

Lauren Frosst is Director, Investments at the Calgary Foundation. Lauren supports the Vice President, Chief Investment Officer with effective oversight of the Primary Endowment Portfolio and management of other financial assets. She conducts investment research, aids in asset allocation and risk management strategies, and supervises investment manager due diligence and monitoring processes. Lauren also developed the Calgary Foundation’s strategy for impact investing and manages the current portfolio including deal origination, underwriting, coordinating legal due diligence and ongoing monitoring of investments.

Lauren holds a MBA with a specialization in finance from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. She also studied international commerce at the Vienna University of Economics and Business and is a Level III CFA Candidate.

Sara joined Calgary Foundation in 2016 as the Investment Administrator. Prior to joining Calgary Foundation she worked with RxRobots Inc. as an Operations Manager, where she managed the sales process and finances of the company. Sara holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance, and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics, both from the University of Calgary. During her undergraduate degrees she interned with TransCanada in the Power Marketing group, as well as Farm Business Consultants for the 2014 tax season.

In her spare time Sara enjoys cooking, reading, and attending local theatre and ballet. She is also a travel enthusiast, having recently returned from a two month backpacking trip across Europe.

Jessica Mitchell is an Investment Administrator at the Calgary Foundation. She supports the Director, Investments and Vice President, Chief Investment Officer in administering the investment needs of the Primary Endowment Portfolio, Impact Investing, and other financial assets as required. Prior to joining the Calgary Foundation, she worked at a private equity company in a regulatory compliance role.

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Arts Policy Studies, with Honours and a minor in Economics, from Mount Royal University. She has completed various courses such as the Canadian Securities Course, Officers', Partners' and Directors' Course, and Conduct and Practices Handbook.