Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Awards & Accolades
Timeline
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Chantelle Krish

North Vancouver

Summary

Chantelle Krish is a dynamic leader and community champion dedicated to advancing equity, driving systemic change, and empowering underserved populations. With extensive cross-sector experience, she is known for building impactful partnerships, shaping policy reforms, and creating transformative programs that empower women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Her advocacy has led to policy reforms supporting affordable childcare, workforce equity, and the right to live free from violence.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Executive Officer

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
06.2022 - Current
  • Spearheaded innovative mentorship programs, including a federally funded $350,000 initiative addressing gender-based violence prevention in collaboration with school districts
  • Achieved 30% revenue growth by cultivating trust among donors and fostering meaningful partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders
  • Set the foundation for Vancouver’s first mentorship hub, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact for Big Sisters' programs

Chief Executive Officer

The KidSafe Project Society
09.2021 - 06.2022
  • Provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for programs that support the most vulnerable children in Vancouver, delivering critical services to hundreds of children across Vancouver, annually

Director, Communications, Programs, and Outreach

Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC
02.2019 - 09.2021
  • Advised the Honourable Janet Austin, elevating the Office’s role as a platform for education and awareness, particularly in advancing equity, reconciliation, and democracy
  • Launched the Different Together campaign, uniting over250,000 Canadians against racism and discrimination and amplifying the voices of diverse communities

Director, Communications and Advocacy

YWCA Metro Vancouver
02.2011 - 02.2019
  • Championing systemic change on gender equality through advocacy and communications, inspiring broad-based support for the YWCA’s mission
  • Engaged youth in gender equity initiatives, empowering future leaders to take active roles in advancing equality
  • Previous Roles: Associate Director, Communications and Advocacy (October2015 – February2017), Manager, Advocacy and Public Relations (February2011 – October2015)

Account Manager

PR Associates
02.2007 - 01.2011
  • Delivered public relations strategies for diverse sectors, including Indigenous organizations, nonprofits, and mining, with a focus on community engagement and crisis communications

Education

Master of Arts - Community Development & Public Administration

University of Victoria
01.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

University of Ottawa
01.2005

Skills

  • Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Equity & Advocacy Initiatives
  • Public Policy & Program Development
  • Community Engagement & Partnership Building
  • Fundraising & Resource Development
  • Communications & Crisis Management

Accomplishments

    Leadership and Revenue Growth

  • Expanded mentorship programs at Big Sisters, empowering girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth.
  • Increased revenue by 30%, ensuring financial sustainability and organizational growth.
  • Advocacy and Policy Reform

  • Led policy reforms for affordable childcare, workforce equity, and support for women escaping violence.
  • Championed the YWCA Mothers Without Legal Status project, enabling access to income assistance for vulnerable mothers.
  • Public Awareness and Engagement

  • Directed the Different Together campaign, engaging 250,000+ Canadians in anti-racism efforts and collaborating with national leaders.
  • Advanced media literacy and gender-based violence prevention through public education and advocacy initiatives.
  • Data-Driven Impact

  • Implemented a scorecard system to enhance accountability and transparency, securing donor trust and funding.
  • Supported 494 youth-mentor matches and raised over $550,000 through Big Sisters’ annual Gala.
  • Mentorship and Advocacy

  • Mentors young women of colour, fostering confidence and leadership.
  • Advocates for inclusive networks and opportunities, empowering future leaders.
  • Community Leadership

  • Serves on nonprofit boards, driving gender equity and strengthening community-focused organizations.

Awards & Accolades

YWCA Women of Distinction Nominee (2025), King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024), Inspiring Woman Award, Drishti Magazine (2023), Forty Under40, Business in Vancouver (2019)

Timeline

Chief Executive Officer

Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
06.2022 - Current

Chief Executive Officer

The KidSafe Project Society
09.2021 - 06.2022

Director, Communications, Programs, and Outreach

Office of the Lieutenant Governor of BC
02.2019 - 09.2021

Director, Communications and Advocacy

YWCA Metro Vancouver
02.2011 - 02.2019

Account Manager

PR Associates
02.2007 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

University of Ottawa

Master of Arts - Community Development & Public Administration

University of Victoria
Chantelle Krish