Johanna Li
Vancouver,BC
Summary
As a values-based non-profit leader, I am passionate about using innovation that leads to systems change in community. Adept at working with multiple stakeholders from funders and government to community partners I am committed to working for a more equitable community for all.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
EMBERS Eastside Works
01.2017 - Current
- Launched a systems change project in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) to support effective income generation opportunities for the most vulnerable that will lead to long term systemic change
- Guided a team of staff and consultants on various projects with a focus on results-driven innovation, evaluation and equity
- Worked closely with government leaders to implement equitable policy changes to provincial employment services
- Raised over $8 million to support Eastside Works projects including those with a province-wide scope.
- Provided leadership in the DTES community and the employment services community provincially through partnerships, mentoring and spearheading initiative
Manager
EMBERS Ventures
07.2015 - 03.2018
- Oversaw a self-employment program targeted a low-income entrepreneurs
- Designed curriculum for workshops
- Hired and managed facilitators and mentors
- Held the sub-contract for the WorkBC Self-Employment Program with 4 catchments
- Led marketing initiatives for a group of sub-contractors from various academic institutes
Specialist-Strategic Programs
Vancity Community Foundation
03.2013 - 06.2015
- Supported the growth of social enterprises and community own real estate projects in the Lower Mainland
- Managed over $800K in grants annually
- Worked with local non-profits on financial growth models, human resources and operations
- Acted as the liaison between non-profit groups and the Vancity Credit Union
Project Manager
Potluck Cafe Society
04.2009 - 07.2012
- Launched a collaborative food security project - the DTES Kitchen Tables Project with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada
- Worked with various stakeholders including community organizations, local businesses, funders and government
- Raised over $1 million to support the project
Catering Manager and Fund Development Associate
Potluck Cafe Society
04.2007 - 03.2012
Manager
Red Door Pan Asian Grill
06.2005 - 03.2007
General Manager
Trafalgar's Bistro
02.2001 - 05.2005
Education
Associate of Occupational Studies - Culinary Arts
California Culinary Academy
San Francisco, California11.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC05.1993
Skills
- Values-based Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Partnership Building
- Communication
- Problem Solving
Boards and Committees
2014-2016
Our Social Fabric - Board Member
2019-2021
Exchange Inner City - Executive Committee Chair
2021-Present
Vancouver Urban Core Workers Association - Executive Committee Treasurer
Timeline
Director
EMBERS Eastside Works
01.2017 - Current
Manager
EMBERS Ventures
07.2015 - 03.2018
Specialist-Strategic Programs
Vancity Community Foundation
03.2013 - 06.2015
Project Manager
Potluck Cafe Society
04.2009 - 07.2012
Catering Manager and Fund Development Associate
Potluck Cafe Society
04.2007 - 03.2012
Manager
Red Door Pan Asian Grill
06.2005 - 03.2007
General Manager
Trafalgar's Bistro
02.2001 - 05.2005
Associate of Occupational Studies - Culinary Arts
California Culinary Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of British Columbia
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