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Shauna & the Advisory Board MembersA Few Words from ShaunaDear Readers,
During the last 14 weeks that I was involved with The African Touch I worked on the Massage Academy Project. Yvonne and I focused on a few main goals. We perfected the budget and the fundraising proposal, researched possible funders and/or organizations to collaborate with, researched and contacted celebrities and agents to back the project, networked, worked on 3 fundraising events in Nelson, B.C., and maintained other general administrative duties. Although we did not meet our ultimate goal of obtaining a financial backing to start the project immediately, I feel that Yvonne has a great start. With Yvonne’s savvy networking skills and her passion to help others build a career of their own, there is no question that one day soon the Massage Academy Project will be a mobile project helping many people around the world. Not only did I personally learn from this Cooperative Education Semester with The African Touch, I gained a very good friend and confidante. Thank you very much to Yvonne for giving me the opportunity to be her assistant, thank you to VIDEA for allowing me to work part-time in their office, and thank you to Service Canada for awarding us with a grant to make all this possible. Sincerely, Shauna Jordin The African Touch Advisory Board
Alan WarburtonAlan is an experienced fundraiser and donor relations professional with an extensive background in the not-for-profit sector. Originally from Oldham in the North of England, he has worked for local government in London, as well as for in various NGOs in London, Nairobi and Berlin. He is currently Senior Resources Coordinator for the Transparency International Secretariat in Berlin. Transparency International is the leading international coalition fighting against corruption, and has a presence in over 100 countries.
Danella ParksDanella has had over 15 years working to support non-profits with the development of their programs and capacity. She currently works for Vancity Credit Union as their Community Investments Manager on Vancouver Island. Her main responsibilities are in community economic development supporting non-profits and social enterprises in the areas of social justice, the social economy and environmental initiatives. Danella previously worked for the provincial government in the administration of social housing programs and delivery. Danella has worked in both rural and urban areas of the province and has excellent skills in strategic development and community relations.
Havind SehmiHavind is a Senior Manager with the University of Victoria's technology transfer arm - the Innovation and Development Corporation. He specializes in intellectual property management by taking ideas to market and developing the correct pathway for commercialization. He assists in creating a company that is investor ready through the development of good business plans, financials, and a solid and educated management team. Havind has also served as President and Treasurer of the Island Montessori Pre-School as well as several other not-for-profit agencies.
Marie ChantonMarie is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in management consulting and audit within the Provincial Government of British Columbia. She has served on the finance committee of various non-profit organizations.
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I worked for The African Touch for 14 weeks doing many tasks to advance the organization. Throughout this time I worked closely with Yvonne Poulin and learned a vast amount of information about the non-profit sector which I have decided is a very interesting and difficult industry. I am very happy with the knowledge that I have accumulated as I believe that working for both non-profit and for-profit businesses will give me a well-rounded education.
