Board of Directors
Tina Pugliese, BA(H), BEd., MEd., ED.D
Associate Professor, University of Windsor
Board Director
Dr. Tina Pugliese is an Associate Professor at the University of Windsor in Ontario Canada, specializing in leadership training, peer mentorship, critical literacy and educational drama. Tina leverages her extensive experience in drama and theatre practices to guide and coach her students towards becoming genuine transformative educators and significant contributors to community arts leadership. She co-founded and teaches in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Peer Mentor program, dedicated to enriching the student academic journey and underscoring the importance of mentorship in fostering student success and leadership growth. Serving as director of the School of Dramatic Art from 2013-2023, she oversaw the department’s academic programming and managed University Players, the School’s live theatre company. During this tenure, her work mentoring and coaching new faculty in personal and professional development, guiding them towards achieving tenure was most fulfilling; she continues to participate in early career faculty mentoring at the University.
Carolyn Francis, BA(H), MA, PhD
Research Associate, WE Spark Health Institute
Board Director
Carolyn holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Windsor (2024). She currently serves as a Research Associate in WE-SPARK Health Institute, where she leads the development of digital training modules intended to equip diverse learners with knowledge, skills and action-oriented strategies for leadership development and organizational change. Her work centers on translating psychological theory and research into practical strategies that support healthy employees and workplaces. Across her roles, she brings a strong commitment to advancing education and research for real-world impact.
Majida Zabian,
Senior Development Officer, Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario
Board Director
As a Senior Development Officer with the Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario, Majida brings extensive experience in non-profit and community involvement. Her expertise is in nurturing relationships and securing philanthropic support to ensure families with sick or injured children have a place to stay close to the care they need. Her role focuses on engaging donors, partners, and communities to advance both operational funding and long-term growth initiatives. At the core of her work is a commitment to equity, compassion, and strengthening systems that support families during their most vulnerable moments.
Alex Cibiri,
Strategy Coach, Sticky Branding
Board Director
Alex Cibiri is a growth strategist and operator with deep experience helping organizations clarify direction, strengthen systems, and execute on ambitious goals. He has led complex teams, scaled multi-million-dollar initiatives, and built sustainable operating models that align vision with measurable outcomes. Alex brings a disciplined approach to strategy, accountability, and governance. He is particularly focused on helping leadership teams prioritize effectively, close performance gaps, and build structures that support long-term impact.
He is passionate about building organizations that serve with excellence, operate with integrity, and create meaningful, lasting results in the communities they support.
Lisa Bradley,
Board Director
Lisa Bradley is a partnerships and strategic operations professional with over a decade of experience supporting work across the not-for-profit, education, health and wellness, consumer goods, and community sectors. Lisa's experience spans Canada and Australia and includes building sustainable high-value partnerships, leading revenue growth and business development efforts, and strengthening organizational performance through periods of national growth and change. Lisa brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to complex challenges and a strong commitment to access, fairness, and accountability within her various roles.
Michael Brown,
Deputy Director, Organization for Economic Development and Diplomatic Relations
Dialogue Coordinator, Assumption University
Board Director
Michael Anthony Brown is a senior nonprofit and diplomatic affairs leader with over 15 years of experience in governance, youth development, and institutional leadership. He currently serves as Deputy Director and Deputy Head of Mission at the Organization for Economic Development and Diplomatic Relations, where he oversees strategic initiatives, youth diplomacy programming, and cross-sector partnerships. Michael has led major community-based initiatives, including the Ujima Initiative at United Way, and has served in executive governance roles across Ontario, advancing equity-centered policy and systems change. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and is widely recognized for building collaborative, mission-driven impact across local and international contexts.
Bana Musharbash, CFA
Business Relationships Manager, Libro Credit Union
Treasurer
Bana is a seasoned finance professional with over eight years of experience in financial management, accounting, and risk oversight across banking and nonprofit environments. She brings a strong track record in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance, with a deep understanding of the financial structures and accountability requirements of charitable and nonprofit organizations. Bana combines rigorous financial expertise with a collaborative leadership style, supporting organizational sustainability, transparency, and mission-driven impact.
Michael Pembleton,
Elementary Teacher, TVDSB
Board Director
Michael Pembleton is a dedicated elementary educator with over twelve years of experience in both special education and teaching Grades 5-8 within the Thames Valley District School Board. He designs curriculum‑aligned, culturally responsive learning experiences that integrate educational technology to deepen engagement and support diverse learners. Michael holds specialist qualifications in Special Education and Primary/Junior Mathematics, grounding his work in inclusive, strengths‑based pedagogy that prioritizes student voice, accessibility, and meaningful differentiation.
Throughout his career, Michael has contributed to school improvement and professional learning through a range of leadership roles, including several years as an Intermediate Division Lead and ongoing service as a Workplace Steward. His commitment to collaborative practice, equity‑focused instruction, and community‑centered education continues to shape his work both inside and beyond the classroom.