Staff and Board of Directors
HopeShares Canada is operated by a dedicated group of staff and volunteer Board of Directors. Each member brings vast experience and passion to the organization.
Scott Cowan, Board President
Years ago, my wife and I felt called to pack up our lives and spend a year volunteering overseas. We thought it would be a good opportunity to give of ourselves and to "be the change you wish to see in the world". We ended up at the Seed of Hope in Bhekulwandle, South Africa. We came to know very quickly that this was a life-changing place, for the community and for us personally. We learned so much and saw the great impact that the staff had on the community and the lives within it. When we came back to Canada, we sought out ways to support the Seed of Hope from home. My wife, Shauna, volunteered with HopeShares and I joined the Board of Directors and served in various roles. As HopeShares has grown and evolved, so have we and I am excited to once again be part of the work that HopeShares is doing. I have a degree in Leadership and experience leading teams in dynamic and high stress environments. This has given me a passion for seeing people meet their full potential as leaders which, in turn, increases the impact their organizations have on the lives in their community. The work that HopeShares does is both critical and unique in changing lives through organizations that have effective and supported leaders. I feel both excited and honoured to be a part of it!
Carl Waldron, Board Vice-President
The first time I traveled to South Africa, in 2004, I sensed my life was about to change. I met volunteers from Bhekulwandle township who were showing God’s compassion to neighbors and friends in the midst of the AIDS crisis. I also caught a vision for building a healthy, vibrant community over many long talks with Seed of Hope founders Derek and Heather Liebenberg. In 2007, my family and I moved to the Durban area to lead the work of Seed of Hope, after Derek’s passing. I have felt a personal and professional calling to Seed of Hope as it brings transformation to Bhekulwandle and other communities. While my primary focus is in South Africa, it has been a privilege to help establish HopeShares Canada as an integral partner in this vision. Together with our three children, my wife Michelle and I have embraced this fulfilling and challenging family mission. Our normal home life these days includes kids’ swimming, soccer and ballet, weekly pick-up basketball, and trying to keep the kitchen free of monkeys, ants and the occasional snake. In Spring 2017, my family and I returned to Canada to mentor our South African team as they grow. I continue to work to link new partners here in Canada to international development in a way that affirms the importance of building mutual relationships between people here and those across the world.
Trish Pritchard, Board Secretary
When my husband John and I were trying to figure out where we should minister we met Derek Liebenberg. He invited our family to come for 6 months to work alongside him and Heather and help run the Seed of Hope South Africa back in 2005. Seven weeks into the trip, Derek died of a massive heart attack and it became very clear exactly why God had called us to be there for such a time. The remaining months changed our lives incredibly with the hardships and grieving we all endured. This is why I am so passionate to serve the HopeShares Board in helping the Seed of Hope grow and expand and change people’s lives! John and I have been married for 30 years, have three grown children and three beautiful grandchildren. I am a certified Birth Doula, helping women and couples in their labour/birth experience.
Ben Sargent, Board Treasurer
I am a firm believer that empowering people to deliver the change they want to see in their own communities can have immense and positive impacts globally. It is a privilege to serve on the board of an organisation that places this at the centre of their mandate. My affinity with community development begun in 2008 after spending a year visiting numerous southern and eastern African countries. It was arguably these rich experiences which led me to want to learn more about community development globally. As such I gained a BA in International Development and more recently an MSC in Management and Implementation of Development Projects. Since moving to Canada in 2012 I have worked within Calgary’s non-profit sector. I currently project manage a city-wide community hubs initiative on behalf of a partnership between United Way, City of Calgary, and Rotary. Beyond my vocation I love adventuring with my wife Alana, and have interests in liveaboard boats, mechanics, photography, and enjoy snorkeling, cycling and undertaking DIY projects.
Doug Sedore, Board Director
Doug has been part of HopeShares since its inception. He has traveled to Seed of Hope on a number of occasions and is truly committed to helping those in need whether it is in South Africa or in his local community. Doug spent many years as pastor of local churches. Today, Doug continues to run a local ministry to help people reintegrate into the community while dealing with their addictions.
Naomi Provencal, HopeShares Administrator
I have worked in the non-profit sector for 23 years in fund-raising, marketing and volunteer management. I have a passion for helping organizations run effectively while meeting the needs of the people they serve. I have not had the chance to make it to Africa yet but hope to one day. My husband, JP, and I have four children who keep us busy.
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