Having completed his studies at McMaster University, where he earned an honours degree of Arts and Science (B.Arts Sc.), Jack has returned to his hometown of Mono, Ontario. His studies culminated in an undergraduate thesis which highlighted voices of homelessness in Hamilton. Over the past four years, he served as an emergency medical responder and first aid instructor on McMaster’s campus, and continues this passion as an instructor for the Canadian Red Cross. During his summers as a Loran scholar, Jack worked in industrial and regenerative agriculture, served as a wildland firefighter, and produced policy analysis on 2SLGBTQI issues. He has cherished encountering people and stories across a diversity of temporary roles, which include being a charity art auctioneer, TEDx host, philosophy competition organizer, palliative care visitor, warming shelter volunteer, community gardener, and running coach. If you were to see Jack outside of work, he might be running, writing poetry, or enjoying the company of friends and family.

Faris Mecklai (’17) is a McMaster University Arts & Science Program graduate and 2017 Loran scholar passionate about creating social change. Faris also completed his Master’s of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Toronto, where his research focused on environmental justice in critical mineral extraction. He has experience working in private and not-for-profit sectors around the world and enjoys seeking new learning opportunities. He has stayed connected to Loran by volunteering as an assessor, administrator, interviewer, presenter for scholar forums at retreat and nationals, and as an EIAG member, and now joins us as the Manager of Selections.

Meena recently graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Smith School of Business. She has worked in corporate consulting on projects such as digital transformation, banking regulations, and future of work policies. She also volunteers her time with organizations that upskill marginalized youth to learn governance and leadership skills. Meena loves painting, archery, writing op-eds, and capturing moments of joy on her digital camera. 

Katy has worked in the non-profit sector for over 15 years at both the community and national levels. The bulk of her experience has focused on building understanding of our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada in order to dismantle settler colonialism. She is passionate about volunteer engagement and the ways in which people with diverse lived experiences can learn from each other. She has a BA in Anthropology from Concordia University and an MA in Conflict Studies from the University of Ottawa. Katy is also passionate about growing her own food, choir singing and outdoor adventures with her family.

Nikki transitioned into fundraising after nearly a decade in pharmaceutical sales, following a recommendation from a close friend in 2017. With a diverse background in healthcare, social services, education, and the arts, she has built innovative fundraising programs using data, analytics, and relationship-building skills across both philanthropic and private sectors. Nikki lives in Kingston with her partner and two children.

Passionate about creating societal change and fostering equity, Nicole has spent the last 10 years building impactful partnerships and driving community engagement in the non-profit sector. With a strong commitment to connecting people to important causes, she has developed strategies for cultivating stakeholder relationships, managing donor portfolios, and implementing data-driven processes that support organizational goals. Nicole graduated with a BA in Hospitality and International Business.

Michelle is a nonprofit professional with a bachelor’s degree in education from McGill University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University. She has dedicated her career to making an impact in the youth space by creating and providing opportunities for youth, with a focus on supporting underprivileged and marginalized youth. Michelle brings to Loran experience in project, event, and program management.

Allison is an accomplished development professional with more than two decades of experience in major and principal gift fundraising. She has an integral and strategic approach to philanthropy and has focused on family, corporate, and foundation giving. Additionally, she is a director for the Maltby Centre, an organization providing mental health and autism services to youth in southeastern Ontario. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and a Minor in Education from Concordia University.

Tamara is a communications professional with over six years of experience in media relations and content creation. They cut their teeth in arts and entertainment, working as a publicity coordinator for Corus, Elevation Pictures, and Disney, and marketing manager at SummerWorks Performance Festival and The Theatre Centre. They are dedicated to community service through storytelling, relationship-building, and accessible design. Tamara holds a degree in Arts and Contemporary Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University and a postgraduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.

Jesalyn graduated from Memorial University, earning a BA, majoring in Law and Society and minoring in Religious Studies. She joins the Loran team with nearly eight years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector and has most recently championed the role of President within her local historical society and museum, where she has previously served as vice president and records keeper. When she is not working or volunteering, Jes enjoys an array of activities, including crafting, woodworking, and exploring the trails, rivers, and lakes of beautiful British Columbia.