The Shoebox Project for Women

We are delighted to welcome Raly Chakarova, Victoria Mancinelli, and Kathleen Walsh to The Shoebox Project Board of Directors. They bring years of experience and a passion for supporting women in communities across Canada. We are fortunate to have them on our team! Raly Chakarova is the Executive Director of the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association, a leading industry group whose members perform the majority of new road construction and maintenance in the Greater Toronto Area and Simcoe County. Prior to this role, Raly served as Executive Director of the BOLT Charitable Foundation, Director of Policy at the Toronto Region Board of Trade and Senior Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Growth, among other roles in the non-profit and government sectors. Raly is also a Board Director of ACCES Employment and the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) and a member of various industry organizations and government consultation groups. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University and a Specialist in International Development and Political Science from the University of Toronto. Victoria Mancinelli is the Director of Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Partnerships at LIUNA (Labourers’ International Union of North America), one of the most diverse and effective unions representing various industries critical to the growth, function, strength and connectivity of our country. Before joining our Board, Victoria has served as a member of the Exhibition Place Board of Governors, Creating Alternatives Day Program, United Way Halton & Hamilton Women’s Committee and is an active Advisory Council Member at Coalition for a Better Future, Fero Inc., and St Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Hamilton. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Public Relations Certificate Program from Humber College. Kathleen Walsh is a Lead Public Affairs Counsellor at Compass Rose, a government relations and public affairs firm based in Ottawa, ON, which helps companies and organizations find the common good by providing unique solutions for clients and delivering the best outcomes for Canada. She is a Canadian Friends of LSE committee member and previously volunteered her time on the Boards of Famous 5 Ottawa and Equal Voice National Capital Region. Kathleen graduated with High Honours in Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University and holds a Master of Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Last day to cast your vote! We’re proud to announce that we have been nominated as part of this year's Share the Wonder program dedicated to supporting Canadian women’s causes, in celebration of their 85th anniversary. With your vote, we could receive a donation of up to $25,000 that will make a huge impact on supporting women across Canada. Help us continue our work by heading to https://lnkd.in/e9Tczpew and casting your vote for The Shoebox Project for Women. Every vote brings us one step closer to making a lasting difference for women across Canada. https://lnkd.in/g7du_HMq Thank you for your support! #sharethewonder

Rosie Smythe, congratulations on participating in this podcast!

Our first-ever Health and Wellness Workshops series is designed to empower women with valuable resources and support. ❤️

The Shoebox Project is seeking passionate and committed new members for our Board of Directors to help guide our organization towards achieving its mission and ensuring its sustainability. Board members are responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance, and leadership to the charity in the pursuit of the strategies to fulfill its charitable purposes. The Shoebox Project is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve. If you believe in bringing communities together to make a genuine difference in the lives of local women, then this opportunity is for you.  To Apply: Please submit your letter of interest and CV by July 31st via email to chair@shoeboxproject.com Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gsCfAefc

In this edition, meet Gloria, a past Shoebox recipient; learn about important awareness events and why monetary donations are vital to us. Happy reading!

These topics shape our impact and help us build compassionate and connected communities. Let's dive in!

We are happy to announce Rosie Smythe's appointment as the new Executive Director at The Shoebox Project for Women. Rosie has spent more than 30 years working with individuals and groups dealing with mental health problems, addictions and those experiencing homelessness. She spent more than a decade in Regent Park in the role of Executive Director at 416 Community Support for Women and, more recently, supporting newcomers and others in need as Executive Director at New Circles Community Services. Rosie has always tried to focus on helping to create services and communities that allow people to increase their options in life, reduce their loneliness and isolation in society and increase their participation in their communities. Rosie holds a MEd (Masters of Education) from the University of Toronto – focused on Adult Education & Community Development. She also brings experience in organizational change, working with community boards and liaising with multiple funding sources at the private, municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Rosie is proud to be a life-long learner with two certifications in Yoga/Meditation teacher trainings and as an Auricular Acupuncture Specialist. Her most recent course work has been in Life Coaching focused on the Enneagram and Organizational Leadership with the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Welcome Rosie!

These topics are meaningful to us, shape our work, and affect our daily lives. Let's continue to build communities that care for each other.