Meet our board of directors
Meet the guiding force behind Champions for Life Foundation—the esteemed Board of Directors. Comprising accomplished thought leaders, our board members have extensive experience and a profound dedication to societal betterment. With unwavering commitment and a shared vision for positive change, our Board of Directors stands as a beacon of wisdom, steering the Champions for Life Foundation toward a future of measurable impact and program excellence.
Their collective contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, embodying the very essence of leadership. Each director brings a distinct set of skills and expertise, forming a strategic alliance that propels our organization toward new heights.
Pierre-Étienne Bousquet
Board Member
From his first year at university, Pierre-Étienne co-founded Third Bridge to tackle a rapidly expanding market: mobile application development. Seven years later, his company has become a reference in the field, with numerous achievements, having developed and delivered over fifty mobile applications for clients such as Desjardins, Chanel, Ericsson, Couche-Tard, and Pixmob. Pierre-Etienne's journey in the tech world, marked by innovation and success, fuelled his desire to make a meaningful impact beyond the digital realm. Motivated by a deep sense of social responsibility, he chose to extend his expertise to the Champions for Life Foundation, recognizing the transformative potential of technology in advancing physical literacy among children. As a dedicated supporter, Pierre-Étienne is committed to leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit to contribute to the Foundation's mission, ensuring that the benefits of physical activity reach even the most under-resourced communities.
Jean Carrière
Board Member | Secretary
Jean has served as an external director of the Foundation since its incorporation in November of 2015. His legal and corporate development background has served the Foundation on many initiatives ranging from strategic development, fundraising, financial metrics and reporting, relevant legal and regulatory aspects and various governance initiatives.
Marla Gold
Board Member
Marla is a highly experienced leader and strategist within the not-for-profit and health and wellness sectors. She possesses a unique combination of exceptional business acumen, outstanding leadership, and community consciousness, which have all contributed to the success of organizations within these sectors, such as The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, Health Systems Group (HSG), McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP), IKEA Canada, McGill University, and Fitness and Amateur Sport Canada. With strong communication skills and a collaborative and motivating style, Marla has a personal passion for strengthening community networks and advocating for the health and wellness of Canadians. Using her experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, she advises and supports individuals and organizations through coaching, advisory boards, speaking engagements, strategic planning, and project oversight to foster leadership and professional skills for an organization's future success and growth. A bilingual graduate from both McGill University and the University of Ottawa, Marla is an outdoor and exercise enthusiast who loves to travel, has two grown children and lives with her husband in Montreal.
Shawn Johal
Board Member | Chairperson
Shawn Johal is an entrepreneur, author, business coach and investor. He co-founded DALS Lighting in 2009, helping 10x its valuation. Shawn is an active member and former EO Montreal president whose mission is to create the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs. Shawn actively participates in mentoring programs, helping young entrepreneurs improve as business leaders and individuals. A passion for endurance sports fuels his daily routine. Shawn correlates business success with the discipline required to complete complex athletic challenges. He believes the ability to set and achieve personal goals undoubtedly strengthens mindset and resolve, both essential qualities for any entrepreneur.
Dan Silverman
Board Member
Dan is the Vice President of Foreign Direct Investment at Investissement Quebec, the province's primary economic development agency and financing corporation. Dan has spent his career consulting international businesses and governments on global expansion strategies. In 2019 and 2021, Dan received the Top 40 Under 40 Economic Developer award and a Top 50 North American Economic Developer in 2021.
Ron Szekeley
Board Member | Treasurer
Happily married, father of four, business executive and lifelong entrepreneur. Throughout his career, Ron has had the opportunity to work with the leadership teams of many high-growth businesses, from start-ups and founder-lead teams to leading global companies. He is passionate about helping businesses, brands, and teams of all sizes reach their full potential.
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Our mission is to empower children ages 4 to 12 to develop their physical literacy.