Our Team

TEP, CFRE, MFA-Philanthropy, MSc – Founder & CEO
nicola@causestrategies.ca

In addition to her role here at Cause Strategies, Nicola is also Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Benefaction Foundation, a national charitable Public Foundation which helps Canadians and their Advisors harness the advantages of strategic giving. She has built a reputation as a valuable resource for those who want to integrate charitable giving into their client’s financial, estate and succession plans. Prior to establishing Cause Strategies, Nicola spent 20 years in the financial services industry holding several senior roles. She has an MSc from the London School of Economics and a BA from McGill University. She is the managing editor of the Master Financial Advisor - Philanthropy (MFA-P™) course offered by the Knowledge Bureau. She is also past President of Rotary Club of Westmount (QC) and of Le Manoir, a home for independent seniors living in Westmount (QC).

MSc, CSC – Director, Growth Initiatives
joely@causestrategies.ca

Joely joined the Cause Strategies team full-time in September 2020 after finishing an MSc at Bayes Business School with Distinction. Her research project focused on how small charities can use technology to adapt to COVID-19. She was previously involved with Cause for over three years working part-time as Grants Administrator while completing her BA at McGill University, where she was Vice President of the university’s Right To Play Chapter. In her current role, Joely supports all projects related to Cause Strategies’ growth, with a focus on marketing and technology.

CFA – Chief Investment Officer
meredith@causestrategies.ca

Since September 2014, Meredith has been employed as CIO at Cause Strategies Inc. Previously, she consulted private high-net-worth clients aiding in their asset management. From 1992 to 2005 she worked in the securities industry as both Sales Assistant and Investment Advisor at private investment firms – Moss, Lawson & Co. Limited and Mackie Research Capital Corporation. Meredith obtained a BA with a double major in Economics and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario and is a CFA Charterholder.

CFRE – Senior Grants Administrator
irene@causestrategies.ca

Irene has over 30 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising and charitable giving with a wide range of local, national and international charitable organizations. Irene also has direct experience working with donor clients and financial advisors through her work at the Toronto Foundation and her role in helping to launch and develop the administrative support team at the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation. In her current role, Irene works closely with the CIO and supports tasks and communication related to granting. Irene graduated from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College with a combined BA as a Specialist in Fine Arts, Major in English and Minor in History.

Karen is responsible for helping to grow Cause Strategies through the expansion of our partnerships with wealth management firms and charities, and leading internal initiatives focused on scalable growth while enhancing our donor experience. Prior to joining Benefaction, Karen had a successful 20-year career in wealth management with a focus on market research and advisor practice management. Karen graduated from Queen’s University with an Honours BCOMM. She is Co-Chair of the CAGP GTA Chapter and co-author of the first comprehensive study of Donor Advised Funds in Canada.

Senior Gift Fund Administrator
tanya@causestrategies.ca

Tanya joined Cause Strategies in August 2021. As a fundraising professional for the last 16 years, Tanya has worked at various charitable organizations in education, youth and health care sectors In Toronto. Tanya has broad experiences in developing and implementing fundraising programs, as well as improving database efficiency and building strong relationships with stakeholders. In her current role, Tanya provides administrative support to the CIO and the broader team. Tanya graduated from Xiangtan University (China) with a MA in English Literature and Linguistics.

Kaye has over 10 years experience in full-cycle accounting from various industries both local and multi-national companies such as Shangri-La Hotels; Estee Lauder, Gucci; Tiffany & Co.; Heineken, Lindt, Recipe Unlimited and Burdock Brewery. She graduated Bachelor of Science in Accounting as Magna cum Laude in University of Cebu, became a CPA the same year of her graduation, got her US CPA licence in 2015 and Canadian CPA, CA certification in 2018. Kaye joined Benefaction in May of 2023 and manages all accounting work. She is also a mentor for newcomers to Canada via Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and JVS Toronto, volunteer in CRA for Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Habitat for Humanity and Toronto Park People.

Stacey joined Cause Strategies in April 2022 and brings a diverse set of skills and knowledge from her background in various fields to the team. For over 10 years, she worked in the environmental area ensuring compliance and overall due diligence across Canada and the U.S. for the baking and retail industries. In her current role, Stacey will support the donor’s granting needs and expectations by providing quality assurance with the charities. Stacey graduated from Bishop’s University with a BA in Environmental Studies.

Gift Fund Data Administrator

Phoebe joined Cause Strategies in April 2022. Her background and past experiences have mainly been in the education sector where she has worked in a variety of roles, from administrator and program assistant to teacher and tutor. In her current role, Phoebe supports key data-related functions at Cause Strategies, including supporting the process surrounding new Gift Funds.

Office & Administrative Coordinator

After graduating with a BFA from York University, Caroline has worn many hats within non-profit and arts sectors. Her work has included workshop instruction and artist mentoring, and more recently, program coordination and administration. Caroline supports the administrative tasks at the office.

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