ETOBICOKE, ON – October 24, 2023 – The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment (JAC) voted on October 19, 2023, to appoint board member and HR & Compensation Committee Chair Carrie Burd as the charity’s interim executive director.
Ms. Burd will step into the role part-time, following the departure of Emma Asiedu-Akrofi on October 27, 2023 and provide transitional leadership and ongoing support for the JAC mission while the Board conducts an open and competitive search for a successor. Ms. Asiedu-Akrofi, who has served as executive director, is stepping down after seven years to pursue a new opportunity in the sector.
“Emma has been a dedicated role model, mentor and advisor and an integral part of the JAC’s growth and success,” said JAC Founder and Chair, Hon. Jean Augustine. “I am grateful that Carrie is willing to step back from her duties on the board to serve as our interim executive director. She is a skilled and experienced leader and management consultant who has been a dedicated champion of our work, and I can’t think of anyone better to lead the organization through this transition.”
The JAC executive director serves at the pleasure of the Board.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the community and residents of Lakeshore-Etobicoke as interim executive director and to build on Emma’s legacy of achievements’,” Ms. Burd said. “I am eager to meet with the JAC staff and with our funders, donors and partners to learn more about their needs and how we can continue to partner and innovate to create shared value.”
Ms. Burd is the Founder & Principal of Carrie Burd Consulting and a seasoned functional and people leader with more than 20+ years of multi-sectoral and cross-functional experience, including delivery of $100M in youth programming as the Ontario Government’s Director of Entrepreneurship. She is a Certified Diversity Professional, Certified Diversity Recruiter, and regulated HR professional.
Her relationship with the JAC dates back to February 2021, when she was first partnered with us as a volunteer through The Prosperity Project’s Matching Initiative. In that capacity, she provided extensive pro bono coaching and consulting services and subsequently joined the Board, where she has chaired the HR & Compensation Committee and supported strategy and policy initiatives.
The board also appointed an Executive Search Committee to begin the search for a permanent leader for the JAC. That committee will direct and develop a process for the full board’s consideration at their regularly scheduled November 2023 meeting.
###
The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment was opened in June 2014 by the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine. The Hon. Dr. Augustine saw a specific need in the community to create a space where girls and young women could thrive and be supported to reach their full potential.
Located in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada, we offer in-person and online programming to girls and young women both locally and across Canada.
Our Social Media Channels:
Our Partnering & Funding Opportunities: