The Team
Our 100% Volunteer Board of Directors:
Ayako Turnbull - PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Ayako began volunteering and raising funds for the community of Riverton in Jamaica 17 years ago, in 2000. Realizing these efforts could be increased by utilizing the compassionate social network of hers, Fundamentals for Change was born. Ayako has studied Sociology and Anthropology at UBC, sat on the Board of Directors for Students for a Free Tibet Canada and was a Mentor to native youth in government care, through the Urban Native Youth Association's Kinnections Mentorship Program. Ayako manages at Milltown Bar & Grill in Vancouver, Canada.
Ayako began volunteering and raising funds for the community of Riverton in Jamaica 17 years ago, in 2000. Realizing these efforts could be increased by utilizing the compassionate social network of hers, Fundamentals for Change was born. Ayako has studied Sociology and Anthropology at UBC, sat on the Board of Directors for Students for a Free Tibet Canada and was a Mentor to native youth in government care, through the Urban Native Youth Association's Kinnections Mentorship Program. Ayako manages at Milltown Bar & Grill in Vancouver, Canada.
Feven Berhane - VICE PRESIDENT
Coming to Canada from the small East African country Eritrea at a young age, Feven and her family experienced personal hardships while on the path to creating a successful and meaningful life. She realized those hardships were made easier by individuals who volunteered and cared to make life obtainable with support and guidance. So, with her compassionate heart forged by her own struggles, Feven is committed to pay it forward by being a part of FFC. Feven has been a part of FFC from inception as an avid supporter and participant of all FFC's fundraising efforts. She traveled on an FFC volunteer trip to Jamaica in 2015, sharing her skills of financial planning and leadership. With a background in client servicing and account management her love of connecting with people has been a great addition to the team.
Coming to Canada from the small East African country Eritrea at a young age, Feven and her family experienced personal hardships while on the path to creating a successful and meaningful life. She realized those hardships were made easier by individuals who volunteered and cared to make life obtainable with support and guidance. So, with her compassionate heart forged by her own struggles, Feven is committed to pay it forward by being a part of FFC. Feven has been a part of FFC from inception as an avid supporter and participant of all FFC's fundraising efforts. She traveled on an FFC volunteer trip to Jamaica in 2015, sharing her skills of financial planning and leadership. With a background in client servicing and account management her love of connecting with people has been a great addition to the team.
Tammy Hall - TREASURER
Being a Chartered Accountant, Tammy naturally took on the role as Treasurer for FFC. But her inspiration to become a part of FFC was first fuelled 17 years ago when she first traveled to Jamaica with Ayako and fell in love with the beautiful people of the country. Tammy is excited to show her peers how easy it is to productively contribute their time and money, while having fun, to do something great for the communities in need around the world. Tammy resides in Bermuda.
Being a Chartered Accountant, Tammy naturally took on the role as Treasurer for FFC. But her inspiration to become a part of FFC was first fuelled 17 years ago when she first traveled to Jamaica with Ayako and fell in love with the beautiful people of the country. Tammy is excited to show her peers how easy it is to productively contribute their time and money, while having fun, to do something great for the communities in need around the world. Tammy resides in Bermuda.
Jieun Segal - SECRETARY
Having graduated with honours from BCIT Marketing Communications program in 2003, Jieun’s passions have always been in marketing. Jieun joins FFC with over a decade of experience in Sales & Marketing and is thrilled to contribute her knowledge and skills to support this worthy cause. She is currently a Senior Account Executive for 6S Marketing, a digital marketing agency in Vancouver, Toronto & New York. She has previously volunteered for other non-profit organizations such as Me to We and the BCIT Marketing Association.
Having graduated with honours from BCIT Marketing Communications program in 2003, Jieun’s passions have always been in marketing. Jieun joins FFC with over a decade of experience in Sales & Marketing and is thrilled to contribute her knowledge and skills to support this worthy cause. She is currently a Senior Account Executive for 6S Marketing, a digital marketing agency in Vancouver, Toronto & New York. She has previously volunteered for other non-profit organizations such as Me to We and the BCIT Marketing Association.
Paddy Gallagher - BOARD MEMBER
Owner of Milltown Bar & Grill, Paddy brings leadership and business acumen that will improve FFC's role and reach in Riverton. Paddy has supported FFC in a wide range of ways. Whether he is donating delicious appetizers to use for FFC fundraisers, volunteering as our resident bartender at our events, providing a sounding board on the backend aspect of running a business, or whether he's hosting countless meetings in his house, Paddy is an integral part to FFC's success. Paddy volunteered in Jamaica with FFC in April 2016. He hosted an Entrepreneurship Workshop and mentored youth leaders.
Owner of Milltown Bar & Grill, Paddy brings leadership and business acumen that will improve FFC's role and reach in Riverton. Paddy has supported FFC in a wide range of ways. Whether he is donating delicious appetizers to use for FFC fundraisers, volunteering as our resident bartender at our events, providing a sounding board on the backend aspect of running a business, or whether he's hosting countless meetings in his house, Paddy is an integral part to FFC's success. Paddy volunteered in Jamaica with FFC in April 2016. He hosted an Entrepreneurship Workshop and mentored youth leaders.
Jeff Kuzik - FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Jeff has participated in all of FFC's fundraisers and always brings out a crowd. Jeff's love for travel and big heart led him to volunteer in Jamaica with FFC in 2014 and 2015. Long after Jeff returned to Canada, children still were asking when "Uncle Jeff" was coming back to play! Jeff’s uncanny ability to connect with children stems from two places. One is his years of coaching hockey, teaching skating and now as a power engineer which is just a fancy way of saying zamboni driver at the Minoru Ice Arena. And the other place is living by the Walt Disney quote "growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional".
Jeff has participated in all of FFC's fundraisers and always brings out a crowd. Jeff's love for travel and big heart led him to volunteer in Jamaica with FFC in 2014 and 2015. Long after Jeff returned to Canada, children still were asking when "Uncle Jeff" was coming back to play! Jeff’s uncanny ability to connect with children stems from two places. One is his years of coaching hockey, teaching skating and now as a power engineer which is just a fancy way of saying zamboni driver at the Minoru Ice Arena. And the other place is living by the Walt Disney quote "growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional".
FFC's Dedicated Volunteers:
Principal Junior Rowe - FFC's Jamaican Liaison - Mr. Rowe has been the Principal of the Riverton Early Childhood Education Centre since 1976. His longstanding commitment to bettering children's education in Kingston has garnered him with many awards of excellence. FFC's President, Ayako, met Mr. Rowe in 2000 on her first volunteer trip and after maintaining a friendship with him over the years, has been welcomed into his family's house when she comes to volunteer in Kingston. "Teacher Rowe", as he is affectionately called, is FFC's main point of contact in Jamaica. He assists us year round with dispersing funds, overseeing projects and maintaining open communication as we work together to make Riverton a better community. Teacher Rowe has a beautiful wife, Andrea, who runs the Kinder-camp at the school, and two bright daughters, Jhanelle and Juezelle.
Masumi Turnbull - Masumi has been an irreplaceable help to our fundraisers since Ayako traveled to Jamaica in 2000. His past experiences of playing for Canada's soccer teams from U16-U20 and coaching soccer and sports camps has provided him with a strong team spirit and leadership skills. Masumi has recently finished his Masters of Physiotherapy at University of Toronto and is practicing in Richmond with West Coast Physio. Masumi has helped organize each of FFC's fundraisers and is usually the first one there to set up and the last one there at tear down. Masumi plans to visit Jamaica and share his expertise with the Riverton Health Clinic in the coming years.
