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getting it right   from the top

Urban Academy Board of Directors

A visionary board is made up of a wide variety of people from all walks of life with a rich and diverse skill set. With backgrounds ranging from finance and business to the arts and service, the Urban Academy Board is no exception. Our passionate Board of Directors is committed to upholding our commitment to innovation and excellence. Through strategic guidance and expertise, our board ensures that Urban Academy has a strong, stable leadership group behind it.

Board of Directors

Kate Begent-Connors

Kate Begent-Connors

Chair

Kate is a public sector leader with a background in law and expertise in property management and development, strategic policy and affordable housing solutions. She is a committed advocate for marginalized voices and has a range of volunteer experience, including with UA’s Gala Committee.

Children at UA: 1

Steve Chen

Steve Chen

Vice Chair

Steve is the head of a national debt and equity capital group and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. He is passionate about volunteerism, creating a strong community at UA, and currently holds a number of Board positions.

Children at UA: 2

Joanne Ward

Joanne Ward

Secretary

Joanne Ward is a successful business consultant with over 20 years of experience in management and executive roles. She has served as a Director, CFO and Corporate Secretary of both public and private corporations. Joanne is passionate about volunteering in the Urban Academy community, having served on PAX and as a Volunteer Coordinator.

Children at UA: 1

Hui Chye Gregoire

Hui Chye Grégoire

Treasurer

Hui Chye Grégoire is a seasoned CPA, CA professional with over 25 years of financial and risk management experience. She is newly retired and filling her time with volunteerism, fitness goals, and enjoying the local mountains with friends and family.

Children at UA: 1

Wade Carson

Wade Carson

Member at Large

Wade is CEO of a large naval architecture company. He has previous board experience with two companies and is passionate about strategic development and systems management. Wade believes strongly in Urban Academy’s values of empowered learning, community involvement, and innovative leadership and is committed to supporting their success in the Urban Academy community.

Children at UA: 2

Ian Evans

Member at Large

Iain is the CIO of a venture capital firm. He sits on the board of several technology companies and is passionate about knowledge creation and its application in society. Iain believes strongly in fostering a vibrant, service-oriented community and is committed to supporting Urban Academy’s growth and development.

Children at UA: 3

Sunny Ghataurah

Sunny Ghataurah

Member at Large

Sunny Ghataurah practices as an Engineer in the design and construction of the built environment. He is passionate about leveraging advancements in technology and innovation to improve people’s lives. Having served on various boards, he is looking to bring his passion to help advance UA with its vision and mission.

Children at UA: 1

Kimberly Grant

Kimberly Grant

Member at Large

Kimberly is a business lawyer with a focus on the solicitors’ side of corporate, commercial and real estate matters. She strongly believes that the giving of one’s time and effort is important and has been involved in various volunteer opportunities at UA since joining in 2016, as well as volunteering and sitting on a number of boards in the New Westminster community.

Children at UA: 1

Karim Merali

Karim Merali

Member at Large

Karim graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (SFU) and Occupational Therapy (UBC). After working in the pharmaceutical industry for a number of years, he found his passion in the education field, where he currently owns and operates a number of supplemental learning centres in the Lower Mainland.

Children at UA: 2

Building the Board

Board Nominations Invitation

At Urban Academy we’re always seeking innovative, motivated, and community minded individuals to be appointed to our Board of Directors for a renewable two-year term.

All Candidates must:

  • Understand and support the Urban Academy Vision, Mission and Values
  • Be prepared to contribute 10 – 15 hours per month in Board and committee work
  • Be prepared to sign a confidentiality and Board Commitment Agreement upon appointment to the Board.

Ideally candidates will possess skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Board or Executive Director roles
  • Business Development experience in an Independent School or non-profit environment, either as a volunteer or paid employee
  • Community Engagement/Communications
  • Financial Management or Accounting
  • Fundraising/Advancement work
  • Legal or Strategic Management
  • Marketing/Public Relations work

Individuals may nominate themselves, or be nominated by another person providing that person has the prior consent of the prospective candidate.

To get started, email board@urbanacademy.ca.