Ambassadors

Meaghan Stovel McKnight - Chairman

CVHF Board member and Young Ambassador Chair Meaghan is new mom to son Liam. She is currently on maternity leave from her ‘day job’ as Director of Information Technology at Bell Canada. Excited to be part of this strategic team, Meaghan feels the team will play a vital role in communicating the importance of philanthropy and community leadership to a younger generation of professionals: “If everyone gives a little, we all benefit from it! I’m privileged to be able to give my time to advance a cause I believe in.”

Facts about Meaghan: Coffee drinker, soccer player, CVHF Board member/volunteer, traveler. Meaghan spent a lot of her childhood and throughout university involved in theatrical performances, musical theatre and improv. Having completed her first 10k race at the Zoo last year, her dream is to one day run a ½ marathon somewhere exotic! She enjoys spending time with her husband Brent, son Liam and their puppy Marzi in their Oakville home.

Jennifer Frees – Vice Chairman

Jenny’s passion for philanthropy is obvious by her choice to both work and volunteer in the not-for-profit sector. As a proponent of philanthropy among audiences of all ages she was thrilled to hear about the Young Ambassadors council. Jenny offers some philanthropic food for thought: “You are responsible for your life and environment; you wouldn't let your home run itself, so why would you let your community as a whole?”  

Facts about Jenny: She likes traveling to far flung places to assist their GDP by buying out their shoe boutiques, as well as writing and reading ‘juicy’ stories. Born in the Black Forest, Germany, she was raised between Canada and Austria. When she is not sitting on a mountainside in Austria overlooking the clouds, she works as a Project Management and Strategy Consultant at Opus Philanthropic Strategies Inc.

Alyssa Genitti – Director of Events and Communications

As a long time resident of Mississauga, Alyssa has had several encounters with the Credit Valley Hospital, most memorable being the birth of her little sister. Then in the summer of 2008 someone very close to her became ill and was treated at Credit Valley.  She enthuses that their experience was phenomenal – and that the staff was particularly amazing. When the time came to give back to the hospital, Alyssa learned of the Young Ambassadors.  By joining the council, she hopes to make a positive difference by encouraging active involvement in the community, and creating awareness and accountability in young professional audiences. Alyssa feels as a young adult it is important to participate and to represent a new generation of unique ideas and skills.

Facts about Alyssa: This Program Coordinator at Mosaic Sales Solutions enjoys reading at least one book per week, follows politics and world issues, and tries hard to fit Yoga and Pilates into her schedule. She loves public speaking and getting her voice heard! If she could she would eat cookies every mealtime.

Jagdev Bahra – Director of Logistics: Events and Campaigns

As a Credit Valley Hospital Foundation Young Ambassador, Jag looks forward to the opportunity to share his life experiences for a worthwhile cause. It is comforting for him to realize that his skills add to the valiant cause of helping CVH grow and support the Peel and Halton Regions. As fellow community members, Jag feels we all know someone who has been helped by or may one day need help from the Credit Valley Hospital.

Facts about Jag: When he is not enjoying weekend time with his 2 wonderful boys, he is an avid ball hockey warrior! While many people question his simplistic motto, his wife always comments on how calm he stays. ‘Life is tough, stay positive’ works for him regardless of what is on his plate in terms of work, play and hobbies. He enjoys meeting people and shares parting words of advice: “You never know when you may need someone’s help, so be nice!” Jag is Supply Chain and Logistics Manager at a pharmaceutical company.

Meghan McConchie–Director of Marketing

Born and raised on the West coast of Canada, Meghan has joined the Young Ambassadors team to give back to her adopted home in the GTA: “I am excited to get involved with an organization that is committed to helping others”. Meghan is a Brand Management professional at Nestle Canada and recent MBA graduate of the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Facts about Meghan: As a native west-coaster, Meghan LOVES the outdoors! Hiking, boating, water skiing….anything outside! She loves to travel, see cool concerts, and spend as much time as possible with family and friends. Recently married, Meghan lives in Puslinch, ON with her husband Jim.

Jackie Fox– Director of Social Engagement

As a self described human change agent with a passion for social media, Jackie is excited to continue her involvement with the Credit Valley Foundation on the Young Ambassadors Team. Already a highly engaged volunteer with the Foundation’s gala, golf tournament, and daily operations, Jackie also works full time in purchasing at a local marine company. Jackie is passionate about Credit Valley and eager to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, described eloquently in Jackie’s own words: “I am here to engage a different age bracket. I am here to present an opportunity to those who may not see one. I am here to spread our message... I believe the Credit Valley is special, one of a kind... and I want everyone to know about it.”

Facts about Jackie: PVR devotee and sailing enthusiast, Jackie keeps physically active through a deep love/hate relationship with running. Jackie says that she “recently grew up….got married, bought a house, etc...but I still watch cartoons, and I love my Fruit Loops and Captain Crunch”.

Harminder Badial – Director of External Relations

A Field Sales Engineer by profession, Harminder works at a Toronto-based High Tech company. His goal is to make a difference in the local community by giving back to the hospital that has given so much to his city, Mississauga! He believes it is important to get involved and to give back to help create a greater sense of community, and to make an impact while building positive relationships that last a lifetime.

Facts about Harminder: He is a huge soccer fan! His favourite pastimes include playing golf and spending time playing with his 2 year old son. Being born in the UK to Indian parents has influenced his cultural cuisine interests - he enjoys Indian food and partaking in the occasional English cider! On moving to Canada, he went to high school in the Cambridge area, studied Engineering at the University of Waterloo and completed an MBA from York.

Saul Simonavicius – Director of Research and Strategy

Saul recently moved back to Toronto after working as consultant for the World Health Organization in Caracas, Venezuela. He has enjoyed being a hands-on hospital volunteer for many years.  This ambassador role allows Saul to contribute in a hospital environment at a higher-level, strategic vantage point.  He is excited to utilize his education and life experiences to achieve the hospital's and the community's goals, while looking forward to the learning experience of working with everyone on the team. Saul assures: “Community involvement can occur in various ways:  from amicable person-to-person interaction to significant monetary donations.  Each contribution continuously raises our standard of living and directly improves the lives of those who need it.  Giving back helps ensure our society's future stability and its constant improvement." 

Facts about Saul: This self taught accordion player enjoys learning languages, reading, working out, trying unique foods, and playing the piano. Memorable experiences include the opportunity to lecture at a university in Moldova where every interaction with students needed translation… lesson learned: clarity in communication. Made it to the world’s highest waterfall, in Venezuela, in a dug-out canoe… lesson learned: old techniques and methodologies can still work!  

Dr. Ronjon Raha –Director of Hospital Relations