Team

Senior Leadership Team.

Leading Start Proud from the top, the President ensures that daily operations align with strategic goals and nurtures a vibrant organizational culture. Meanwhile, the Executive Vice President, External Initiatives champions flagship and regional programs—managing logistics, corporate relations, marketing, professional development, member engagement, and thought leadership. Complementing these efforts, the Executive Vice President, Internal Operations oversees finance, PR/risk management, talent, special projects, and IT/data to keep operations efficient, compliant, and poised for sustainable growth.

Mathias Memmel

President

Ksenia Kussner

EVP, External Initiatives

Owen Berry

EVP, Internal Operations

Board of Directors & Governance.

The Board charts Start Proud’s long-term direction, ensuring strong governance, legal compliance, and financial stewardship. By recruiting and empowering senior leaders, the Board drives the organization’s sustainable growth.

Trevor Fairlie

Chair of the Board

Brooke Robinson

Board Member

Brione Lacey

Board Member

Alexander Wichmann

Board Member

Rachel Jurgens

Board Member

Chris Boss

Board Member

Albert Lam

Board Member

Shana-Kay Wright

Corporate Secretary

Jonathan Généreux, MSc, CPA

Corporate Treasure

Extended Leadership Team.

A passionate group of VPs, AVPs, directors, managers, and co-leads who rally associates and volunteers to bring every project to life, driving Start Proud’s mission forward every day.

Jemin Patel

Vice President | Finance

Shiv

Vice President | Advocacy

Hanson Feng

Vice President | Member Engagement

Leyla Shahid

Director | Talent

Sean

Director, Public Relations & Risk Management

Krishiv Shah

Director | Logistics

Sarah Bonner-Proulx

Associate Director | Corporate Relations

Anran Wang

Co-Lead | OOBS

Thomas Pfanner

Director | Logistics

Alan Kuriakose

Co-Lead | L2BPO

Join the Start Proud volunteer team.

At Start Proud, we believe in building a community that uplifts and empowers 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals. Our volunteers are at the heart of this mission, helping us create events and initiatives that make a difference. Whether you're looking to gain experience, expand your network, or give back to the community, Start Proud offers meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Learn More