Energetic. Welcoming. Thought-provoking. Empowering. Innovative.
interVivos is a volunteer-run organization that cultivates leadership through dialogue, engagement, and mentorship.
We are non-partisan and not-for-profit. Our volunteer board is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds and industries, and we are advised by many of Edmonton’s established leaders.
Bianca (she/her) has been a board member since late 2019. She currently works as a Marketing Coordinator with Alberta Blue Cross.
Her first experience with interVivos was as an intern who helped during the Summer 2019 Mentorship Program. The board often thrills Bianca for its work and passion for local engagement.
“I’m inspired by interVivos’ mission to create meaningful connections between Edmontonians through mentorship and community events, like the BIPOC mentorship program.”
Favourite Local Business: Filistix for food, Baijiu for drinks, and Doughnut Party for treats!
Madison (she/her) is the board secretary and has served on the board since the fall of 2019. She currently works as an HR Representative at Connect Logistics Services Inc. Find out more about Madison on our blog.
Her first experience with interVivos was the interVivos mentorship mixer in fall 2019. Citizen engagement is crucial to her because it empowers and strengthens our community. Madison is inspired by interVivos because we can impact and connect many citizens in the Edmonton region.
“Hearing the testimonials from the event and program participants drives me to continue working hard to create content for our community.”
Favourite Local Business: Doughnut Party
Sarah Teasdale (she/her) has been on the board since the winter of 2021. She currently works as a Digital Marketing Specialist at the Bissell Centre.
Her first experience with interVivos was when she participated in a mentorship program as a protégé several years ago. Sarah is motivated by interVivos because she knows the importance of community involvement and the difference it can make.
“Intervivos inspires me to engage with new groups and go beyond my comfort zone. The organization inspires me to work hard and to inspire others in the same way.”
Favourite Local Business: The Cavern
Vanessa (she/her) is the board treasurer and has volunteered for interVivos since early 2021. In addition, she works as a Donor Engagement Specialist at Edmonton Public Library.
Her first experience with interVivos was at the Fall 2020 Mentorship Program virtual launch. Vanessa is invigorated by interVivos because we do unique work to get the general public involved in a very accessible and fun way.
“It’s important to know what the community values, hear their thoughts, and engage in dialogue to make it a better place!”
Favourite Local Business: Uproot Food Collective
Zohreh (she/her) is the president of interVivos and one of the organization’s co-founders. She currently works in public policy development for the province.
Zohreh helped develop interVivos because there was a need to create more safe spaces for dialogue, engagement, and mentorship. Zohreh is constantly impressed by the interVivos team. Their passion for elevating diverse voices and commitment to grassroots organizing is what keeps her engaged.
“Over the years, I’ve seen my network grow. But, the thing that keeps me here is the ability to connect people: emerging leader to emerging leader, emerging leader to mentor.”
Favourite Local Business: The Common
Janette (she/her) has joined our board as an intern. She is in her 4th and final year of the Applied Human Service Administration program at MacEwan University. Janette is a licensed practical nurse and a mother to 5 children. Find out more about Janette on our blog.
Janette started with interVivos in the summer of 2021 for one full year. She will be putting in 750 hours of work for the organization within that time.
“interVivos inspires me because of its ability to foster professional and personal growth. The outcomes of its programs can truly be life-changing for people. interVivos creates relationships that have the potential to make a huge impact in people’s lives.”
Favourite Local Business: Chianti Café
Jim (he/him) is the Manager of Communications and Marketing at Alberta Construction Safety Association. He is a co-founder of interVivos and has been the advisory council chair for quite some time.
Jim helped develop interVivos because he knows that mentorship is essential in advancing Edmonton’s economic and social well-being. The community engagement work we do also helps us understand the needs and challenges of the greater community while collectively finding solutions.
“I am inspired by seeing a new generation of Edmonton’s leaders learning how to build bridges to different communities. We always need new leaders with fresh ideas and perspectives to advance Edmonton’s economic and social well-being.”
Favourite local business: Blue Willow Restaurant
Katherine Swampy (she/her) has been an advisor since early 2022. She is an elected councillor with Samson Cree Nation. She has also run provincially and federally. Being involved with many community issues to create impactful changes gives Katherine a meaningful sense of work.
Katherine’s first experience with interVivos was as a mentor in our Fall 2020 BIPOC mentorship program. She enjoyed the opportunity to share her own experiences with her protégé and grow a relationship with them.
“interVivos has a hands-on approach to encourage and motivate individuals to pursue a career or make necessary changes for improving their jobs. I am inspired by interVivos to want to give back and share.”
Favourite Local Business: 49DzineEdmonton
Lynn (he/him) is the Director of Government and Stakeholder affairs at Edmonton International Airport. He has been with interVivos as an advisor for several years.
Lynn’s first interVivos event was a community engagement mixer. Lynn knows that young professionals must have a forum for intelligent and fun discussions. He is impressed with how interVivos provides a foundation that builds community which in turn improves lives.
“interVivos connects us all and opens new ideas and opportunities for our communities.”
Favourite Local Business: Edmonton International Airport
Maureen (she/her) has been an advisor for several years. She is on the board of Suncor Energy and has served on various committees and boards, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and The Winspear Centre.
Maureen has seen interVivos grow, expand, and establish clear values and a mandate. Maureen knows that our city is strengthened and enriched by the type of collegial, inclusive, non-judgmental, and interactive engagement that interVivos provides.
“Community engagement, leadership development, information-sharing, and networking are important, and interVivos continues to work towards these goals.”
Favourite Local Business: The Art of Cake
Shani (she/her) is the Founder and Managing Partner at pipikwan pêhtâkwan, an Indigenous-owned, led, and majority staffed public relations agency. She became an advisor in early 2021. Find out more about Shani on our blog.
Her first experience with interVivos was as a mentor in 2019 for the all-women mentorship program. interVivos inspires her because of our efforts to build bridges and reciprocal relationships across various backgrounds.
“The interVivos board is always willing to learn and build out the opportunities to bring in more diverse voices. Actions like this provide opportunities for oppressed communities to have their voices heard and to ensure their perspectives are reflected in decision making at all levels.”
Favourite Local Business: Tee Pee Treats