Advisory Council

Michael is the CEO of Blue Door and social enterprise Construct GTA, a Board Director with the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, and past Chair of the board for A Way Home Canada. He also hosts the On the Way Home podcast, bringing together the voices and issues involved in ending homelessness in Canada.

Charlene has over 30 years of successful executive experience in the energy, insurance, government, non-profit and consulting sectors. She is a full time board director with +12 years’ experience and a focus on providing boards with an understanding of how ESG and enterprise risk management need to be incorporated into strategy if businesses are to thrive, not just survive in a rapidly changing world.

Tim is President and CEO of Énska Advisors, Canada’s first Indigenous real estate advisory and project governance practice. He is a husband, father and Mohawk entrepreneur on a mission to deliver shared value on the projects Canadians need the most.

Nic is an independent planning and development consultant passionate about creating built environments that help communities achieve their social and economic potential. He brings strong public and private sector experience spanning the infrastructure continuum — policy, planning, development and construction.

Marcia is Chair of the Alberta Blue Cross, Member of the Green Line board with the City of Calgary, Senior Strategic Advisor at PwC Canada and Executive Fellow at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy. Marcia also spent 10 years in deputy ministerial roles with the Government of Alberta and specializes in strategy and execution, managing change and complexity, and spurring innovation.

Jeremy is the Southern Director of caucus for the United Conservative Party and prior to the last election in Alberta, held the role of Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. Jeremy also has not-for-profit sector experience with roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary, and The Mustard Seed.

Jordan is a fourth-year Political Science student with a Legal Studies Specialization at Wilfrid Laurier University, Co-President of Enactus Laurier, and the Founder of Kuponya Innovations, a social enterprise working to tackle the Northern housing crisis.

Giri Puligandla is Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton Region. He believes in empowering people with lived experience and the broader public to transform communities and systems. He has deep experience in complex system planning and data mobilization, innovative service design, and multi-stakeholder strategy related to mental health, housing and homelessness, and family and community supports.

Ravi is the President of Thakkar | DC, a residential and commercial design and construction firm, based in Houston, Texas. Ravi’s experience spans across Texas in large-scale, commercial land development and single-family residences. Ravi has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Calgary and has over 17 years of experience in the real estate industry.

Erin is a former journalist and now a lawyer and partner with JFK Law, a firm focused on pursuing justice and self-determination for First Nations. Erin works closely with Indigenous governments to advance their rights in negotiations with the Crown and industry. She also provides advice on good governance and supports relationship building with neighbouring Nations and local governments.

As a seasoned fintech specialist, angel investor, philanthropist, podcast host, and non-profit board member, Priya brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, she is committed to guiding startups to success. With her unique skills and experience, she serves as a trusted advisor to startups navigating the business world.

Professor Whitzman is a researcher, consultant and advocate, focused on housing and planning policy that advances the right to the city. She is the author of numerous books, articles and presentations on the right to the city, housing policy, children’s independent mobility, women’s safety and disability rights. She provides policy advice to local, provincial and national governments and to the UN.