Algoma Community Foundation welcomes new executive director

Algoma Community Foundation (ACF) is welcoming a new face to the team. 

Desiree Gravel has been appointed as the new Executive Director. 

Gravel brings a wealth of experience in mental health and addictions to the role. 

"My aspiration is to continue to cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the community, inspiring generosity, and collaboration to address pressing social challenges that we are all experiencing here at home," Gravel says in a news release issued today. "I hope to join the legacy of empowerment and transformation I have seen in Algoma since arriving, to enrich the lives of those within our community for generations to come."

In addition to Gravel, the board has welcomed four new board members in the last year, including Ani Ramos, Tova Arbus, Katie Campbell and Quinn Meawasige.

More information can be found in the press release below.

Algoma Community Foundation (ACF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Desiree Gravel as the new Executive Director. With a wealth of experience in mental health and addictions, Desiree brings a blend of leadership, strategic vision, and community engagement to the role.

“Coming from a long history of experiencing mental health and addictions in places dear to my heart, I chose a career to support participants and teams as they navigated those challenges personally, and systemically. In that space, I learned that strong community development was paramount in addressing those challenges in the most strategic way. As the new executive director of Algoma Community Foundation, I hope to foster meaningful connections between donors and impactful local causes, ensuring the foundation continues as a conduit for social change. My aspiration is to continue to cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the community, inspiring generosity, and collaboration to address pressing social challenges that we are all experiencing here at home. I hope to join the legacy of empowerment and transformation I have seen in Algoma since arriving, to enrich the lives of those within our community for generations to come.”

In addition to welcoming Desiree, the board has welcomed four new board members in the last year, including Ani Ramos, Tova Arbus, Katie Campbell, and Quinn Meawasige. Each brings a unique set of skills, experience, and a shared commitment to practicing innovative philanthropy based in careful thought, strategic investment, social justice, and relevant giving. As board members, they are committed to responsible stewardship of Algoma’s environment, social, cultural, and economic diversity. 

ACF celebrates the investment made into Algoma this past year;with significant progress through initiatives like the Communities of Care Grant, which saw $200k of new funding in support of community projects. It's anticipated that the expertise and dedication of new members will greatly contribute to the ongoing success and impact of ACF.

Community members are encouraged to connect with Desiree to learn about becoming a grant recipient, or board member, or to consider becoming a donor to support the continuation of the Communities of Care Grant and help shape the future of the Foundation. Community support and involvement are vital as the ACF embarks on this exciting new era of supporting lasting change in Algoma rooted in collaboration and a community-based approach.