Ajibike was always passionate about nonprofit work and had a background in marketing before transitioning to fundraising. She is committed to making a positive impact. Outside of her professional endeavours, she finds joy in travelling and exploring new destinations.
Our Team
Ajibike Ogele
Fundraiser and Donor Relations Specialist
Danielle Kaftarian (she/her)
Executive Director
Danielle is TPP’s Executive Director with over 10 years of experience in the finance industry and studied Accounting and Business Administration. After two children, she wanted to contribute to the community and discovered her true passion after TPP was founded. At TPP, Danielle supported its mission to achieve menstrual equity for everyone in Canada. She’s proud to be part of an incredible team, working tirelessly towards period equity.
Hisha Javeri (she/her)
Engagement Assistant
Hisha has five years of experience in nonprofit organizations focused on community and youth development. With a background in public administration and policy, she brings an understanding of systemic issues to her work, enabling her to identify and address community needs. Committed to promoting menstrual equity, Hisha collaborates with stakeholders to ensure access to period products for those in need.
Jana Girdauskas (she/her)
Founder & Program Manager
Jana always dreamt of leading a charity and in 2017, that dream became a reality when she founded The Period Purse. Since winning multiple awards, she now works part time with TPP in “her free time” and when she is not talking about periods, Jana works full time as an Education Consultant in Indigenous Education. She is a mother of two and lives with her family in Toronto, and a Band member of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Kelisha Layne
Education Facilitator
Kelisha Layne is a dedicated social worker with over a decade of non-profit experience. She champions anti-oppression, anti-racism, and inclusivity and is passionate about menstrual health and education. Her work dismantles systemic barriers and advocates for marginalized communities, especially children and youth.
Kristy Van Hoven
Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator
Kristy is passionate about nonprofits and has spent three decades supporting organizations across North America. She helps organizations align their goals to be inclusive of the range of volunteer skills and experiences. Kristy holds a PhD from the University of Leicester and is a published author. Kristy, husband Chris, and their pup Izzy take regular road trips to find the next adventure and small museums along the way.
Lianne Sinclair
Awareness Coordinator
Megan Apa (she/her)
Communications Coordinator
Megan Apa (she/her) works with companies across a wide range of industries to develop creative content and marketing strategies. Alongside her corporate endeavors, she is also the Founder of a queer creative event company that celebrates art and community. Megan's journey embodies a blend of professional skill and personal dedication to making the world a more colourful place, both in person and online.
Megan Scott (she/her)
Projects Assistant
Megan is dedicated to giving back to others and started at TPP in 2018 as a Chapter Leader in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a part-time Project Assistant and holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and an HR Management Certificate from Humber College. Megan and her husband own a Heavy Civil Construction company and share their home with a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, and chickens.
Michelle S.(she/her)
Education Facilitator
Shamira (they/them)
Finance Coordinator
Shamira is an enthusiastic arts and administrative professional with over two decades of experience. Starting their journey in Edmonton, AB, they have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of numerous large-scale festivals. Shamira excels in financial management and is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Finance at Seneca Polytechnic. Their passion lies in advancing equity and ensuring fair and inclusive practices for all.
Victoria Boucher (she/her)
Menstruation Nation Facilitator
Victoria joined The Period Purse in 2023 as an Education Facilitator. She has ample experience with facilitation in the non-profit sector. Moving from Nova Scotia to study Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, she now calls Halifax home. As a proud French Canadian, Victoria is thrilled to work with TPP to expand the French program and spread our message to francophone communities across the country to help achieve menstrual equity for all.
Vikki VanSickle
Education Coordinator
Our Board of Directors
Lieran Docherty (she/her)
Chair
Pauline Yick (she/her)
Treasurer
Nikita Thakkar (she/her)
Secretary
Nikita is a science enthusiast at heart with the mission to evolve Canada's healthcare system. She currently works in healthcare consulting for an Ontario health system, where she helps drive strategy for the +900 bed hospital. She enjoys learning about new technologies, analyzing problems and data, while communicating her findings and insights to various stakeholders.
Anuradha Banerjee
Director
Carolyn Poplak
Director
Dena Bonnet (she/her)
Director
Dena is a lawyer with more than a decade of experience before appellate courts, and an academic background in gender studies and equity issues. Her current practice sits at the intersection between criminal law and forensic mental health policy, with a secondary focus on sexual and gender-based violence.
Natasha Ajubolade
Director
Natasha Ajibolade (née Nguyen) is a passionate Ontario Certified Teacher and a qualified principal, with a Masters Degree in Education and a background in finance. Her journey at The Period Purse began with volunteering on the DEI Committee. As an Ecuadorian-Vietnamese, fluent in multiple languages, she excels in building relationships and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She enjoys leveraging her diverse skill set to champion nonprofit initiatives.
Shaunna Kelly (she/her)
Director
Shaunna Kelly is Anishinaabe/Canadian-Irish and is a criminal defense lawyer focused on representing Indigenous people in Toronto. She provides consultation services for those who wish to improve service delivery to Indigenous clients within the Criminal Justice system. She is the recipient of the Advocacy Award in recognition of her fearless advocacy and work with Indigenous Clients, awarded by the Law and Mental Disorder Association.
Zahra Stark (she/her)
Director
Our Volunteers
Alex Thom ~ MHday team member
Amy Corcoran ~ Volunteer
Anika Nicholson ~ Cups Coordinator
Carley Stewart ~ Menstruation Nation Facilitator
Chantel Whitter ~ Website Administrator
Fei Yu Gao ~ Mini Drive Assistant
Jannie Nheng ~ Blog Editor
Katie Lo ~ Advocacy team member