Our Team
- About Us
Dress for Success Toronto® is part of a global movement for change. We are a local network member of an international not-for-profit organization, with 130 global network members across 15 countries who collectively have helped more than 1.3 million women work towards self-sufficiency.
Since 2009, we have helped over 20,000 women in the GTHA transition from unemployment to economic independence. We work together with agency partners, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and over 50 dedicated volunteers to create real impact in women’s lives.
Dress for Success Toronto is operated under the Canadian Registered Charity No. 889786216RR0001.
- Our Mission
The mission of Dress for Success Toronto® is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
- Our Team
Dress for Success Toronto is powered by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and board members. Together, they deliver our programs, strengthen our organization, and empower more than 1,000 women each year. Our impact is truly a team effort.
From the Staff and Board of Directors who build the infrastructure, raise the funds needed to operate and implement our programs, to the Volunteers who make it possible for us to serve thousands of women annually, our success is truly a team effort.
Dress for Success Toronto Staff
Sarah Innes
Senior Manager · Marketing & Communications
sinnes@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5023
Nikkie Jessen
Manager · Programs, Boutique Experience
njessen@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5028
Miruna Cucu
Coordinator · Marketing & Fundraising
mcucu@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5025
Sakina Dahodwala
Coordinator · Volunteers
SDahodwala@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5020
Norah O'Donnell
Lead · Newcomer Volunteer Program
nodonnell@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5029
Joya Mukherjee
Gisela Briceno
Manager · Community Engagement
gbriceno@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
416-901-6022 ex. 5024
Tahiyat Islam
Amanda Jaggan
Coline Lacatena
Tanvi Joshi
Board of Directors
Susan Hodkinson
Chair, Board of Directors
Member, Governance & Nominating Committee
Member, HR Committee
Board Member since 2024
Susan Hodkinson founded HodkinsonHR after having accumulated over 30 years of experience in leading teams and creating change in a wide variety of environments. HodkinsonHR is committed to providing data-driven, research-based and humanistic Human Resources guidance to forward thinking business owners and leaders. Susan works with clients who believe in the importance of strong HR practices in the success of their businesses, working with like-minded business leaders who are driven by quality, efficiency, innovation and empathy in everything that they do.
HodkinsonHR leads projects such as creating job evaluation and performance management systems, training in many areas including management skills for groups and individuals, assessing compensation systems and structures, and leading succession, transition and change management exercises and retreats. Susan also provides outsourced HR support for businesses with no in-house HR expertise.
Susan has deep experience in a number of industries, including professional and financial services, hospitality, not-for-profit, property management and construction.
Christina Bianco
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Chair, Finance & Audit Committee
Board Member since 2023
Christina Bianco is currently a Principal (fractional CFO) with the CFO Centre Limited and an independent advisor assisting various start-up and growth mode businesses. Christina was most recently the Executive Vice President, Special Projects, Planning and Analysis for The Stronach Group, Christina spent eight years with The Stronach Group from 2012 to 2020. From 2002 to 2012, she held several senior executive finance positions at IBM Canada Limited, predominantly in the Strategic Outsourcing services group. Prior to this in 2000 to 2002, Christina served as the Director of Financial Reporting at OnX Enterprise Solutions Inc., a multi-faceted public technology company. Prior to joining OnX, Christina was an accounting professional at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1995 to 2000. Christina is a CPA with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Public Accountants and graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, Specialist in Management. Christina is also a Member of the Finance Committee for the Board of Directors of Pickering College.
Bev Deeth
Board Member
Member, Fundraising Committee
Board Member since 2022
Bev Deeth is a purpose drive Executive with more than 20-plus years of experience in the not-for-profit sector working with a variety of large-scale organizations as both a full time senior leader and management consultant including: United Way, SickKids Hospital Foundation, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, MS Society, Children’s Hospital Orange County, Canadian Tire’s JumpStart, Alberta Cancer Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, Summit Health Cares, St. Joesph’s Health Centre Foundation, Giants of Africa, and Alzheimer’s Society of Canada to name a few.
Prior to COVID, Bev spent 6 years as Chief Operating Officer of CauseForce LLC., a global full-service fundraising agency specializing in P2P, large-scale productions and events. Bev managed the overall operations of this 18-year-old agency responsible for Client Services, Business Development, Sales & Fundraising, Marketing, Sponsorship and Event Experiences.
Bev is best known for providing access to sports and recreation for underprivileged youth and communities during her 12-year tenure at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). As the Executive Director of The Raptors Foundation, Bev and her team built this brand from inception to a top performing Foundation raising and disbursing over $16 million to more than 5,000 charities benefitting youth at risk throughout Ontario and becoming a model for the US teams in the league.
Bev currently owns and operates her own business that focuses on advising senior executives and supporting organizations of all sizes to elevate brand awareness and mission, mobilize community and raise important revenue through innovative fundraising solutions. Bev is known as a relationship builder and has a wide network of professionals that she can access, working together to achieve the organization’s vision.
Michelle Lettner
Board Member
Chair, Human Resources Committee
Board Member since 2022
Michelle Lettner is Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Roots Corporation. She has over 20 years of human resources experience with a specialization in talent management including workforce planning, recruiting, performance management, employee development and engagement. She also has significant experience managing employee relations, benefits, compensation and compliance issues.
As Roots lead HR Executive, Michelle is helping to accelerate Roots transformation through leadership, attracting and developing the best talent and building a culture of engagement, agility and innovation. Under Michelle’s leadership, Roots has implemented a number of solutions to optimize their growing workforce through technology, learning and performance management.
Prior to Roots, Michelle was Director of Human Resources at Target Canada overseeing the HR function at the Canadian Headquarters and prior to that led the Human Resources team at BMW Canada for 15 years. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University and a Masters degree in Adult Education from University of Calgary. She is a certified HR professional.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Dress for Success team. To be a part of an organization that provides such a meaningful and impactful experience for women in our community inspires me to want to share my time and expertise. It is my goal to help further the mission of empowering women to feel their best while searching and preparing their next job. I look forward to working with the team to help support our clients while continuing to further the strategic vision and outreach of this important charity.”
Linley McConnell
Board Member
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Member, Fundraising Committee
Board Member since 2025
Linley McConnell is the Vice President of Gibson’s Cleaners, a third-generation family business, and a leader in textile and garment care. At Gibson’s, she oversees sales and service, including building corporate partnerships with brands like Canada Goose. Linley also serves as the company’s media spokesperson and regularly appears on Breakfast Television and CTV’s The Social, where she educates audiences about wardrobe care and clothing longevity.
A passionate advocate for Dress for Success Toronto’s mission to empower women, Linley championed Gibson’s donation partnership in 2020, making it easy for community members to donate gently used professional wear to support Dress for Success’s boutique experience. Named one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders, she brings strategic vision, community engagement, and a commitment to women’s economic independence to the board.
Michelle Borthwick
Board Member
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2025
Michelle Borthwick is a seasoned marketing and communications executive with over 20 years of experience leading strategic brand initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and stakeholder engagement for mission-driven organizations. Her career spans national healthcare charities and community-focused organizations, where she has consistently driven growth through insight-led, integrated marketing strategies.
Michelle has held senior leadership roles at the Alzheimer Society of Canada and Mackenzie Health Foundation. She is also the founder of MLB Marketing, a consultancy that supports not-for-profits in strengthening their brand presence, deepening donor engagement, and delivering measurable impact.
Known for her collaborative leadership style and results-driven approach, Michelle has led national brand transformations, digital engagement strategies, and multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns. She is deeply committed to supporting women’s advancement and building inclusive communities, and she brings this passion to her work on the Marketing & Communications Committee at Dress for Success Toronto.
Bindu Cudjoe
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Member, Governance & Nominating Committee
Board Member since 2024
Bindu Cudjoe is a confident and experienced business leader who builds teams to transform and execute. Award-winning chief legal officer, general counsel and law department leader, Bindu has served as EVP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for Laurentian Bank of Canada, SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for CWB Financial Group, and prior to that served in a series of more progressive roles at BMO Financial Group, most recently as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel – Technology and Operations & Chief Knowledge Officer. Bindu began her legal career at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and continued as Partner with McMillan LLP in the financial services group. She is a mother of three, active in her professional and local communities and, in addition to joining the board of Dress for Success Toronto, is a currently director (and former chair) of the Oakville Community Foundation and founder of the Oakville Community Foundation’s Women Giving Collective, a director of the global board of the Association of Corporate Counsel, founder of Women General Counsel’s General Counsel University and member of the advisory board for Alexa Translations.
A frequent speaker in Canada and the U.S. on issues of innovation in the legal industry, legal operations and equity, diversity and inclusion more broadly, Bindu had received many awards for her leadership of law departments, innovation and diversity & inclusion.
Emily Ting
Secretary, Board of Directors
Chair, Governance & Nominating Committee
Board Member since 2023
Emily Ting is a partner and co-head of a business law group at Goodmans LLP, one of Canada’s leading law firms for M&A, capital markets, securities and other business-related specialties. With over 10 years of experience in corporate and securities law, with a particular emphasis on M&A and corporate finance, Emily has become a trusted advisor to numerous clients, both public and private companies, in a variety of industries. Emily also serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Goodmans, among other leadership roles. In 2022, Emily was recognized by Lexpert as One of Canada’s Leading Lawyers under 40, and has been named by IFLR1000 as a Rising Star Partner in Capital Markets: Equity and M&A and Lexpert as a Leading Lawyer to Watch in M&A and Corporate Finance & Securities. Emily holds a BA from McGill University (With Distinction) and graduated from Queen’s University, Faculty of Law.
Beth Robertson
Board Member
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2023
Beth has over 25 years of marketing and sales experience leading global brands across many different industries. She has held senior executive roles with Adidas, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and AlarmForce. She started her career at Revlon cosmetics then with Bell Canada before moving west to work for the Vancouver Canucks. She moved back to Toronto to work at advertising agencies McCann and FCB, then joined MLSE.
Beth has a unique leadership perspective having developed her career in mostly male dominated industries and is now the sole proprietor of her consulting practice.
Karen Bhangoo
Board Member
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2023
For 20+ years, Karen Bhangoo has been creating convincing, compelling, and concise communications for large scale organizations, telling authentic stories and delivering meaningful corporate messaging. Currently the Director, Internal Communications at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, Karen drives impactful employee campaigns and engagement events, combining insights, business needs and trends to shape employee culture. For over a decade, she was a trusted advisor to multiple executive level leaders at TELUS, helping them establish their voice and deliver end-to-end and integrated internal and external communications plans to allow their teams to deliver on business objectives. She also has had experience in public relations, advertising, small business marketing, sports marketing and corporate sponsorships.
Katy Livingstone
Board Member
Member, Fundraising Committee
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2024
As a board member, Katy Livingstone brings a long-standing passion, and connection, to both women’s needs and fashion. She has an extensive background in retail, focusing on high end brands. Most recently, Katy was the Vice President of Retail at Gucci for the Canadian market where she built a strong network of stores, staff and clients. One of her greatest achievements there was serving as Chair of the “Changemakers” program in Canada which enabled her to support numerous charities in Canada.
She also brings a spirit of philanthropy through her early involvement on boards of charities where she found a platform to learn and supporting people towards empowerment and economic independence, while ensuring self-esteem and dignity for those. “I remember well the feeling of “giving back”, and recognizing the importance of supporting where you could, with whatever means you had. Through my family’s foundation, I was fortunate to participate, and understand the impact of change through strong governance, strategic planning and financial expertise.”
Trish Colley
Board Member
Member, Governance & Nominating Committee
Board Member since 2026
Trish Colley is a seasoned executive and board leader with deep expertise in governance, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and large-scale operational transformation across financial services and the public sector. With more than two decades of VP-level leadership at organizations including TD Bank Group, Sun Life Financial, Promontory Financial Group/IBM, and Metrolinx, Trish is known for strengthening governance frameworks, elevating risk oversight, and guiding complex organizational change with clarity, discipline, and integrity.
Trish brings a strong enterprise lens to board service, shaped by her experience working with CSuite executives and boards on governance, risk, and regulatory expectations. She has led major operational transformations in multi-stakeholder environments and is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, and ability to build alignment across regulators, government partners, and industry stakeholders.
A committed advocate for women’s economic empowerment, Trish has served as a volunteer Career Specialist and Boutique Assistant with Dress for Success Toronto, supporting women as they navigate career transitions, build confidence, and achieve financial independence. She also contributes to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as a Mentor with Futurpreneur Canada, where she supports emerging founders in developing business discipline, leadership capability, and long-term sustainability.
Trish holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto, has completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Partners, Directors & Senior Officers (PDO) Program through the Canadian Securities Institute, and holds a current Associate Certified Coach designation through the International Coaching Federation.
She is passionate about governance excellence, community impact, and championing women at every stage of their professional journey.
Julia Wilkie
Board Member
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2021
As a proud member of a woman-led executive team, Julia is passionate about empowering and elevating women in the workplace. She hopes to assist Dress for Success Toronto clients in creating memorable first impressions through our suiting program and by equipping them, through in-person and virtual programming, with the preparedness, confidence and skills they require to create lasting employment opportunities.
Julia has over a decade of experience in product & technology, partnerships and operations at high-growth technology companies. She is keen to implement technology end-to-end across the Dress for Success organization, building long-lasting and purposeful solutions that positively impact employees, donors, and clients and assist Dress for Success in achieving its mission. Julia also sits on the Dress for Success Marketing Committee.
Professionally, Julia is Chief Operating Office at Willful, an online estate planning platform that makes it easy for Canadians to prepare for and deal with death in a digital age. At Willful Julia is responsible for executing on the company’s strategic vision and driving revenue growth through product, technology and partnerships. Julia has a BA (Sc) in Kinesiology from Western University, an HBA from Ivey Business School and a Certificate in Transformational Leadership from Queen’s University.
Anne Morash
Board Member
Member, Governance & Nominating Committee
Member, Finance & Audit Committee
Board Member since 2016
Anne Morash leads GWL Realty Advisors multi-residential team which oversees the asset and property management of over 12,000 apartment and senior housing units across Canada. Previously, Anne was with Primaris REIT leading and implementing its national development strategies, with Cadillac Fairview where Anne was responsible for a number of marquis development projects and with Ivanhoe Cambridge where she held senior development and leasing positions.
Anne holds a Honours BA from Queen’s University, a Masters of Environmental Studies from York University as well an ICD.D from Rotman School of Management. Currently Anne sits on the Governance Committee of the Urban Land Institute and the Board of Toronto’s Dress for Success. Previously, Anne was a Board member of West Park Health Care Centre, Queens Quay West Land Corporation and a founding member of Toronto CREW.
Harriet Goodman
Board Member
Chair, Fundraising Committee
Member, Marketing & Communications Committee
Board Member since 2018
Harriet is an accomplished retail executive who brings over 30 years of retail experience with her. She ran several divisions at Harry Rosen Menswear within the buying team over the span of 25 years delivering tremendous growth season after season. Most recently she ran the retail division at Luxury Men’s Apparel Group with operations both in Canada and the US. Her experience involved financial planning, inventory management and marketing in these roles. Strong industry relationships remain today.
Harriet is an MBA graduate from the Schulich School of Business. In addition, she is an ICD member having completed the ICD course for Not for Profit organizations and received her designation from the ESG Competent Board Program.
Andrea Freeborough
Board Member
Member, Fundraising Committee
Member, Finance & Audit Committee
Board Member since 2019
Andrea is Chief Financial Officer of Kinross Gold Corporation, leading the global Finance and IT organizations. Andrea joined Kinross in 2009 and prior to becoming the CFO, held VP positions in Finance and Investor Relations and Corporate Development. She is a recognized finance executive with deep management experience and a strong background in financial reporting, business processes, M&A and investor relations. In 2016, she was named one of the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” by Women in Mining (UK). Andrea is a CPA, CA and was previously at KPMG in increasingly senior roles, working at the firm’s Toronto, London (UK) and New Jersey/New York offices.
Join Our Team
Our team works alongside volunteers and board members to empower women in Toronto to achieve economic mobility.
Dress for Success Toronto is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
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Dress for Success Toronto is a proud member of Dress for Success Worldwide and Dress for Success Canada Foundation.
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Your support can make a difference.
Our purpose is to offer long-lasting solutions.
At Dress for Success Toronto, our mission is made possible because of the generosity of our community. By making a financial contribution, you are making an investment in not only the individuals we serve, but also their families and our community as a whole.
With your support, we can provide our services to those in need, at no cost. Through our programs, Clients get a fresh start, empowering them to actively define their life and change the trajectory of their future.