We take your work seriously.
Ourselves? Not so much.
At Blakely, we believe the secret to great work is a great team. And a great team is built on collaboration, honesty, respect and diversity of ideas. It’s how we discover unexpected solutions to difficult business problems – and create an amazing agency culture. So come meet our team of seriously hard workers and creative problem solvers.
WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Leadership
Ago Guastella
Creative Director
YOUR WHY
I love solving problems through creativity and doing some good while I’m at it.
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
None. Gelato is where it’s at! LIMONE & PISTACHIO!!!
Amy Pawluk
Chief Operating Officer
YOUR WHY
Two things: Number 1 – The causes and variety of causes we get to work with everyday, truly allow me to feel like we’re making a difference in the world.
Number 2 – Hands down the people. Whether it’s the incredible team at Blakely that has truly become family to me, or the amazing clients that we get to work with. The people are what makes you want to do more and do better.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
I’m not sayin, I’m just sayin.
Jeff Eland
VP, Insights & Analytics
YOUR WHY
Mostly it is about solving challenges and figuring out the answers to those tough questions.
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
Anything chocolate.
Kesheyl van Schilt
President & CEO
YOUR WHY
Hands down the people. Our team, our clients. They are truly the best part of my day.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
You never stop learning (and act natural).
Kimberley Blease
EVP, Strategic Solutions & Consultancy
YOUR WHY
I love connecting the dots and finding solutions with other passionate people who care – clients, colleagues, team members at Blakely, or our partners!
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
It’s too late to be early!
Maeve Strathy
VP, Client Relationships
YOUR WHY
The people. My colleagues feel as much like family and friends as they do teammates.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Just do it, cuz once you’ve done it, you did it.
Oliver Hibbs
Director, Digital Strategy & Integration
YOUR WHY
I am really a curious person and love finding new and creative solutions to problems.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
It is what it is.
Rachel Hunnybun
Director, Strategic Solutions
YOUR WHY
I love listening to challenges, creating solutions and helping to support change and transformation in our clients’ teams to raise more money for great causes!
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Go big or go home.
Sara Campbell Mates
VP, Client Development
YOUR WHY
I really enjoy the collaboration, with clients and with the team. I feel so fortunate to work with so many amazing people.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Nothing good happens at the second location.
Winston van Schilt
Chief Financial Officer
YOUR WHY
I love numbers.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bruh.
YOUR NEW BEST FRIENDS
Client Relationships
Ben Schattmann
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
I love working with our amazing clients and delivering impactful campaigns that help to further the important work that they do.
FAVOURITE FLAVOUR OF ICE CREAM
Mint Chocolate Chip.
Brianne Dales
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
I love the challenge, and being able to see the impact of my work. Meeting and seeing different faces every day always keeps my days fun.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bri (lol jk) Breakfast.
Candice Gillman
Account Manager
Courtney Challis
CR Operations Lead
YOUR WHY
I love the challenge of creating order out of chaos.
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
Strawberry (I know, I know).
Deidre Causton
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
I have a personal relationship with fundraising, having been instilled in me after a life-changing event. Being part of the journey that has a chance to make the world a better place; for everyone, for one person, for one moment – cannot be properly put into words for me.
FAVOURITE B WORD
BHAG – A “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”
Elijah Marentette
Digital Account Manager
YOUR WHY
Not only do I get to wear many different hats, but I also get to be a part of creating a lasting impact. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work on important causes every day!
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE LINER
“What? Like it’s hard?” -Elle Woods
Ellie Sheppard
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
I’m a problem solver. I love being faced with a challenge and working with my team to come up with solutions that make a client’s life a little bit easier and keep things moving on schedule.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bubbly.
Ericka Tovey
Sr. Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I am a passionate fundraiser and driven to help our clients raise more money for their missions. I love how fundraising is truly an art and a science.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it’s the courage to continue that counts.”
Graeme Kembel
Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I love helping our clients connect with people, and the causes they care about.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bodacious.
Kelly Lachance
Sr. Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I always feel challenged by my colleagues and our clients! I love that! Never bored that’s for sure.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“You may as well laugh because if you don’t, you just might cry.”
Madeleine Gray
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
I’m thrilled to work alongside such clever and creative minds, helping bring visions to life!
FAVOURITE B WORD
Banter.
Megan Vandekerckove
Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I love using my powers for good! It’s an honour to focus my curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills to help build lasting impact for incredible causes.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE LINER
Let’s make good things happen!
Melanie Fulop
Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I love the challenge of working on multiple projects, brainstorming, and finding solutions.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Marie Whalen
Account Manager
YOUR WHY
Every day is different and I love the people (clients and co-workers).
FAVOURITE B WORD
Beer.
Matthew Tavares
Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I’ve always enjoyed working with wonderful people to discover the most authentic approach to drive action.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Let’s take a breath and think this through.
Monica Lelarge
Fundraising Strategist
YOUR WHY
I have fun and love developing and executing strategies. I truly enjoy it when the teams I work with bring them to life.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bambú.
THE STRATEGIC MINDS AT YOUR TABLE
Strategic Solutions
Adam Hussein
Strategic Solutions Project Specialist
YOUR WHY
I love the everyday challenges and problem solving which keeps things interesting. Also, the amazing people I get to work with everyday!
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
All in it together!
Jennifer Meriano
Sr. Strategic Lead
YOUR WHY
I love uncovering what it is that people truly care about. I feel really lucky that I have a job that is about listening to stories and sharing them.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE LINER
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
GIVING LIFE TO AN IDEA
Creative
Celine Parisien
Art Director
YOUR WHY
I am passionate about graphic design and thrive on offering the best visual creative solutions.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Do what you love!
Christy Mayer
Art Director
YOUR WHY
I love creatively solving problems, telling stories, influencing people, and making a positive impact on the world is my jam.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“But first, Matcha.”
Courtney Hellam
Production Designer
YOUR WHY
I love visual storytelling and being able to combine my creative and technical sides.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.”
Dana Nixon
Associate Art Director
YOUR WHY
It’s fulfilling to be able to use my creative and practical skills to work with organizations that are making a meaningful impact in so many communities.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE LINER
“Jogging is the worst, Chris! I mean I know it keeps you healthy, but God, at what cost?” – Ann Perkins, Parks and Rec
Etery Podolsky
Production Designer
YOUR WHY
Love doing creative things and being part of an amazing team.
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
Oreo cookie.
Ilyas Mashanlo
Mac Operator
YOUR WHY
I love anything creative, I always loved the design courses when I was in high school and it kind of snowballed to what I am today.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Jabroni.
Jenn Brown
Associate Art Director
YOUR WHY
I love seeing ideas come to life that can make a positive impact!
FAVOURITE B WORD
Beluga.
Lisa Smit
Art Director/Marketing Strategist
YOUR WHY
I’ve always loved creating and thinking creatively. Getting to create for such wonderful causes just makes it even better!
FAVOURITE B WORD
BOGO, because who doesn’t love a good deal?
Matt Ng
Art Director
YOUR WHY
I love finding simple creative solutions to complex problems.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Find your own process within the process.
Shannon Parker
Associate Creative Director
YOUR WHY
I love the challenge of creative problem solving. Seeing my idea come to life and thrive in the wild is amazing.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Brie.
GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY WITH THE DETAILS
Data Execution
Anton Hofman
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
It’s what I was good at in school A++
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
Not chocolate.
Dan Mullin
Senior Manager, Data Execution and Print Production
YOUR WHY
I like helping clients achieve their goals and seeing programming solutions come to life.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Beethoven.
Jeff Tomlinson
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
What may be boring to 99% of everyone, I love seeing the final product of cleaned names and addresses. Knowing that our team has built the tools ourselves to accomplish that is what makes working here very enjoyable.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
There is no such thing as “mail ready data”.
Judith Elardo
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
I love what I do because it keeps my mind alive!
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Learn from your mistakes and move on.
Samin Shariat
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
Data processing is like cooking. Each ingredient doesn’t taste good on itself, but we can enjoy a delicious meal after they are all mixed in a right way. Similarly, we can get the same result if we process our raw data in a right way.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
I’ve been there too.
Sukhjit Johal
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
Always looking to automate repetitive tasks. It may be because I hate typing. I love challenges, it keeps my mind sharp.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
Just do it.
Varala Venugopal
Database Programmer
YOUR WHY
Every day is new when you learn something cool and exciting. I love working an amazing team!
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Better to ask, than assume!
Getting your message in the mail
Print Production
Alex Wilson
Production Specialist
YOUR WHY
I thrive on deadlines and challenges but the best part of what I do is working with an amazing team.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Everything you can imagine is real.”
Jennifer Beaton
Print Production Manager
YOUR WHY
Even after all these years at Blakely, there’s still new things to learn and challenges you don’t expect.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Please tell me it was just the seeds.”
Jennifer Ingwersen
Print Production Specialist
YOUR WHY
I love seeing a campaign come together from start to finish.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Balance.
Lynda Short
Production Specialist
YOUR WHY
Jumping through hoops trying to make everything happen. Loving the people we work with.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Beautiful.
Sandi Ruffo
Production Specialist
YOUR WHY
Conquering the almost impossible. The thrill. Magic, rabbits, and pixie dust.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
That put a smile in my bucket.
MOVING US FORWARD
Digital Marketing
Kurtis Ledingham
Digital Marketing Specialist
YOUR WHY
I love being involved with digital marketing because of the ever-changing online environment.
It always keeps things interesting and allows me to channel my creative side.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE LINER
“Impossible is for the unwilling!”
Matthew Lee
Digital Marketing Manager
YOUR WHY
I love taking lots of data and dissecting it to find what I really need.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like, “Whaaaat?”
Sarah Ashenhurst
Digital Marketing Specialist
YOUR WHY
I love having the opportunity to work with a team that genuinely cares about the work they do and affecting real, positive change.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Don’t threaten me with a good time”
MAKING US LOOK AND FEEL GOOD
Employee Engagement & Marketing
Carolyn Miller
EA, New Business Development
YOUR WHY
Love when the Blakely fam hustles to get ‘er done, no matter what. It gets the blood flowing and lets you know you’re a part of something bigger.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Buzz.
Dyan Oliver
Office Manager
YOUR WHY
I am an Organizer and Planner at heart and at Blakely it comes in handy for planning big parties!
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Fraktals always help.
Mackenzie Grayson
Marketing Manager
YOUR WHY
Getting to use the right side of my brain daily.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Always aim to lead with positive problem solving.
A poutine station is always a good idea.
KEEPING US ORGANIZED & GETTING THE BILLS PAID
Finance & Operations
Anne Parkinson
Finance Manager
YOUR WHY
I love the challenge of working with numbers all day and knowing in the end everything balances!
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
To infinity and beyond.
Jon Hillen
Quotation Manager & Operations Specialist
YOUR WHY
I love problem solving, wrangling the unknown and working with these amazing Blakelians everyday. When those worlds collide with a little elbow grease, high expectations, and tight timelines – that’s when we show our mettle and the impossible becomes reality.
FAVOURITE ICE CREAM FLAVOUR
Haagen-Dazs Cookies & Cream Ice Cream.
Megg Sweeney-Hockin
Estimator / Operations Specialist
YOUR WHY
Finding the best deal with the best delivery dates is my jam! I love solving problems and I love Procurement.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
6 of 1 – 1/2 a dozen of the other.
Tanya Bordun
Project Manager, Operations
YOUR WHY
It’s in my DNA to have a schedule/list of things to do. This satisfies my love of getting the job done and marking things as completed.
BEST BLAKELY ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN
Keep it moving.
HELPING YOU SEE NEW OPPORTUNITY
Insights & Analytics
Allison Hill
Data Analyst
YOUR WHY
I love helping people answer questions. Many days I feel like a detective and a fire fighter – but with data. An actionable nugget is just really exciting and when you see a whole team or group get into it – Wow.
FAVOURITE QUOTE/ONE-LINER
“Yep, 100%.”
Desmond Anthonipillai
Business Intelligence Developer
YOUR WHY
Amazed at how far we have progressed in data and analytics from when Blakely started to now. Can’t wait to see it all unfold with our growing Analytics Team.
FAVOURITE B WORD
Bread.
