The Definity Insurance Foundation is thrilled to announce Justin Wiebe as the newly elected Chair of Board of Directors.
Justin is a Métis citizen from Saskatoon in Treaty 6 and Métis Territory. He is passionate about rethinking philanthropy, systems change, and building movements of solidarity across different communities.
He currently works as the Lead, Innovation and Strategic Growth at the Mastercard Foundation in the EleV program focusing on transforming education and employment systems to better reflect the needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth and their communities. He formerly worked at the Ontario Trillium Foundation in the Youth Opportunities Fund.
“Growing up I had no idea what foundations or philanthropy were, but I did know the importance of building good relations, of listening, and of working together”, says Justin Wiebe. “In a short time, Definity Foundation has already accomplished a lot to be proud of. I am excited to continue to deepen and expand the Foundation’s work alongside staff, fellow Directors, and community partners across the country.
“Justin’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers and inequities, fostering self-determination of peoples, and building strong, inclusive communities aligns perfectly with our mission and values”, says Arti Freeman, President and CEO. “His aspiration to rethink traditional models of philanthropy, to be truly effective in driving sustainable change, will be invaluable as we move forward. I am confident that Justin’s visionary leadership will be a driving force behind the Foundation’s success.”
Justin holds a Master’s Degree in Planning from the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) at UBC, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Justin is a former board member of The Circle on Philanthropy and currently sits on the board of Philanthropic Foundations Canada.
“At Definity Foundation, we know that it is communities most impacted by inequity that have the solutions. Our role is to build meaningful and trusting relationships in pursuit of climate, health, and socio-economic justice. The challenges many of us face requires trust and an openness to new models and approaches, I look forward to the hard work ahead.” – Justin Wiebe.
Please join us in welcoming Justin as Definity Foundation’s new Chair of the Board!
Definity Foundation’s full slate of 2024-25 Board Members:
- amanuel melles
- Brendon Hunt
- Innes Dey
- John Bowey
- Justin Wiebe
- Katie Wheatley
- Marcel Lauzière
- Mritunjay (M.J.) Sinha
- Nicole McDonald
- William (Bill) McCrea
- Zeina Osman