Who We Are

Jo-Ann Pawliw

Jo-Ann runs a company called Heart of Performance and specializes in coaching others to manage pressure filled moments with poise and connect more powerfully to other people.

Projects

Lead Fast Pitch participants and coaches through an exercise in vulnerability and overcoming adversity, like public speaking in front of 400 people.

Dexter Lam

Dexter is a strategist with over a decade of experience developing human-centered approaches to Wicked Problems such as innovation, holistic sustainability, urban renewal, and social resiliency.

Projects

Dexter has contributed to engagements involving board governance, strategic planning, process design, and impact strategy and assessment. A primary focus has been the development of SVP Calgary’s OCAT (Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool) methodology which adapts a McKinsey & Company product to improve usability of the tools, streamline the process, and create a capacity-building experience for participants.

Tom Hansen

Tom joined SVP in 2017 after learning about the organization through a good friend, Hakeem Mitha. “I was excited to join because the SVP model enables its volunteers to a) support charities with a differentiated skill and b) change the way charitable programs are designed & delivered. In the prior years I had been a mentor in a youth development program. While I found this experience impactful and rewarding (my “little” & I stay in touch today), I was wanted to draw upon my professional skills to impact the broader organization. SVP filled this need and more.” In his four years with SVP Calgary, Tom has worked with Green Fools Theatre Society, Cornerstone Youth Centre, and Trellis to name a few organizations. Professionally, Tom is a consultant at Boston Consulting Group where he has focused on digital projects in the Natural Resource industry. Tom is passionate about being a Calgarian and is “proud to be part of a group (SVP) that is helping those less fortunate in our communities”.

Shawn Prodgers

Shawn was introduced to SVP through a colleague who asked him to be a “fake judge” to help coach one of the speakers participating in Fast Pitch. His interest in SVP grew from there and Shawn joined as a Partner earlier this year. He was particularly drawn to SVP because of the ability to use his professional skills to contribute towards the not for profit sector instead of only contributing through donations. The youth focus area is an added bonus as it aligns with his view that many problems adults have stem from issues they had as youth. Professionally, Shawn works as the VP, Operations & Finance at Mako Financial Technologies and he also has a Chartered Management Accountant (CMA) designation. He will be applying his financial acumen to assist on a project with Boys and Girls Club Calgary this fall and has also recently joined the SVP’s Investment Committee. Shawn likes being a well-rounded person and spends his time outside business playing golf, keeping up on his drumming and enjoys a good chess game. His favourite saying is: “Let today teach you how to be a better person tomorrow”.