Urban Academy Board of Directors
A visionary board is made up of a wide variety of people from all walks of life with a rich and diverse skill set. With backgrounds ranging from finance and business to the arts and service, the Urban Academy Board is no exception. Our passionate Board of Directors is committed to upholding our commitment to innovation and excellence. Through strategic guidance and expertise, our board ensures that Urban Academy has a strong, stable leadership group behind it.
Kate Begent-Connors
Kate is a public sector leader with a background in law and expertise in property management and development, strategic policy and affordable housing solutions. She is a committed advocate for marginalized voices and has a range of volunteer experience, including with UA’s Gala Committee.
Hafeez Merani
Hafeez Merani is a chiropractor and is both grateful and enthusiastic to serve as a leader at Urban Academy. He is committed to seeing the school execute its vision and mission over the coming years.
Kimberly Grant
Kimberly is a business lawyer with a focus on the solicitors’ side of corporate, commercial and real estate matters. She strongly believes that the giving of one’s time and effort is important and has been involved in various volunteer opportunities at UA since joining in 2016, as well as volunteering and sitting on a number of boards in the New Westminster community.
Matthew Hudson
Matthew leads a real estate private equity firm and is a Chartered Accountant. He oversees the firm’s overall strategy, operations, and investments, guiding its long-term vision and growth. Matthew is dedicated to applying his leadership experience and prior board involvement to support Urban Academy in achieving its strategic objectives.
Iain Evans
Iain is the CIO of a venture capital firm. He sits on the board of several technology companies and is passionate about knowledge creation and its application in society. Iain believes strongly in fostering a vibrant, service-oriented community and is committed to supporting Urban Academy’s growth and development.
Sunny Ghataurah
Sunny Ghataurah practices as an Engineer in the design and construction of the built environment. He is passionate about leveraging advancements in technology and innovation to improve people’s lives. Having served on various boards, he is looking to bring his passion to help advance UA with its vision and mission.
Anna Biying He
Anna is the head of cybersecurity at a public sector organization. She is committed to building a vibrant school community together and supporting Urban Academy into the future. She also serves on the board of two professional associations.
Joanne Ward
Joanne Ward is a successful business consultant with over 20 years of experience in management and executive roles. She has served as a Director, CFO and Corporate Secretary of both public and private corporations. Joanne is passionate about volunteering in the Urban Academy community, having served on PAX and as a Volunteer Coordinator.
Building the Board
Board Nominations Invitation
At Urban Academy, we’re always seeking innovative, motivated, and community-minded individuals to be appointed to our Board of Directors for a renewable two-year term.
All Candidates must:
- Understand and support Urban Academy’s Vision, Mission and Values
- Be prepared to contribute 10 – 15 hours per month in Board and committee work
- Be prepared to sign a confidentiality and Board Commitment Agreement upon appointment to the Board.
Ideally, candidates will possess skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Board or Executive Director roles
- Business Development experience in an Independent School or non-profit environment, either as a volunteer or paid employee
- Community Engagement/Communications
- Financial Management or Accounting
- Fundraising/Advancement work
- Legal or Strategic Management
- Marketing/Public Relations work
Individuals may nominate themselves, or be nominated by another person providing that person has the prior consent of the prospective candidate.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. To get started, email [email protected].