Editorial Director (they/them)
Cicely Belle is a Black, queer writer, activist and anti-racism consultant originally from London, UK. They are the founder and CEO of Bakau Consulting, a social justice informed equity and inclusion consulting company based in Vancouver, BC where they work with clients across six continents to enhance compassion, respect and a commitment to anti-oppression in a diversity of industries.
As a founder and former organizer of Black Lives Matter Vancouver, Cicely Belle is passionate about liberation work, systems change and radical empathy for a better world. In 2018 and 2020, they were listed as one of Vancouver’s 50 most powerful people and in 2019, as one of BC Business’s 30under30. They are the author of Burning Sugar and an instructor of Executive Leadership at Simon Fraser University.
Marketing and Brand Director (she/her)
Kate is Founder + Principal of Armature Collective, where she leads a team of creative freelancers in delivering marketing and branding strategy for clients. She holds a BBA in Marketing Management, and various leadership training certifications from Royal Roads University.
Kate believes strongly in giving back to arts and community services, and has served in numerous community leadership roles on board of directors for non-profits. In 2019, Kate was nominated for the Women of Influence RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award. She is also a writer, actress, filmmaker, and coach, and has been featured in Huffpost Canada, Vitamin Daily, Business in Vancouver, and Mother Muse magazine.
Creative Director (she/her)
Whitney is a nimble, creative leader combining 20 years design experience with a background rooted in editorial design to help clients find, tell, and share their stories. She is invested in inclusive creative and increasing opportunities for women at every level.
As the Founder of Injagar, Inc., Whitney has had the opportunity to work with brands she admires and entrepreneurs she believes in. She is also a founding team member of Kitchen Toke, a popular magazine about cannabis, cooking, and health. Whitney feels privileged to exercise passion for people, animals, planet, and corporate activism on a daily basis.
Director of Photography (she/her)
Christy is the owner and executive producer of Christy Schmid Productions where she works with photographers, directors, clients, and crews of all sizes to produce photo and video campaigns. As a photographer herself, Christy’s personal works have been used to support non-profits whenever possible; most recently with mutual aid group The Love Fridge and the Milaan Foundation in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Christy loves to learn about new things, people and cultures and spends a lot of her free time traveling, reading and learning through online courses. She gravitates toward people and projects that are striving to elevate the world we live in. She’s served on photo industry boards such as ASMP and the start-up app Any All Every.
Technical Director (they/them)
Mel is a multi-disciplinary QTPOC creative director, visual designer, illustrator, web developer and educator who believes in using their creative power for social good. In 2007, they founded ArtOverMatter Creative and have helped various nonprofit organizations and universities with a variety of projects including event branding and collaterals, awareness campaigns, and website development.
Mel loves working on projects that have a social impact and are passionate about social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Mel mentors, volunteers and is a member of the Association of Graphic Designers' Diversity & Inclusion Committee. They are also a co-organizer of CreativeMornings Calgary.
