We are excited to introduce to the community 10 people from all walks of life who have applied to fill the 6 open seats on the Roulant’s Board of Directors in 2025, keen to oversee its governance and further its mission. You’ll also recognize two familiar faces among them: David and Emilie, who are standing for re-election after their initial two-year terms.
Below are the profiles of the candidates, with a few words to describe them and the skills they would bring to the Board.
These skills that are particularly in demand this year are as follows:
-Knowledge of the field of street intervention and social action with people in very precarious situations, due to social and financial marginalization, loss of autonomy, drug and alcohol dependance or lack of status, in order to contribute to the better positioning of the Roulant regarding existing or possible community needs, services or partners;
-Knowledge/experience of cultures and realities of racialized and Indigenous people in Montreal, in order to contribute further our ongoing commitment to relationship building with racialized and Indigenous communities;
-Experience in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in order to contribute to ongoing discussions at the board of directors level which aim to foster an environment that is inclusive and representative of its community;
-Knowledge of the governance of not-for-profits, for example legal expertise or on leadership experiences within other boards of directors, in order to contribute to the continuous improvement of practices of the Roulant Board of Directors;
-Experience with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management, in order to advise on updating policies planned over the coming years.
If you’d like to refresh your memory on the role and needs of the Board of Directors, we invite you to (re)read our current Board page and our call for candidates.
Which candidates speak to you most? Join us at the AGM on March 27th for the chance to hear their speeches, ask them your questions, and cast your vote!
Carole Déry
Executive Director – Cuisines collectives du Grand Plateau
Key words to describe myself: Transmission belt, determined
Skills: Knowledge of the governance of not-for-profits, financial skills and management of large-scale projects
David Ouellet
Union adviser / lawyer
Key words to describe myself: Empathic, listener, solutions, strength, precise
Skills: Experience with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management, knowledge of the governance of not-for-profits, experience in worker’s rights
Eamon Leonard
Director of Learning, Odeiwin Foundation / Manager, Learning & Knowledge Solutions, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Key words to describe myself: Empathetic, creative, hardworking, enthusiastic, collaborative
Skills: Knowledge about the field of street intervention, and of Indigenous cultures and realities in Montreal, experience in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management, facilitation, public speaking, FDI policy, corporate finance, strategic planning and fundraising, neuroinclusion
Emilie Poitout
Family doctor
Key words to describe myself: Devoted, loyal, sporty, positive, pragmatic
Skills: Knowledge about the field of street intervention, working with vulnerable populations (notably people experiencing homelessness)
Guillaume Charpenel
Entrepreneur
Key words to describe myself: Cheerful, innovator, curious, humanist, mushroom
Skills: Knowledge of the governance of not-for-profits, management & governance skills
Krystyna Slawecki
Program manager
Key words to describe myself: Connector and community-driven, loves to laugh, loyal and dedicated, analytical and practical
Skills: Knowledge/experience of Indigenous cultures and realities in Montreal, of the governance of not-for-profits, experience with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management
Lennyg Tercero Estrada
City manager
Key words to describe myself: Positive leader, analytical mind, calm, thoughtful and cyclist
Skills: Knowledge about the field of street intervention, of Indigenous cultures and realities in Montreal, and of the governance of not-for-profits; experience in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management, in environmental science, apiculture, collective and community gardening
Myriam Houde
Retired
Key words to describe myself: Ecologist, creative, connected, foodie, explorer
Skills: Knowledge of the governance of not-for-profits, experience with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management
Rémy Chhem
Researcher and community organizer
Key words to describe myself: Community organizer, rigorous, informed, creative
Skills: Knowledge/experience of Indigenous cultures and realities in Montreal, of the governance of not-for-profits, experience in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management; indirect involvement in street intervention
Sebastian Roy-Heaton
Chef & trainer
Key words to describe myself: Altruist, hard working, creative, passionate and receptive
Skills: Knowledge about the field of street intervention and of the governance of not-for-profits ; experience with human resources, compensation and recruitment policies/management
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I strongly believe that my business and consulting experiences can be as important for a community organization as for a for-profit organization. I would like to share my financial and project management skills with Santropol Roulant, a NPO which can contribute to developing a better “living together spirit” through food security activities in my neighbourhood. My involvement on the Board of Directors is another way for me to give back to the society, in addition to my active role as Executive Director of Cuisines collectives du Grand Plateau.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
As a board member, I will have to play much more of an advisory role than an operational role. Consequently, it corresponds to my skills, availability and personal interests. In addition, I have valuable experience as the treasurer of a performing art non-profit organization, Agora de la danse.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
My experience drafting legal documents and experience through the civil and administrative legal process makes me an asset for strong governance. My knowledge of labour laws, with a thoughtful worker’s right penchant, is valuable for human resources management.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
A role on the board is an opportunity to share some of what I’ve had the chance to learn in my 10+ year practice in union law. I want to remain a part of Santropol Roulant’s Board of Directors because I want to use my skills as a manager and as an expert in social development, particularly in terms of cohabitation with people experiencing homelessness, to support all of Santropol’s actions, to enable this organization to strengthen what it has already mastered and to adapt to the changing environment around it.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I bring expertise in nonprofit governance, HR policies, strategic planning, and JEDIA (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility). I specialize in systems change and collaborative leadership with an MBA, a professional mental health coaching certification, and a Master’s in Human Systems Intervention (graduating April 2025), At the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, I develop JEDIA strategies and facilitate dialogues on accessibility and workplace equity. As co-founder of Odeiwin Foundation, an Indigenous community learning organization, I collaborate with Indigenous communities across Canada, including Montreal. My expertise in facilitation, conflict resolution, and leadership enables me to support governance, funding strategies, and inclusive decision-making. I help organizations navigate complexity and strengthen collective engagement.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
I am drawn to Santropol Roulant’s mission because food has the power to connect people across generations and backgrounds. As a non-profit founder, I understand the challenges and opportunities of governance, funding, and community engagement. My work bridges research and practice in collaborative leadership, and I am passionate about creating spaces where diverse voices shape meaningful change. I also believe compassion is contagious—leading with care inspires others to do the same. While always eager to learn, I hope my experience in non-profit entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and inclusive decision-making can support SR’s impact. Serving on the Board would allow me to give back to my community and contribute to a shared vision of connection, inclusion, and sustainability.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I work as a Family Physician specialized in Addiction Medicine and I particularly work with vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless.
I’m currently in my second year on the Roulant’s Board of Directors, where I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the strategic planning. Now, I’d like to be able to contribute to the implementation of the strategic plan, and I believe that my experiences, both current and past, are a valuable asset.
One of the priorities of the Roulant’s new strategic plan is to integrate the needs of vulnerable populations into the organization’s programs. I believe that my professional experience and my involvement in the community provide me with the necessary knowledge to support the Roulant in these priorities.
In addition, my knowledge of the medical system enables the Roulant to navigate more effectively through the various programs that refer members to benefit from its services.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
Several years ago, I volunteered for the Meals-on-Wheels program. That is how I got to know the Roulant and what made me want to come back as an administrator two years ago. I’d like to continue my work as an administrator for another two years.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I have been working with Pier, our Executive Director, for two and a half years to help him address management challenges, improve processes, and, most importantly, ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. I have extensive experience in managing non-profit organizations, and I am passionate about bringing the best management and innovation concepts to the community sector. I also bring knowledge in governance, finance, and management. I have strong problem-solving skills and a keen ability to stay focused on what truly matters: making progress efficiently while ensuring that we enjoy what we do every day.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
I have a very young daughter and, for the foreseeable future, a board seat is the natural place where I can contribute the most at this stage. Over the past three years, I have worked closely with Pier to solve various challenges, primarily by developing tools to help the Roulant ensure its long-term sustainability. My experience in governance, finance, and management allows me to bring strategic insight, problem-solving skills, and a structured approach to decision-making.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I have over 20 years of non-profit work under my belt, now working for an NGO which collaborates with both Montreal community organizations and regional, governmental institutions on Inuit territory. My work includes recruiting and managing teams of over 20 people and approximately 100 contract staff in the summer, made up of blended teams of locally hired Indigenous animators and non-Indigenous summer staff.
That said, it’s my 6-year stint on the board of Alternatives, an international solidarity organization based in Milton Parc, that may have prepared me best for this role. During those formative years as executive board member, I was invited to think strategically about social justice movements here and abroad, got to know and collaborate with neighbouring organizations, and learned about urban agriculture.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
With the Roulant, it’s easy to be won over with on-the-ground volunteering through the sheer warmth, openness of the staff and other volunteers—not to mention the fulfilment that comes from coming in contact with the program participants.
That said, I believe I have other skills, ideas and energy to contribute at another level, the governance level, a little further from the action, yet fully entrenched in the perennity and sustainability of the organization and mission.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I have been working for several years in the community sector, particularly with regard to the development of marginalized and Indigenous communities. I also had to work on a daily basis with people experiencing homelessness, my role was to promote cohabitation in public spaces. I also participate in several consultation tables where I sometimes chair general meetings. I have been on more than three boards (NPO and Community Garden). I am currently a municipal manager and manage more than 85 full-time employees and manage 8 municipal sports and community facilities.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
I want to be part of the board of directors of Santropol Roulant because I want to use my skills as managers and experts in social development, particularly in terms of cohabitation with people experiencing homelessness, to support all of Santropol’s actions, to allow this organization to strengthen what it already masters and to adapt to the evolving environment that surrounds it.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
I acted as director and vice-president of the board of Denise-Pelletier Theater for 7 years (2016-2023). I have also been a board member of the Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels (Québec’s visual artists association) for 6 years (2015-2021). In these roles, I was involved in general management recruitment, strategic planning, governance and fundraising. As Director and Senior Advisor, Internal Communications at the National Bank for 20 years, I contributed to multiple projects related to the employee experience, including global compensation, training and mobilization. I was also a team manager.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
I think I have relevant skills to help support the Roulant’s mission and sustainability. I am interested in acquiring an overview of the organization’s activities, partnerships and social impact.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
Hello! I have varied experience as a coordinator, project manager and researcher at the intersection of sustainable resource management and social development, in community, public and research work environments, in Montreal and elsewhere. Through these experiences, I have designed and implemented projects focused in particular on agrobiodiversity and socio-ecological transition. Having served as an administrator of several boards of directors, I have a good command of the strategic, organizational and operational issues of non-profit organizations. Combining analytical rigor and positive leadership, I am sure that I can contribute in a relevant way to the mission of Santropol Roulant, where I have already been involved as a cook.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
I want to join Santropol Roulant, because it is an organization recognized for its impact and dynamism, and for its deeply rooted values of community and justice. The tasks that come with the role of board administrator also suit me well. Also, the priorities named in the call – intervention, JEDI, good governance – appeal to me and fit the experiences and skills I have developed in the past. Finally, I know that the board of Santropol Roulant brings together inspiring, competent and committed people, thus creating a motivating and pleasant work environment.
What experience or skill set do you bring to the Board?
Having worked in non profits for multiple years in food services but also with a vulnerable clientele and managing Human Ressources and non profit operations I developed experience and many skills. I also have a Certificate in Business Management and am pursuing more studies in the field of management.
Why are you interested in a role on the Board?
The schedule of volunteering on the board of directors is more suitable for me than other volunteering at the Roulant, and I believe I can contribute more that way.