Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Causeway is supported by a volunteer board of directors who bring a broad range of skills and experience to the challenge of developing and evaluating how our organization creates lasting change in our community. We encourage you to reach out to our board if you have any questions or if you are interested in joining us.

Together, we make community work.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Our 2024-2025 Board of Directors is united by action to help make the community a more inclusive place for all.

Sandro Ricci

Board President/Chair

 

President, ASL

 

Sandro holds a P.Eng and MBA and was a recipient of the Forty under 40 award.

 

Sandro was drawn to Causeway because it provided an opportunity to give back to the community in a tangible way. As a member of the Ottawa business community, Sandro was particularly drawn to Causeway’s social enterprises because they provide meaningful employment and help to integrate more people into the workforce.

 

To Sandro, “Work. Regardless.” Means that everyone has potential and it is our responsibility as a society to help people achieve their potential regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Mike Deslauriers

Vice Chair

 

Employee Experience & DEI Programs Manager at Assent Inc.

 

Mike holds a BBA in Human Resources from Bishops University.

 

Mike was drawn to the opportunity Causeway offers to our community in creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages diversity, creativity, and innovation. In his view, Causeway enables individuals to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table and make a meaningful impact.

 

To Mike, “Work. Regardless.” means finding purpose and fulfillment in one’s contributions to society, while feeling accepted, valued, and respected for who they are as a person. It is an opportunity to be themselves.

Judy Cameron

Board Treasurer

 

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Policy, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions

 

Judy holds an MBA in finance.

 

Judy was drawn to Causeway because of its mission which focuses on building stronger and more inclusive communities by helping those with disabilities find meaningful work. Additionally, Judy was drawn in by Causeway’s continuous efforts to innovate and try out new ideas.

 

To Judy, “Work. Regardless.” recognizes that a disability does not prevent someone from making an active and valuable contribution to the community.

Kate Faughnan

Board Member/Past President

 

Consultant, HR strategy & communications

 

Kate was drawn to Causeway because she strongly believes in Causeway’s approach; helping one person at a time find their way in the working world.

 

To Kate, “Work. Regardless.” means that everyone can work and make a meaningful contribution to our community.

Mukta Dharmamer

Board Member

 

Social Worker & Advocate

 

Mukta holds a Master’s in Social Work and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Gender and Feminist Studies at the University of Ottawa.

 

Mukta was drawn to Causeway’s mission to create inclusive and supportive spaces for all, particularly those facing systemic barriers. With lived experience as a trans man and years of frontline work, he is passionate about building communities where everyone feels empowered, respected, and heard.

 

To Mukta, “Work. Regardless.” means showing up with compassion and courage, creating pathways to equity, and ensuring that everyone—no matter their identity or background—has the opportunity to thrive.

Fairouz Wahab

Board Member

 

Director of Planning & Engineering Richcraft Homes Ltd.

 

Fairouz hold a B. Sc in Engineering from the University of Guelph. Fairouz was drawn to Causeway because of its creative approach—using social enterprises and personalized support to help people overcome barriers to employment and find purpose, stability, and belonging.

 

To Fairouz, “Work. Regardless” is a belief that everyone deserves meaningful, fulfilling employment—work that aligns with their abilities, nurtures their interests, and unlocks their potential, no matter their story.

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