Introducing Juliana Rodger

Causeway’s Director of Fund Development

Juliana Rodger comes to Causeway from Causeway Foundation, which is set to officially merge into Causeway Work Centre on April 1st. We sat down (virtually, of course) with Juliana to get to know her a bit better:

Q: What experience are you bringing into this role?

A: Prior to being welcomed into the role of Director, Fund Development, I was the Executive Officer of Causeway Foundation for 6 years and very much enjoyed working with donors, volunteers, and board members in that capacity. During that time, I also went to grad school part-time at Carleton and in 2018 I graduated with a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. The program was fantastic – I met so many leaders in the non-profit sector and it opened my eyes to just how much there is still to learn. For the past couple of years, I have been volunteering with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in both the Ottawa chapter and at AFP Canada, and last year I was given the President’s Award for my service in the Ottawa chapter. I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with donors and community supporters of Causeway in this new role.

Q: How has Causeway impacted you?

A: Causeway gave me a chance early in my career. I started at Causeway Foundation in a part-time, short-term contract and had no idea how great an impact it would have on me personally and professionally.

I was attracted to this work because it matched my creative skills with my passion for social change and inclusion. It can be difficult to see yourself as someone who needs help from time to time. If you’re anything like me, your instinct may be to stubbornly resist asking for help.

When people come to Causeway for help, it’s sometimes the bravest they’ve ever dared to be. They’ve decided to invest in themselves and trust that they will receive the support they need to achieve their goals. 

A few years ago, someone close to me took that first step, by making an appointment at Causeway. And guess what? It wasn’t so scary. They were met with the same understanding, respect, and personalized support that everyone at Causeway receives.

Being in a position where I can witness people transform their lives – whether it’s someone close to me or any of the resilient, dedicated, and talented people who come to Causeway for help – and getting to share these stories with a community of caring people who helped make it possible is a pretty magical position to be in.

What is your life philosophy?

A: When I was younger, a book I read featured a quotation from Thaddeus Golas that has always stayed with me: “Whatever you are doing, love yourself for doing it. Whatever you are feeling, love yourself for feeling it.” This has helped me during times when I’m feeling overwhelmed to accept and honour myself without judgement. Causeway has always felt unique to me in that it recognizes that everyone’s journey takes a different path and it is an incredible privilege to share in part of that journey.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

A: I like practicing archery. I’m not a terrible shot, but it’s still a good idea to keep a safe distance from me.

What do you do when you aren’t working?

A: When the weather is nice, I like to go biking. There are so many great bike paths in Ottawa. With the travel restrictions this past year, my partner and I have enjoyed exploring bike trails that are new to us. We set goals for places we want to visit by bike by the end of the season – last year that was getting to Rideau Falls as well as Black’s Rapids. Even though I’ve lived in Ottawa my whole life, I’m getting to know the city in a whole new way now!

Welcome to Causeway, Juliana!