Toronto, ON — May 29, 2025 — Women in Film & Television Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) and the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto are pleased to announce the election of their 2025-2026 Board of Directors. The announcement was made during WIFT+ Toronto’s Annual General Meeting, held on May 28 at the Centre for Social Innovation: Spadina.
WIFT+ Toronto is proud to welcome two new Board Members:
- Sara McLaren, Director of Communications and Partnerships, Bell Media
- Stephanie Wilson Chapin, Strategic Partner Lead, TV & Film, News & Sports, YouTube
Several Board Members have been re-elected for another term, including:
- Judy Adam, Chief Financial Officer, Boat Rocker Media
- Tracy Alves, Previous Director, Strategic Partnerships & Engagement, William F. White International Inc.
- Julie Bristow, Founder and CEO, Catalyst
- Sara Chan, Associate General Counsel, Head of Technology, Legal Operations and Rights Management, Corus Entertainment
- Jennifer Chen, Head of Studios, VP Content, Channel Zero Inc.
- Nicole Chrysostom-Murray, Founder, Screenwriter, Filmmaker, BrooklynBrown/Do.Dope.Shit. Productions
- Laura Heath Potter, Head of Communications, Canada, Paramount Streaming
- Julie Kumaria, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Content Distribution, Hollywood Suite
- Karthiga Ratnasabapathy, Vice President, Sales and Distribution, NBCUniversal
- Skye R. Regan, Writer/Producer, Play All Day Productions
- Anne Schneerer, Associate Vice President, National Bank of Canada
- Victoria Valius, VP, Marketing & Co-Country Manager, Sony Pictures Television and Home Entertainment
Finally, Barbara Escoto, VP, Content Platforms, Bell Media was renewed for her final year as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
During the AGM, the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto also announced new appointments to its Board:
- Laura Clunie, Senior Vice President of Development, Current Series & Feature Film, Spin Master Entertainment
- Asis Sethi, CEO & Founder, Fly Away Films
Returning members re-elected to the Foundation Board include:
- Emily Andras, Showrunner, Vilcabamba Pictures Inc.
- Kimberley Ball, Chief Content Officer, Super Channel
- Rhonda Britton, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition, Cineplex
- Sue Haas, President & COO, NLogic
- Laura Mingail, Founder, Archetypes & Effects
- Michelle Plaskon, Senior Director, Finance and Administration, Brunico Communications
- Tamara Shannon, Senior Vice President, Media, NBC Universal
WIFT+ Toronto and the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following outgoing directors for their invaluable contributions and dedicated service:
- Umber Hamid, CEO & Partner, BoomBox Sound
- Nellie Lindner, VP, National Practice Leader – Film and Entertainment, BFL Canada
- Sundra Sefa, Senior Financial Analyst, Telus
- Jennifer Shin, Director of Development, Comedy, CBC
Lastly, Fennella Bruce, Media Consultant, Producer, Writer, FKB Media Solutions will be retiring as Chair of the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto Board of Directors.
Judy Adam, Chief Financial Officer at Boat Rocker Media, moves into the role as Treasurer on the WIFT+ Board of Directors.
On the Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto Board, Kimberley Ball, Chief Content Officer at Super Channel, has been appointed Chair, while Tamara Shannon, Senior Vice President of Media at NBCUniversal, will serve as Vice Chair.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sara McLaren and Stephanie Wilson Chapin to the WIFT+ Toronto Board of Directors, as well as Laura Clunie and Asis Sethi to the Foundation Board. Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will help drive our mission forward. We also extend our deepest thanks to our outgoing Directors, whose dedication and vision have helped pave the way for the next chapter of our journey.”
— Karen Bruce, Executive Director, WIFT+ Toronto
Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT+ Toronto) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization made up of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the education, engagement, and empowerment of all individuals at every stage of their careers in the screen-based media industry. It is WIFT+ Toronto’s mission to build and advance the careers of its members by providing professional development, peer support, and mentorship in collaboration with industry partners.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR WIFT+ TORONTO
The Foundation for WIFT+ Toronto raises funds to enable the organization to carry out its mission of building and advancing the careers of WIFT+ Toronto members by providing memberships, professional development, peer support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We provide training to the industry in the greater Toronto area to enhance the skills of members of the Canadian screen-based media industry. We are proud to be a leader in building an equitable, inclusive, and accessible space where individuals can safely learn and grow their careers. Please consider making a donation.
For more information, please contact:
Sora Chung
Communications & Social Media Coordinator
WIFT+ Toronto
647-895-3351
