Doris Paquette is the Director of Strategic Implementation with the Ministry of Education and Childcare, bringing deep expertise in capital and strategic planning. A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Doris empowers women of all ages through her active involvement in CREW Edmonton, the Women in Leadership Foundation, and as Vice President of the Board of Directors at YWCA Edmonton.
Prior to joining the Government of Alberta, Doris spent over a decade in the education sector, where she led transformative projects—including the design and implementation of safe, accessible, and inclusive play spaces for children. Her leadership has been recognized with several accolades, including Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 (2022), the Healthy Community Award for Most Significant Change (2022), and Women of Influence (2023) by The Planner’s Magazine.
Yemurai has worked in the actuarial consulting field specializing in pensions for 5 years. She has experience with project and risk management of multi-employer pension plans where she contributes to data driven decision making and strategic planning. Yemurai has strong leadership, analytical and stakeholder management skills. She also has an extensive volunteer background from mentoring and training orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe to securing funding from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for the Centre for the Development of Women and Children (CDWC) through proposal writing. Yemurai is passionate about contributing to the well-being of women and children in marginalized communities and the skills and experience she has acquired to date will enable her to contribute meaningfully to the efforts of Change for Children Association in its mandate to build civil society capacity in Canada and the global south to promote health, human rights and create solutions to poverty through sustainable development.
Originally from Québec, Steve is a Principal who has been in the world of education for more than 30 years and taught in 4 different provinces. With a Master’s degree specializing in teaching mathematics, he is passionate about the psychology of learning and the use of technology in the classroom. In his spare time, he likes to travel, spend time outdoors and is learning Spanish. He has volunteered for numerous organizations from the finance committee to football to an international adoption society. He considers himself very fortunate to have been a part of the first ATA teaching tour to Guatemala in partnership with Change for Children.
Change for Children has always had a special place in my heart ever since my first visit to Nicaragua in 2013 with CFCA and seeing first-hand how the organization makes a difference in people’s lives.
I have been traveling to almost all corners of Central America for the last 30 years always absorbing the culture and meeting the people. Retired from the University of Saskatchewan after 26 years of service. Volunteering is one thing that gives me great joy, so if there is a community event or a festival I’m usually involved. The people of Guatemala and the BOSAWAS bioreserve of Nicaragua have always held a special place in my heart, and I look forward to many more visits to both regions.
Paul Carrick brings more than 45 years of leadership experience in the voluntary sector, with a distinguished career in international development, education, and nonprofit management. In 1984, together with his wife Beverley, he founded CAUSE Canada, where he managed development programs for over three decades. He is also a co-founder of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (ACGC), a coalition representing more than 50 Alberta-based international development organizations.
In addition to his work in global development, Paul and Beverley founded the Canmore Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Race in 1996, an event that now attracts more than 3,000 participants annually. In 2018, they launched the Embrace International Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing specialized support to children living with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Canada.
Before moving to Canmore in 1993, Paul was a full-time instructor at Champlain Regional College in Quebec. He later continued teaching at the post-secondary level in Alberta, lecturing on environmental issues at the University of Calgary. In recognition of his contributions to poverty reduction through education, Paul was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Association of African Universities in 2012. He is also a self-published author and a frequent speaker across Canada on issues of peace, justice, and global solidarity.
Paul has been connected to Change for Children since its early days, working alongside founders and collaborators within the ACGC network, and more recently through joint initiatives between Embrace International Foundation and Change for Children in Guatemala, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. He joins the Board with a commitment to strengthening collaboration, fostering innovation, and advancing Change for Children’s mission as it marks its 50th anniversary.
Alejandro Roldan brings a dynamic blend of financial expertise, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to social justice to the Board of Directors of Change for Children. With a robust background in accounting, finance, procurement, event planning, and public relations, Alejandro offers both strategic and operational acumen essential to effective board governance.
A bilingual professional fluent in Spanish, Alejandro is uniquely positioned to support Change for Children’s work across Latin America. His personal connection to Central America and firsthand understanding of the region’s social challenges allow him to engage authentically with communities and partners, amplifying the organization’s impact.
Originally from Guatemala, Alejandro is passionate about advancing community-driven development and sustainable change. His skills, insights, and networks strengthen the organization’s mission, and help us to build a more equitable world.
With more than 24 years of experience in education, Jen has dedicated her career to helping students thrive from kindergarten through grade 12. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to fostering learning environments where students, teachers, and communities can reach their fullest potential.
A lifelong learner herself, Jen brings curiosity and openness to every role she takes on. Her love of travel has not only broadened her understanding of cultures and communities around the world but has also deepened her commitment to service. Through her involvement with Change for Children, she is hoping to combine her passion for global learning with meaningful action, supporting initiatives that promote education, equity, and empowerment.
Suzanne Beckett is an accomplished educator with over 16 years of teaching experience in Alberta and internationally. Currently serving as a teacher of Physical Education, Sports Medicine, and Photography at Cochrane High School, Suzanne is recognized for her ability to build meaningful connections with students and inspire leadership inside and outside the classroom.
Her career spans diverse educational settings, including schools across Alberta and a teaching placement in South Australia, where she implemented international curriculum and led outdoor education programming. She has also taught English abroad in China, reflecting her global perspective and commitment to intercultural exchange.
Suzanne is a dedicated mentor and coach, with extensive experience leading student councils, environmental clubs, and numerous school sports teams. She has been deeply engaged in community service, coordinating volunteer initiatives with organizations such as The Hope Mission, Santa’s Anonymous, and local senior centres.
In 2024, Suzanne participated in Change for Children’s teacher exchange program in Nicaragua, strengthening her passion for global education and community development. Her service and leadership extend beyond the classroom, including her role as Treasurer of Alberta’s Health and Physical Education Council and as a frequent conference presenter and volunteer coach. Her commitment to education, youth empowerment, and international collaboration brings valuable insight and experience to the Change for Children Board of Directors.