History and Experience
My name is Debra Kwinter and I’ve worked in the non-profit sector for over 35 years. From the arts to healthcare, I have been blessed to work with some of Canada’s most outstanding and inspirational leaders, both professional and philanthropic.
I helped grow the Festival of Festivals into the Toronto International Film Festival and launched the Share Her Journey campaign to promote women filmmakers. I produced the TIFF Tribute Gala, honouring Meryl Streep!
At Sinai Health, I successfully campaigned for a Chair in Mature Women’s Health, built a best-in-class neonatal intensive care unit, a mental health outpatient facility and brought Canada’s first fMRI dedicated to the research of our microbiome.
Working with the Canadian Mental Health Association through Covid-19 was a lesson in impact and why philanthropy should support our most vulnerable citizens.
These opportunities to work with visionary donors have shaped my approach to philanthropy: big vision to solve a challenge + excellent strategy + best resources + transparency and trust = maximum impact.
I see the forest and the trees (and the leaves and the bugs). I am people person and believe in good communications first and foremost. I am dedicated and resourceful and can bring your organization bottom line better results and happier donors, staff and board members.
For more information about my experience, visit me on LinkedIn.
