Board Members
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Founders: Susan Bonnell; Alison Carr; Jenn Deon; Janet Edmonds; Natalie Falk; Jean Graham
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Staff
- Jenn Deon - Producing Artistic Director - [email protected]
- Hanna Furs - Production and Marketing Assistant - [email protected]
- Lonni Patey - Development and Producing Assistant - [email protected]
- Vidya Sambandamurthy - Office Manager - [email protected]
- Willa Small - Marketing and Fundraising Assistant - [email protected]
- Vanessa Wright - Strategy and Communications Consultant (remote) - [email protected]
- Luigi - Chief Napping Officer
Jenn Deon - Producing Artistic Director (She/Her)
Jenn is an artist, administrator and activist who has worked in St. John’s since the early 90’s. With PerSIStence, she has directed Robert Chafe's Isle of Demons (2017); Berni Stapleton's The Haunting of Margaret Duley (2019); and Trudy Morgan-Cole's The Mirror (2021). As artistic director with the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival from 1995-2015, she directed many of its productions over the years, including a female-driven production of The Taming of the Shrew (2014) and an all-female production of Much Ado About Nothing (2008). In 2013, Jenn was a recipient of a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community involvement, and in 2018, the Woman of Distinction Award for Arts & Culture from the YWCA St. John's. Jenn was also a nominee for the 2020 and 2022 Human Rights Award from the NL Human Rights Commission. Jenn is also an accredited business communicator (ABC) and a CHRC-trained facilitator of Respectful Workplace workshops. At the centre of Jenn’s life and heart are her husband and son and their three dogs.
Jenn is an artist, administrator and activist who has worked in St. John’s since the early 90’s. With PerSIStence, she has directed Robert Chafe's Isle of Demons (2017); Berni Stapleton's The Haunting of Margaret Duley (2019); and Trudy Morgan-Cole's The Mirror (2021). As artistic director with the Shakespeare by the Sea Festival from 1995-2015, she directed many of its productions over the years, including a female-driven production of The Taming of the Shrew (2014) and an all-female production of Much Ado About Nothing (2008). In 2013, Jenn was a recipient of a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community involvement, and in 2018, the Woman of Distinction Award for Arts & Culture from the YWCA St. John's. Jenn was also a nominee for the 2020 and 2022 Human Rights Award from the NL Human Rights Commission. Jenn is also an accredited business communicator (ABC) and a CHRC-trained facilitator of Respectful Workplace workshops. At the centre of Jenn’s life and heart are her husband and son and their three dogs.
Hanna Furs - Production & Marketing Assistant (She/Her)
Hanna Furs is a Master of Fine Arts, painter-monumentalist, and researcher. Art for her, is not only the embodiment of beauty that gives strength but also a way of knowing the inner world of a person, creating one's parallel world. Her wide range of skills covers different genres of art, graphic design, stage costumes, illustration, photography, media art, and more. Her artworks have become a means of exploring historical and contemporary themes, provoking thought and emotion in the audience. In 2012, she was recognized as a laureate of the prestigious Mykhailo Boychuk Prize in monumental art. In 2022, a significant turning point in the artist's life took place, due to the protracted war in Ukraine, she had to move to Newfoundland and Labrador. Embracing the new environment, she continues to live and work as an artist, breathing fresh life into her creative process and taking advantage of the opportunities that await her in the new cultural context. Also, Hanna Furs is a board member of the Ukrainian Cultural Organization in Newfoundland and Labrador and is one of the co-founders of Dolya Dance Company.
Hanna Furs is a Master of Fine Arts, painter-monumentalist, and researcher. Art for her, is not only the embodiment of beauty that gives strength but also a way of knowing the inner world of a person, creating one's parallel world. Her wide range of skills covers different genres of art, graphic design, stage costumes, illustration, photography, media art, and more. Her artworks have become a means of exploring historical and contemporary themes, provoking thought and emotion in the audience. In 2012, she was recognized as a laureate of the prestigious Mykhailo Boychuk Prize in monumental art. In 2022, a significant turning point in the artist's life took place, due to the protracted war in Ukraine, she had to move to Newfoundland and Labrador. Embracing the new environment, she continues to live and work as an artist, breathing fresh life into her creative process and taking advantage of the opportunities that await her in the new cultural context. Also, Hanna Furs is a board member of the Ukrainian Cultural Organization in Newfoundland and Labrador and is one of the co-founders of Dolya Dance Company.
Lonni Patey - Development & Producing Assistant (She/They)
Lonni Patey (she/they) is an artist currently based in St. John’s. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts, and has worked professionally as an actor in theatre and film with select credits including; Lara on Surrealestate (film), and Pantaloona in One Servant Two Masters (Theatre). She has since emerged as a playwright and has written and produced her own work since 2021. Lonni hopes to continue bringing joy to people through her work.
Lonni Patey (she/they) is an artist currently based in St. John’s. She holds a BFA in Theatre Arts, and has worked professionally as an actor in theatre and film with select credits including; Lara on Surrealestate (film), and Pantaloona in One Servant Two Masters (Theatre). She has since emerged as a playwright and has written and produced her own work since 2021. Lonni hopes to continue bringing joy to people through her work.
Vidya Sambandamurthy – Officer Manager (She/Her)
Vidya Sambandamurthy is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a diverse educational background and a passion for continuous learning and growth. A Certified Cyber Technician (CCT) currently pursuing further education at Keyin College in Newfoundland & Labrador, focusing on expanding expertise in Cybersecurity. Hold a Master’s in Business Administration (Human Resources) from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. During this time, developed a strong foundation in business management, with a specialization in human resources, preparing to excel in dynamic organizational environments. Prior to that, completed a Bachelor of Science in Statistics at Justice Basheer Ahmed College for Women in Chennai, India. This academic background provided a solid understanding of statistical principles and analytical skills, contributing to a well-rounded approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Throughout Vidya's career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance, earning accolades such as the "Best Performer Award" for her outstanding contributions. She has received numerous appreciation emails from customers and sales teams alike, recognizing her accuracy and timely responses in addressing their needs. Vidya's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her role as a co-developer of an on-the-job training program that significantly reduced training time from eight weeks to five, demonstrating her proactive approach to enhancing team efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, Vidya has showcased her exceptional advocacy skills by successfully representing the company and winning Small Claims cases at Queens Bench court, highlighting her ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and expertise. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vidya is passionate about gender equality and empowerment, aligning with the values of the company.
Vidya Sambandamurthy is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a diverse educational background and a passion for continuous learning and growth. A Certified Cyber Technician (CCT) currently pursuing further education at Keyin College in Newfoundland & Labrador, focusing on expanding expertise in Cybersecurity. Hold a Master’s in Business Administration (Human Resources) from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. During this time, developed a strong foundation in business management, with a specialization in human resources, preparing to excel in dynamic organizational environments. Prior to that, completed a Bachelor of Science in Statistics at Justice Basheer Ahmed College for Women in Chennai, India. This academic background provided a solid understanding of statistical principles and analytical skills, contributing to a well-rounded approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Throughout Vidya's career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance, earning accolades such as the "Best Performer Award" for her outstanding contributions. She has received numerous appreciation emails from customers and sales teams alike, recognizing her accuracy and timely responses in addressing their needs. Vidya's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her role as a co-developer of an on-the-job training program that significantly reduced training time from eight weeks to five, demonstrating her proactive approach to enhancing team efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, Vidya has showcased her exceptional advocacy skills by successfully representing the company and winning Small Claims cases at Queens Bench court, highlighting her ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and expertise. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vidya is passionate about gender equality and empowerment, aligning with the values of the company.
Willa Small - Marketing & Fundraising Assistant (She/Her)
Willa Small is a marketing specialist with experience in the non-profit and private sectors. She holds a B. Comm. (Hons.) from Memorial University, where she worked as a research assistant with the Faculty of Business, was voted class Vice-President (and class clown), and volunteered to raise funds for MUN’s 2021 Business Day. Additionally, Willa has occasionally appeared on stage throughout her life, having performed with Peter MacDonald Productions, twice with the Canadian Improv Games, and more recently with the Women’s Work Festival. In her free time she also enjoys writing, baking, and practicing bass.
Willa Small is a marketing specialist with experience in the non-profit and private sectors. She holds a B. Comm. (Hons.) from Memorial University, where she worked as a research assistant with the Faculty of Business, was voted class Vice-President (and class clown), and volunteered to raise funds for MUN’s 2021 Business Day. Additionally, Willa has occasionally appeared on stage throughout her life, having performed with Peter MacDonald Productions, twice with the Canadian Improv Games, and more recently with the Women’s Work Festival. In her free time she also enjoys writing, baking, and practicing bass.
Vanessa Wright - Strategy and Communications Consultant (She/Her)
Over the past decade, my career has taken me from the boardrooms of Calgary to the tech hubs of Buenos Aires and the vibrant cultural scenes of Hong Kong and Vancouver. I've worked with organizations like the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, McGill University’s Goodman Cancer Research Institute, and tech startups like Wideo, each chapter refining my ability to drive change through strategic communication and community engagement.
At the heart of my professional journey is a passion for making a difference. From leading national conferences to crafting donor campaigns that resonate, I’ve always sought to create lasting impact. My work with not-for-profits and international trade organizations has allowed me to see firsthand how strategic initiatives can elevate a community or cause, sparking my commitment to using my skills for good.
My recent dive into creative writing has become an outlet for my desire to challenge the status quo and inspire others to rethink what’s possible. Whether I'm strategizing for a community-led program or exploring the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I bring the same commitment to growth, connection, and positive change. For me, every project is an opportunity to ask "Why the heck not?" and push the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Over the past decade, my career has taken me from the boardrooms of Calgary to the tech hubs of Buenos Aires and the vibrant cultural scenes of Hong Kong and Vancouver. I've worked with organizations like the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, McGill University’s Goodman Cancer Research Institute, and tech startups like Wideo, each chapter refining my ability to drive change through strategic communication and community engagement.
At the heart of my professional journey is a passion for making a difference. From leading national conferences to crafting donor campaigns that resonate, I’ve always sought to create lasting impact. My work with not-for-profits and international trade organizations has allowed me to see firsthand how strategic initiatives can elevate a community or cause, sparking my commitment to using my skills for good.
My recent dive into creative writing has become an outlet for my desire to challenge the status quo and inspire others to rethink what’s possible. Whether I'm strategizing for a community-led program or exploring the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I bring the same commitment to growth, connection, and positive change. For me, every project is an opportunity to ask "Why the heck not?" and push the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Luigi - Chief Napping Officer (He/Him/Sir)
Luigi (He/Him/Sir) is a two year old pug that looks forward to coming into the office each and every day - and certainly has no tolerance for working overtime. In his role he performs a variety of tasks including napping, chewing, snuggling and chair stealing. As the only male in the office Luigi is proud to demonstrate that feminism is for everyone regardless of gender, breed, or species.
Luigi (He/Him/Sir) is a two year old pug that looks forward to coming into the office each and every day - and certainly has no tolerance for working overtime. In his role he performs a variety of tasks including napping, chewing, snuggling and chair stealing. As the only male in the office Luigi is proud to demonstrate that feminism is for everyone regardless of gender, breed, or species.
