Amanda Hill | Executive Director
My professional experience is with for-profit businesses supporting seniors, and I have 20 years of operational management experience in that sector. I have had mentors in previous roles and greatly appreciate the feeling of support and empowerment that I gained by having that mentoring relationship. I enjoy working at BBBS as I believe in the mission of enabling youth to realize their full potential through mentorship. The impact we can make together in our community is amazing and I love hearing about the great connections that develop.
In my role, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations and overseeing the actions towards achieving the outcomes of our strategic plan. I work closely with the leadership team and the board of directors to support our collective efforts to achieve these goals. I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in March 2023 in a leadership capacity. I love being outside, by the water and exploring the beautiful place I am grateful to call home.
Emma Kirkland | Director of Development
My journey in the non-profit sector began with my volunteer work on the Board of Dress for Success Vancouver, where I served as a Director at Large and Event Planner for the organization’s largest fundraiser, the Gala. This experience ignited my passion for community service and led me to leave my career as a Certified General Accountant. I pursued further education, completing a Diploma in Event Planning and Non-Profit Management.
Since then, I have held fundraising roles with The Arthritis Society and the Canadian College of Performing Arts, while also serving on various non-profit boards, including as Chair of Volunteer Victoria and the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. When the opportunity arose to join Big Brothers Big Sisters as Director of Development, I eagerly embraced it, drawn by the organization’s mission and its remarkable history of supporting families in Canada. In my current role since 2021, I lead the Development and Communications team, fostering relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, overseeing fundraising events, grants, and planned giving and marketing initiatives. Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, I contribute to our leadership team’s efforts to achieve strategic fundraising goals and empower children to ignite their full potential. Outside of work, I spend time with my husband and children, who are involved in many sports, I volunteer, run for exercise and cook.
Kait Burns | Manager of Programs
My connection to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region began in early 2020 when I started volunteering in the Go Girls! group mentoring program. I was finishing up my undergraduate degree and was
required to participate in community engagement. My relationship with the agency was reignited that Fall when I was hired to support the Social Enterprise. As I align so strongly with the mission and vision of the organization, I moved my way through several roles, and presently serve as both the Program Lead for our B You (previously Go Girls!) program, and as the Program Manager, supporting our Service Delivery department as a whole.
Jenny Felix | Manager of Finance
I started my career in the non-profit world over 20 years ago. After completing a BCom degree at UVIC, I was searching for a way to use my skills and education in a meaningful way. I loved to travel and explore – and after many wandering trips in different parts of the world, I found work in the NGO/non-profit sector in Africa. I went on to earn a Masters degree in International Development Studies at Dalhousie. Since then, I’ve worked with several non-profit organizations over the years, both in Canada and internationally, primarily on financial, administrative, and program management.
After having a family, my focus has been closer to home on Vancouver Island. I joined BBBS in 2021 as Manager of Finance. In my role, I work with the leadership team to plan, monitor and guide our financial resources to support our mission and strategic goals; and to prioritize stability, transparency and accountability in all our financial decisions.
I feel very fortunate to contribute to BBBS’s meaningful work. As a mom of 2 young people navigating teenage life, our mission hits close to home. I’m continually inspired by the commitment of our team to help kids understand and realize their full potential through mentoring relationships.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family – gardening, hiking and enjoying the outdoor beauty of Vancouver Island.
Annie Taal | Social Enterprise & Engagement Manager
Hi! I’m Annie, our Social Enterprise and Engagement Manager. I am a lifelong volunteer and am often drawn to causes around girls, women, and our community. I have a degree in Theatre and Women’s Studies and I love to bring that creativity and lens to my work. I started my professional career in a non-profit and then transitioned into higher education where I worked in administration, fundraising, and event coordination. I’m happy to be back in the non-profit world with Big Brothers Big Sisters and bringing those skills to help our organization thrive. As a bonus, I have joined our Community Mentoring program as a mentor and it has such a positive effect on me personally and professionally!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region recognizes and respects the lands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Esquimalt and Songhees), Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke, W̱SÁNEĆ (Malahat, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum), K’ómoks, Hul’qumi’num and SENĆOŦEN peoples, where we live, work and play.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria Capital Region is committed to sustaining an environment where representation matters, diversity is celebrated, and everyone is welcomed. We believe that each and every individual has limitless potential – this means that all people and their diverse abilities, gender identities and expressions, biological sex identities, 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, races, religions, cultures, and orientations are worthy of support, respect, and empowerment. We honour the diversity and intersectionality of people, families, cultures, traditions, and experiences. We uphold the rights of all our volunteers, youth, families, staff, students, and community to respect, dignity, fairness, caring, equality, self-esteem, and inclusion.
