Jessica Williams
Chair & Conference Co-ordinator
Jessica brings strong leadership skills to the table with over 20 years of management experience – 12 of those years in the wealth management field (including Regional Directorship). Having managed large teams, assisted in managing 275+ client relationships, and liaising with preferred clients in a $250M portfolio, Jessica is a diligent proponent of excellence in all business practices.
Sheldon Waters
Treasurer
With over 30 years experience with various business ventures, the following make up the current portfolio of companies that Sheldon is currently involved in : INFOtrac Solutions Inc., Proprietary Innovation Labs Inc., SiO2 Innovation Labs Inc. INFOtrac Solutions Inc. is the developer of INFOtrac Software, an accounting integrated CRM and business management system for Small and mid-sized companies that is sold world-wide. Proprietary Innovation Labs Inc. is the creator of “Phantom Glass” the next generation of screen protector for a multitude of devices from Smart Phones, Tables, Computers, Cameras and proprietary devices for medical, aviation, transportation and other industries. SiO2 Innovation Labs Inc. develops and sells advanced nano-technology based surface coatings for glass, stone, fabric and other surfaces to protect them through waterproofing and anti-viral / anti-bacterial protection, as examples.
Sheldon’s involvement and history of creating and working with companies that have unique deliverables have allowed him to gain experience and knowledge in business operations, product development and creation and executing market strategies to make these companies successful.
Helen Davis
Secretary
Having worked for the Financial Services Industry in both Canada and the U.S for over 20 years, I currently lead a team of 10 employees and work collaboratively with 9 Investment, Mortgage and Commercial partners at the RBC Denison Commercial Banking Center. As Branch Manager, I have led the team top tier productivity levels and 11% annual growth of our $1.9 billion book of business. My leadership expertise in change management and team development proved beneficial through the successfully integration of 9 branches during the recent and historic RBC acquisition of HSBC.
In my personal time and aside from being a proud mother of 2 incredible young adults -Christopher & Alexandra, I am passionately involved in my community. As a foundering member in 2015 of 100 Women Who Care York Region, I have helped raise awareness and close to $400,000 in donations in support of local charities. My designations include a master’s degree in business administration/MBA, Investment Funds of Canada License/IFFIC, Branch Compliance Officer/BCO.
Donna Riddell
Director
Donna has had a very successful and long (25 years) career in publishing as a National Buying Manager and Regional Category Manager/Buyer and had the pleasure of working and meeting some many great authors. With an industry that showed limited growth, she decided to try her hand at a new career – Construction. Starting in the offices of Health &Safety, she trained to capture the importance of Safety not only in construction but in every day living. She also received an Auditors Certificate in Training. Moving from H&S, Document Control became the next challenge. Working for 2 1/2 years as a document controller, she was promoted to a Management job of which is still held.
On the side she is also the Band Booking Manager and Event Manager for The Duke Live.com. An East End club that hosts live entertainment and events of all kinds. This is where it led me to Abuse Hurts and running a yearly Christmas Toy Drive with Q107. Abuse Hurts is dear to my heart and such an important vessel for helping others. Very proud to be a part of this organization.
Charity DiPaola
Director
Charity is a business entrepreneur and has sat as the Chair of The Food Bank of York Region. She has also been a Director with two international organizations that have helped to alleviate poverty, build schools and give relief to those most in need. Charity has been involved in politics, working behind the scenes for over 18 years, helping and volunteering at all levels of government. She is currently also a Director on PCWIP “Women in Politics”. Charity is educated in public relations and has managed and spearheaded public relations tours across Canada and held important roles with international corporations in Ontario. She is a strong advocate for health care issues that have affected people close to her such as heart and stroke and cancer awareness.
Charity was a business entrepreneur running her own successful, small business for over 18 years and currently runs her own firm helping business and political advocacy. She is a wife and mother and now grandmother that cares about helping others.
Robert DeFlece
Director
Robert is a seasoned executive with over 35 years in senior leadership positions in the automotive and construction/development sectors. Over his career, he has gained valuable experience and expertise in sales and marketing, business operations and planning, client relations, team leadership and financial management.
Recently stepping back from full-time commitments and now a consultant assisting other businesses to improve in various areas, Robert will be dedicating a great deal of time to volunteerism and giving back to the community. He joined the Abuse Hurts Board as a Director in June of 2021 and looks forward to contributing in as many ways as possible.
Mike Cartwright
Director
Mike Cartwright is the Broker and Owner of Main Street Realty, a prominent real estate brokerage known for its client-centered approach and dedication to excellence. With years of experience in the industry, Mike has built a reputation for his in-depth market knowledge and commitment to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. His leadership at Main Street Realty has fostered a culture of professionalism and integrity, driving success for both the agency and its clients.
In addition to his role at Main Street Realty, Mike is also a coach for Rob Vivian Coaching, where he guides and mentors real estate agents across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). His coaching focuses on developing agents’ skills, enhancing their business strategies, and helping them reach new levels of success in a highly competitive market. Mike’s passion for real estate and his dedication to helping others succeed make him a valued leader and mentor in the industry.