BC Business
Jennifer Johnstone and Candice Appleby talk about what leadership means in the nonprofit space.
To honour the contenders in our second annual Women of the Year competition, we’ve created video interviews with finalists in eight categories.
For this instalment, we talked to Nonprofit Leader winner Jennifer Johnstone and runner-up Candice Appleby.
Johnstone took over as president and CEO of the Central City Foundation in 2006, and has spent the majority of that time building relationships and communities in Vancouver’s inner-city.
“We do a lot of work in mobilizing others who really are necessary for the success of these community-led solutions,” Johnstone says. “Leadership for change that will have real impact must really come from those most directly affected, but all of us have a role to play in supporting those community-led solutions.”
As the executive director of the Small Scale Food Processors Association, Appleby presides over one of Canada’s top support organizations for small and medium-sized food processors.
“Listening is the key to addressing issues,” Appleby says. “A colleague of mine says, Candice, you’re an opportunity junkie, you see opportunities everywhere. I think part of being a leader is being willing to go past the fear. To say things and suggest ideas that may not always resonate with everyone, and be prepared to face that. And admit when something is just not quite right.”
For profiles of all the 2021 Women of the Year winners and finalists, click here. Congratulations to everyone.
Thank you to the judges—Laurel Douglas, Paris Gaudet, Trish Mandewo and Tina Strehlke—for their time and effort. We’re also grateful for the support of our generous sponsor, the Women’s Enterprise Centre.