Our Team
Lancer's growing team is a robust mix of impressive expertise and creative ingenuity. Our ambition, intentionality, diversity, our dedication to improving the livelihoods of children, and our fierce commitment to stronger mental health support in schools is what drives us to deliver comprehensive solutions for all of Canada's student population.
EJ has spent over 15 years in philanthropic and nonprofit sectors dramatically widening access to support for vulnerable communities around the world. He has worked with several Canadian nonprofits and initiatives to increase international funding.
He is the Founder of Virtual Philanthropy, Clarity Fund, and the Good Neighbour Award. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Conversation: Candid Perspectives and Advice on Fundraising Shared by Donors and Nonprofits.
EJ Jacobs
Christine is a strategic communications specialist at the intersection of technology and people. Translating insights into resonant narratives for the tech and startup sectors, Christine leverages expertise in content development and stakeholder relationships to drive adoption, retention, and growth.
Christine
Lee
Brock Duke has worked as a consultant and liaison for Virtual Philanthropy North, a resource hub for nonprofits and philanthropic actors, since 2020. A cinephile, connoisseur of the English language, and modern history buff, he worked on Wall Street in M&A and graduated cum laude in economics from Harvard University.
Brock Duke
Mam is currently the Senior Specialist, Grants and Partnerships at Right To Food, which is a national organization transforming the way we address food insecurity through creating respectful spaces where people can access healthy food, build skills, find community, and advocate for more inclusive public policy.
On a personal level, Mam is a wife, sister, and mother to two wonderful boys. She has lived in Toronto for over two decades, nurturing my family in this vibrant city. Originally from Sub-Saharan Africa, she has had the privilege of living amongst various cultures, which has profoundly shaped who she is today.
Mam Joof
Sean is a Montreal-based Human Resources professional, creative strategist, and sales specialist dedicated to advancing inclusive education and workplace well-being. With experience spanning, Sean brings a people-first and innovation-driven perspective to human resources, sales, marketing, branding, and organizational development, especially as it involves empowering students and educators across Canada.
Sean led the student body at Concordia University before graduating with a degree in Human Relations and Organizational Development. Passionate about mental health, equitable education, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment, Sean contributes to Lancer’s vision of building accessible, future-ready learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Sean Smith
Violaine is a senior strategy and organizational development leader with over 25 years of experience bridging humanitarian response, social innovation, and philanthropy. She has led large-scale operations and resilience initiatives in complex environments such as Ukraine, Syria, Haiti, and Yemen, with a strong focus on trauma-informed, human-centered leadership.
Former Executive Director of both the Pathy Foundation and the Social Innovation House, she has managed major philanthropic funds and built social innovation labs supporting global and community impact. Currently completing certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy with Numinus, she also serves on the Board of UA Mental Health in Ukraine, advancing innovative approaches to healing and resilience.
Violaine Des Rosiers
