Collectively our Board of Directors has over 80 years of industry experience. New Beginnings Support Program is governed by a group of dynamic and talented individuals who continually give their time and expertise to further our mission. At New Beginnings Support Program we empower women to be self confident, career-oriented, and employable. Our Board of Directors operate across various professional industries including but not limited to: Mental and Physical Health, Marketing, Business Management, Sales, Coaching, Career and Vocational Counseling, and Learning and Development.
Stephen R. Shea
Mr. Shea is the Managing Partner, Talent with EY Canada. He is responsible for leading all facets of the firm’s people management and strategy across all levels of the organization. Mr. Shea is also a member of EY’s Inclusiveness Steering Committee, which he co-chairs with the Firm’s Chairman and CEO. Throughout Mr. Shea’s career he has excelled as a client service partner in both Audit and most recently their Advisory practice.
It is tremendously rewarding to witness how our program participants develop their hard-work into incredible opportunities.
Laura Schlee
Ms. Schlee is a CPA with an Honors Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Ivey Business School at Western University. Her first 4 years as part of EY was within their Assurance practice, focusing on client experience for the financial services and not-for-profit industries. Ms. Schlee is now their Corporate Responsibility Leader, managing their volunteer programs, and leading EY’s Professional Women’s Network.
I’m passionate about supporting all women, particularly those who face barriers in their life, and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Mr. Hartford is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional. After 16 years as a Consultant with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Mr. Hartford joined OUTFRONT Media Canada as their Health, Safety and Environment Manager. He believes in challenging conventional occupational policies and procedures as a way of protecting both employees and employers. Mr. Hartford is also a part-time faculty member with Conestoga College.
I’m passionate about supporting all women, particularly those who face barriers in their life, and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Mr. Lemke is the Founding Lawyer of Lemke Law Professional Corporation. His practice is focused on commercial litigation and corporate law. His specialized skillset, strong demeanor, and respect for others ensures that his clients receive professional and diligent legal services. Mr. Lemke often appears as Lead Counsel before various courts, and also asked to attend other Board and Shareholder meetings of publicly traded companies, advising on governance issues and the fiduciary obligations of their directors.
New Beginnings Support Program is a strong believer in the ancient proverb: ‘Give a person a fish, they are sufficient for a day. Teach a person to fish and they are sufficient for a lifetime.
Paulette Kelly
Recently retired Ryerson University Professor of 43 years. Within the university, Professor Kelly served as an Advisory Board Member for the Tri-Mentoring Program, student advisor, program coordinator and as the Program Director of the Fashion Design segment within the School of Fashion. featured in the book, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Woman, 2016, first edition. Professor Kelly was honoured at the 2013 Viola Desmond Day Program with the Harriot Tubman Ryerson Faculty award. Supporting women in need and helping them to develop self-esteem and confidence and leadership skills to be successful in life is her passion.
Kristen Dolson
Kristen Dolson is Vice President, Marketing & Industry Relations at Applied Systems, where she leads marketing strategy across the company’s Canadian and European business units. Over her 20-year career in financial services, insurance, and technology marketing, Kristen has built a track record of partnering with cross-functional teams to bring new solutions to market, deepen customer engagement, and drive growth through industry collaboration and innovation.
Beyond her role at Applied, Kristen serves as an Ambassador for ISC Group, where she champions professional development and leadership across the insurance industry. Kristen holds a degree in Political Science, with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in Law, from Carleton University. Her passion is empowering women to succeed and thrive.
Paul Muchnik
Mr. Muchnik is a Toronto-based partner in the Real Estate Group at Dickinson Wright LLP. He has extensive experience representing banks and other lenders in commercial financing transactions, restructurings, and refinancings. His practice also includes sophisticated commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing. He is known for his practical, steady approach—helping clients navigate complicated structures, manage risk, and keep transactions moving forward.
In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing tennis, and golfing. He is the proud father of a grown daughter who works at the marketing agency EssenceMediacom, and a grown son who is a CPA working in real estate advisory at PwC. Having grown up with three younger sisters and having a wife and daughter, supporting underserved women and children is one of his core passions. With his extensive business experience and network, he is a strong candidate to serve on the board of directors.
Paul Muchnik
Mr. Muchnik is a Toronto-based partner in the Real Estate Group at Dickinson Wright LLP. He has extensive experience representing banks and other lenders in commercial financing transactions, restructurings, and refinancings. His practice also includes sophisticated commercial real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing. He is known for his practical, steady approach—helping clients navigate complicated structures, manage risk, and keep transactions moving forward.
In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing tennis, and golfing. He is the proud father of a grown daughter who works at the marketing agency EssenceMediacom, and a grown son who is a CPA working in real estate advisory at PwC. Having grown up with three younger sisters and having a wife and daughter, supporting underserved women and children is one of his core passions. With his extensive business experience and network, he is a strong candidate to serve on the board of directors.
